P0247 – Meaning, Symptoms, Causes & How to Fix It

P0247 is a turbocharger boost control code that can leave you with weak power, a glowing check engine light, and a lot of questions. This code points to a problem with the wastegate solenoid “B” circuit, which helps your ECU control turbo boost pressure. When that circuit isn’t behaving, you can end up with low boost, overboost protection, or limp mode. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0247 actually means, common causes, symptoms, how to diagnose it at home, and what repairs typically cost at a shop.

What Does P0247 Mean?

P0247 is defined as “Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid ‘B’ Low” (sometimes worded as “Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B Circuit Low”). In plain language, your engine control unit (ECU) is seeing lower-than-expected voltage or signal on the control circuit for the wastegate solenoid labeled “B.”

The wastegate solenoid controls how much exhaust energy reaches the turbocharger by regulating the wastegate. If the ECU can’t properly control that solenoid, it will limit boost to protect the engine. That’s why you often feel reduced power or a “flat” turbo when this code is stored.

Quick Reference

Code: P0247
Meaning: Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid “B” Circuit Low
Main System: Turbocharger / Boost Control
Common Symptoms: Low power, limp mode, poor acceleration
Typical Causes: Bad wastegate solenoid, wiring issues, poor connections
Severity: Moderate – can affect drivability and turbo health

Real-World Example / Field Notes

One case that sticks out: a diesel pickup came in with a complaint of “no power when towing” and a check engine light. Scan showed P0247 and a couple of stored underboost codes. The truck felt fine unloaded but fell on its face on hills. Visual inspection revealed a corroded connector at the wastegate solenoid from road salt. Cleaning and properly sealing the connector, then clearing the code, restored full power. The solenoid itself was fine; it was the low circuit voltage from corrosion that triggered P0247.

Symptoms of P0247

Reduced power: Turbo feels lazy, especially under heavy throttle or climbing hills.
Poor acceleration: Slower 0–60 times and delayed turbo spool-up.
Limp mode: ECU may limit boost and fuel to protect the engine.
Check engine light: MIL on solid; sometimes accompanied by other boost-related codes.
Low boost pressure: Boost gauge (if equipped) shows less than normal under load.
Higher fuel consumption: Engine works harder to make power without proper boost.
Turbo noise changes: Whistle or whoosh may be reduced compared to normal operation.

Common Causes of P0247

Most Common Causes

Faulty wastegate solenoid “B”: Internal coil failure, sticking valve, or worn-out solenoid causing low circuit signal.
Damaged wiring to the solenoid: Chafed, broken, or shorted wires between the ECU and wastegate solenoid.
Corroded or loose connectors: Moisture, road salt, or oil contamination causing high resistance and low voltage.
Poor ground connection: Weak or corroded ground path leading to low circuit voltage readings.
Aftermarket modifications: Incorrectly installed boost controllers or tuning harnesses interfering with the factory circuit.

Less Common Causes

Faulty turbocharger wastegate actuator: Mechanical sticking or binding can confuse boost control and stress the solenoid circuit.
ECU driver failure: Rare, but the internal transistor that controls the solenoid can fail and cause a low signal.
Blown fuse or relay issue: Shared power supply problems affecting the solenoid and other components.
Severe vacuum or pressure line issues: On systems using vacuum-operated actuators, leaks can cause abnormal operation and related circuit faults.
Previous collision or engine work: Harness pinched, misrouted, or left unplugged after repairs.

Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start, it helps to have a basic scan tool, a digital multimeter (DMM), and access to a wiring diagram or service information for your specific vehicle. A handheld vacuum pump can also be useful on vacuum-controlled systems.

Confirm the code and freeze frame data. Use a scan tool to read P0247 and note engine load, RPM, and boost when the code set. Check for related boost codes like underboost or overboost.
Perform a visual inspection. Locate wastegate solenoid “B” (often near the turbo or on the firewall). Look for broken connectors, rubbed-through wires, oil saturation, or obvious damage.
Check connectors and pins. Unplug the solenoid and inspect terminals for corrosion, bent pins, or looseness. Clean with electrical contact cleaner and reconnect firmly.
Test power and ground at the solenoid. With key ON, use a multimeter to verify proper voltage supply and ground at the solenoid connector per your wiring diagram. Low or missing voltage points to a wiring, fuse, or relay issue.
Measure solenoid resistance. With the solenoid unplugged and key OFF, measure resistance across the solenoid terminals. Compare to factory specs. An open circuit or very high/very low resistance usually means a bad solenoid.
Check wiring continuity. If power and ground look questionable, perform continuity tests from the solenoid connector back to the ECU connector. Repair any open or shorted wires.
Command the solenoid with a scan tool. Many bi-directional scan tools can activate the wastegate solenoid. Listen and feel for clicking. No response with good power/ground usually confirms a failed solenoid.
Inspect vacuum/boost hoses (if equipped). On some setups, damaged or misrouted hoses at the solenoid can cause strange operation and related codes. Replace any cracked or collapsed lines.
Clear codes and road test. After repairs, clear P0247 and perform a controlled road test. Monitor boost pressure, wastegate duty cycle, and check if the code returns.

Pro tip: If your scan tool supports Mode $06, review turbo/wastegate-related test results. This can show borderline failures before the ECU sets additional codes, helping you confirm whether the system is truly fixed.

Possible Fixes & Repair Costs

Repairing P0247 usually involves restoring proper control to the wastegate solenoid “B” circuit. Depending on what you find during diagnosis, fixes may include:

Replacing the turbocharger wastegate solenoid “B”
Repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors
Cleaning and sealing corroded electrical connections
Repairing or replacing vacuum/boost hoses related to the solenoid
In rare cases, repairing or replacing the ECU

Typical repair costs vary widely by vehicle and labor rates. A wastegate solenoid replacement usually runs about $120–$350 parts and labor. Wiring or connector repairs can range from $80–$250 depending on complexity. If an ECU is needed (uncommon), you may see $600–$1,200 or more. Factors affecting cost include vehicle make, turbo layout, part availability, and how much diagnostic time is needed to pinpoint the exact fault.

Can I Still Drive With P0247?

In many cases, you can still drive with P0247, but performance will likely be reduced. The ECU often limits boost to protect the engine and turbo, especially under heavy load. Short trips at light throttle are usually safe, but towing, high-speed driving, or hard acceleration are not recommended until the issue is fixed. If you notice severe loss of power, excessive smoke, or the vehicle enters limp mode, minimize driving and have it inspected as soon as possible.

What Happens If You Ignore P0247?

Ignoring P0247 can lead to long-term problems. Consistently low or erratic boost can increase exhaust temperatures, stress the turbocharger, and hurt fuel economy. If the circuit issue worsens, you may end up with more serious drivability problems, additional fault codes, and potentially expensive turbo or engine repairs. Addressing the code early usually keeps the fix simpler and cheaper.

Last updated: February 13, 2026

Key Takeaways

P0247 means the ECU sees a low signal on the turbo wastegate solenoid “B” circuit.
Common causes include a bad solenoid, wiring damage, and corroded connectors.
Symptoms are mainly reduced power, poor acceleration, limp mode, and a check engine light.
Diagnosis focuses on electrical testing of the solenoid, power/ground, and harness continuity.
Most repairs are moderate in cost if handled early, before turbo or engine damage occurs.

Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0247

P0247 shows up most often on turbocharged vehicles, both gasoline and diesel. You’ll commonly see it on Ford EcoBoost models, Power Stroke diesels, GM Duramax and turbocharged gasoline engines, Ram/Cummins diesels, and various VW/Audi and Subaru turbo applications. Many European turbocharged cars (BMW, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz) use similar wastegate solenoid setups and can log this code as well. It’s especially frequent on trucks and SUVs that see heavy towing or harsh weather, where heat and corrosion are hard on wiring and solenoids.

FAQ

Can P0247 cause turbo damage?

Indirectly, yes. The code itself is electrical, but if the wastegate isn’t controlled correctly, you can end up with abnormal boost and higher exhaust temperatures. Over time, that can stress the turbocharger. The ECU usually cuts boost to protect things, but it’s still smart to fix P0247 sooner rather than later.

Is P0247 always caused by a bad wastegate solenoid?

No. A failed solenoid is common, but wiring issues and corroded connectors are just as likely. That’s why testing power, ground, and resistance is important before you throw parts at it. Many times, cleaning and repairing a connector solves the problem without replacing the solenoid.

Can I clear P0247 and keep driving if the car feels fine?

You can clear the code, but if the underlying issue is still there, P0247 will usually return under similar driving conditions. If the car feels normal and the code doesn’t come back after a few drive cycles, it may have been an intermittent fault, but you should still keep an eye on it.

How serious is P0247 compared to other turbo codes?

P0247 is moderate in severity. It usually won’t leave you stranded, but it can significantly reduce power and make towing or highway merging difficult. It’s less critical than a severe overboost or low oil pressure situation, but more serious than a simple emissions code.

Do I need a new turbo if I have P0247?

Usually not. P0247 is an electrical circuit code for the wastegate solenoid “B,” not a direct turbo failure code. Most repairs involve the solenoid, wiring, or connectors. A turbo replacement is only needed if separate diagnosis shows mechanical turbo or actuator damage.

P0247 – Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid “B” Circuit