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P0244 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance (OBD2)

P0244 means "Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance". The turbocharger boost control signal is electrically present but implausible: it does not match what the control unit expects for the current operating conditions or from other sensors. This is a performance fault, not a broken wire.

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P0244 quick summary

Fault codeP0244
MeaningTurbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Range/Performance
SystemPowertrain (Engine & Transmission)
VehiclesGeneric OBD2
SeverityHigh
Can I drive?Usually yes, but in limp mode with reduced power. Overboost or overspeed codes mean the turbo is at risk – avoid full throttle until it is repaired.
Repair cost€20 – €2,000

How turbocharger boost control works

The boost control system sets how much pressure the turbocharger produces, using a wastegate, variable vanes or a bypass valve; these codes cover their solenoids and actuators.

A turbocharger is driven by exhaust gas. To control boost, petrol engines and older diesels use a wastegate that lets exhaust bypass the turbine; most modern diesels use variable turbine geometry (VTG/VNT) vanes. They are moved by a vacuum actuator controlled by a solenoid, or by an electric actuator. Petrol turbo engines also have a bypass (diverter/recirculation) valve that releases pressure when the throttle closes.

Codes in this group cover the boost control solenoids and actuators (A and B), the bypass valve circuit and turbine overspeed (P0049). Electrical faults stop the control unit from regulating boost, so it usually goes into limp mode; performance faults mean the actuator does not achieve the commanded position.

Common causes are cracked vacuum hoses, failed control solenoids, sticking vanes due to soot, seized wastegates and worn electric actuators.

On VAG vehicles (VW, Audi, Škoda, Seat, Cupra), VCDS and older VAG testers can show this code as the five-digit VAG code 16628 (P0244). Both numbers mean the same fault.

Symptoms of P0244

  • Limp mode, loss of power
  • Check Engine light on
  • Hissing or whistling
  • Surging or jerky power delivery
  • Overboost or underboost codes alongside

Most common causes of P0244 (most likely first)

Mechanic's Pro Tip

On diesels, a few hard full-throttle pulls in a low gear sometimes free sticking turbo vanes temporarily. If that brings the power back, you have confirmed the cause – plan a vane clean before it sticks permanently.

  1. 1.Turbocharger boost control worn, contaminated or out of calibration

    Most likely

    The signal drifts slowly, so it is still within the electrical limits but wrong.

  2. 2.Mechanical problem in the system the turbocharger boost control measures or controls

    For example a leak, a sticking part or a restriction that really changes the measured value.

  3. 3.High resistance in a connector or ground

    Corrosion causes a voltage drop that shifts the reading.

  4. 4.Cracked or disconnected vacuum hoses

    The cheapest and one of the most common causes.

  5. 5.Failed boost control solenoid (N75-type)

    Coil failure or a blocked valve.

  6. 6.Sticking VTG vanes or wastegate

    Soot and corrosion seize the mechanism.

  7. 7.Faulty electric turbo actuator

    Worn gears or electronics in the actuator.

Step-by-step diagnostic guide

  1. 1

    Read codes and boost data

    Read all codes and compare specified and actual boost and actuator position in live data during a full-load acceleration.

  2. 2

    Compare live data with expected values

    Read the turbocharger boost control values in live data and compare them with related readings (engine speed, load, temperature or pressure) and with the specification. A value that is electrically fine but wrong for the conditions confirms a performance fault – then check the mechanical side before replacing the part.

  3. 3

    Check vacuum hoses and supply

    Check all vacuum hoses to the solenoid and actuator, and the vacuum pump output on diesels.

    Multimeter: A healthy vacuum supply on diesels is typically around 0.7–0.9 bar below atmospheric.

  4. 4

    Test the solenoid

    Measure the solenoid resistance and run the output test – it should click and the actuator should move.

    Multimeter: Many boost control solenoids read about 14–30 Ω.

  5. 5

    Check the actuator and vanes

    Disconnect the actuator rod and move the vanes or wastegate by hand – they must move freely. Test a vacuum actuator with a hand pump.

  6. 6

    Repair and calibrate

    Replace hoses, solenoid or actuator; electric actuators usually need a calibration with the scan tool.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with P0244?

Usually yes, but in limp mode with reduced power. Overboost or overspeed codes mean the turbo is at risk – avoid full throttle until it is repaired.

How much does it cost to fix P0244?

Typical repair costs are 20 € – 2000 €, depending on the cause and the vehicle. The most common fixes are: turbocharger boost control worn, contaminated or out of calibration; mechanical problem in the system the turbocharger boost control measures or controls; high resistance in a connector or ground. Always confirm the cause with the tests above before buying parts.

Does a boost control code mean my turbo is broken?

Usually not. Hoses, solenoids and actuators are far more common causes than the turbo itself.

What does turbine overspeed (P0049) mean?

The turbo spins faster than allowed, usually because boost control is not working or there is a boost leak making the turbo work harder. It must be fixed quickly to avoid turbo damage.

What is the difference between P0244 and similar codes?

P0244 belongs to a group of codes for the same component that differ in the type or location of the fault: P0048 – Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control 'A' Circuit High; P0049 – Turbo/Super Charger Turbine Overspeed; P0243 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Malfunction; P0245 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A low; P0246 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A High; P0247 – Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid B Malfunction. The tests on this page apply to the whole group; the type of fault tells you where to start.

Related fault codes

This guide is for information only. Working on vehicles can be dangerous — if you are unsure, have the car checked by a qualified mechanic. Values can differ between model years; always check the manufacturer's repair information.