P0243Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- The wastegate lets exhaust bypass the turbine to limit boost; actuator A is either a pulse-width-modulated solenoid on a pneumatic wastegate can or an electric actuator with a position sensor. P0243 is the general circuit fault of actuator A. GM uses it for an open circuit: with the driver off, more than 200 kΩ between output and ground in 10 of 20 samples sets it with the warning light in the first trip (older modules: two trips). Ford uses P0243 on its electric wastegates as the collective code for open and short circuits (0.4 s), together with P2ABD for driver overcurrent or overheating. Boost control is then switched off and only the spring-set base boost remains – less power, but no risk of overboost.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Clearly less power, boost only at base level
- Sluggish acceleration, turbo lag
- Reduced engine power message possible
- Likely causes
- LikelyConnector at the wastegate valve or actuator loose, corroded or with spread contacts
- PossibleValve coil or electric actuator winding open
- PossibleSupply voltage to the valve missing (ignition, relay, fuse)
- PossibleBroken control wire between module and valve
- RareDriver stage in the engine module faulty
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €30 – €400
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.