P0249
Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator B Low
Turbo boost control
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0249 means the ECM detects an abnormally low signal on the 'B' wastegate actuator control circuit. The wastegate regulates how much boost the turbo makes, so a fault here can cause under- or over-boost, reduced power, and limp mode until the circuit or actuator is repaired.
High
Can I keep driving? Driveable for now, but boost control is compromised — expect reduced power or limp mode, and fix it before sustained highway or towing loads.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced power and slow acceleration
- Limp mode / reduced-power mode
- Under- or over-boost, sometimes with a whistle or surge
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty wastegate actuator or its control solenoidLikely
- Open, shorted, or corroded wiring in the wastegate control circuitCommon
- Poor ground or connector at the actuator/solenoidCommon
- Failed ECM driver (less common)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and inspect the wastegate solenoid/actuator connector and wiring.
- Measure the solenoid resistance and control-circuit voltage against spec.
- Check the wastegate actuator itself for binding or a bent linkage.
- Replace the faulty solenoid/actuator; consider the ECM only after wiring is confirmed good. Clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0249?+
Short-term, yes, but the engine will likely limit boost and power. Avoid hard acceleration and heavy loads until it's repaired.
Can I just clear P0249?+
It returns until the control-circuit or actuator fault is fixed. This is an electrical/mechanical boost-control fault, not a passing glitch.
Related codes
Often seen with P0249
Read & clear P0249 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX