P0045 and related codes: turbo boost control, wastegate and boost sensors

The solenoid that controls turbo boost, the turbo bypass valve, a wastegate solenoid (A or B) or a boost pressure sensor (A or B) has a circuit fault or an implausible reading, or the turbine has overspun (P0049).

SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.

Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshop

What does P0045 mean?

A turbocharger's boost is held in check by a wastegate or by variable vanes, moved by a solenoid that the engine computer controls while it reads a boost sensor. A bypass valve releases pressure when the throttle closes. If the computer cannot drive one of these or trust the sensor, it usually limits boost, and the car feels flat. P0049 is the one to take seriously: the turbine has spun faster than allowed, which can destroy the turbocharger.

What causes P0045?

  1. A failed boost control or wastegate solenoid
  2. A split or disconnected vacuum hose to the solenoid or wastegate
  3. A failed boost pressure sensor or its wiring
  4. A wastegate or vane mechanism stuck with soot or corrosion
  5. A damaged wire or connector near the hot turbocharger

What to check first for P0045

  • Inspect the vacuum hoses between the solenoid, the vacuum source and the wastegate
  • Measure the boost solenoid's resistance and inspect its connector
  • Compare the boost sensor reading with barometric pressure with the engine off
  • Have the wastegate or vanes moved with a scan tool to check they are free

Can you drive with P0045?

Drive only to a workshop and gently, since power is usually limited. With P0049, or if you hear a whistle turning into a scream, see blue smoke or lose power suddenly, stop and have the car towed, because the turbocharger may be failing.

In states with an OBD-II emissions inspection, a car with the check engine light on fails the test until the fault is fixed.

Codes on this page

25
  • P0033Turbo Charger Bypass Valve Control Circuit
  • P0034Turbo Charger Bypass Valve Control Circuit Low
  • P0035Turbo Charger Bypass Valve Control Circuit High
  • P0039Turbo/Super Charger Bypass Valve Control Circuit Range/Performance
  • P0045Turbo/Super Charger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit/Open
  • P0046Turbo/Super Charger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance
  • P0047Turbo/Super Charger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit Low
  • P0048Turbo/Super Charger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit High
  • P0049Turbo/Super Charger Turbine Overspeed
  • P0235Turbo/Super Charger Boost Sensor "A" Circuit
  • P0236Turbo/Super Charger Boost Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
  • P0237Turbo/Super Charger Boost Sensor "A" Circuit Low
  • P0238Turbo/Super Charger Boost Sensor "A" Circuit High
  • P0239Turbo/Super Charger Boost Sensor "B" Circuit
  • P0240Turbo/Super Charger Boost Sensor "B" Circuit Range/Performance
  • P0241Turbo/Super Charger Boost Sensor "B" Circuit Low
  • P0242Turbo/Super Charger Boost Sensor "B" Circuit High
  • P0243Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid "A"
  • P0244Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid "A" Range/Performance
  • P0245Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid "A" Low
  • P0246Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid "A" High
  • P0247Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid "B"
  • P0248Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid "B" Range/Performance
  • P0249Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid "B" Low
  • P0250Turbo/Super Charger Wastegate Solenoid "B" High

Checked on · Rafael Soares

These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.

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Log the code in OdoKeep as an OBD scan when a scanner or the workshop gives you one, then the repair and what it cost, and keep the maintenance that prevents it on a plan with reminders. The app keeps the record; it does not read the car.

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