P0243 on 2019-2022 Lincoln Nautilus: Turbo Wastegate Solenoid Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2019-2022 Lincoln NAUTILUS

On the 2.0L EcoBoost engine in the Lincoln Nautilus and its platform mates (like the Ford Edge, Escape, and Bronco Sport), this code is frequently linked to specific mechanical failures noted by the manufacturer. Ford has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) pointing to a missing e-clip on the wastegate actuator linkage or a failed electronic actuator as the primary culprits. This is a known issue, and Ford has released a specific service kit, allowing for the replacement of just the actuator and clips rather than the entire expensive turbocharger assembly.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
• Significant lack of engine power and poor acceleration.
• Vehicle may enter 'limp mode' or 'reduced power mode', limiting RPM and speed.
🎬 Watch: A breakdown of what P0243 actually means for your engine.
• Unusual noises like whining, hissing, or rattling from the turbocharger area.
• Cruise control may be disabled.

Most Likely Causes

1. Missing Wastegate Actuator E-Clip 🔴 High Probability → Shop Turbocharger This is a widely known issue documented in Lincoln/Ford TSBs #SSM 50171, #SSM 50485, and #SSM 49427. The clip can fall off due to vibration, causing the actuator rod to disconnect from the wastegate arm.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the turbocharger wastegate actuator rod where it connects to the wastegate arm on the turbo. Check if the small retaining e-clip is missing, which would allow the rod to hang freely. 🎬 See this video for a close-up of the wastegate linkage failure.
   Typical fix: Install a new OEM e-clip to secure the actuator rod. It is often recommended to purchase the entire actuator kit (K2GZ-9G488-B) as it includes the necessary new clips and rod.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15 for the clip, or ~$100 for the full kit.
2. Inoperative Wastegate Actuator 🔴 High Probability → Shop Turbocharger This is a known failure point addressed in Lincoln/Ford TSB #SSM 50171 and #SSM 50485. The electronic actuator can fail internally, either electrically or mechanically. The TSBs also mention 'non-visible damage to the actuator rod' as a possible cause.
   How to confirm: With a scan tool, command the wastegate solenoid to operate and observe if the actuator rod moves. If it has power but doesn't move, or has visible damage, it has likely failed. A user on the Ford Edge Forum confirmed their dealer replaced this part under warranty for P0243 and P0299.
   Typical fix: Replace the wastegate actuator assembly using the manufacturer's service kit (K2GZ-9G488-B). The TSBs state that when replacing the actuator, all parts included in the service kit must be used.
   Est. part cost: $60-$250
3. Damaged Wiring or Corroded Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring is located in a high-heat engine bay, making it susceptible to insulation damage, chafing, or corrosion over time. A poor connection can cause an electrical fault code like P0243.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the wastegate actuator for any signs of melting, chafing, or breaks. Disconnect the connector and check for corrosion, moisture, or loose/backed-out pins. A forum user on a different platform noted their P0243 was caused by a wire that had backed out of the connector.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or clean/replace the electrical connector. Ensure pins are fully seated and secure.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
4. Failed Wastegate Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability While less common than the clip or actuator failure on this platform, the solenoid itself (which is integrated into the actuator assembly) can fail electrically.
   How to confirm: Test the solenoid's internal resistance with a multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's specifications. A reading that is out of spec (open or shorted) indicates failure.
   Typical fix: Replace the wastegate actuator assembly (service kit K2GZ-9G488-B).
   Est. part cost: $60-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare and should only be considered a last resort. The PCM should only be suspected after all other possibilities, including wiring, the actuator, and the solenoid, have been thoroughly tested and ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the PCM for trouble codes and review any freeze-frame data. Note any other codes present, such as P0299 or P02AB.
2. Carefully inspect the turbocharger wastegate actuator linkage, which is located on the turbocharger assembly. Specifically look for the small e-clip that secures the actuator rod to the wastegate arm. This is a very common point of failure per TSBs.
3. If the clip is present, check the actuator rod for any signs of bending or damage. The TSBs mention 'non-visible damage' can also be a cause.
4. Examine the wiring harness and electrical connector going to the wastegate actuator/solenoid. Look for any signs of heat damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Wiggle the connector and wires to see if it affects engine operation or triggers the code.
5. Using a capable scan tool, command the wastegate solenoid on and off (or through a specific percentage range). Listen for a click and watch for physical movement of the actuator rod.
6. If the actuator does not move, use a multimeter to verify that it is receiving proper voltage and has a good ground connection at the connector.
7. If power and ground are present but the actuator doesn't work, the actuator assembly has failed and needs to be replaced with the service kit.
8. If the actuator, clip, and wiring all check out, the issue may be a mechanical problem with the wastegate itself (sticking), though this is less common than actuator failure.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator E-Clip (OEM #W790436-S900) — This clip is a known failure point documented in multiple TSBs for causing a disconnected actuator rod. It is included in the full actuator service kit.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $5-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $2-$10
• Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator (OEM #K2GZ-9G488-B) — The actuator itself can fail electrically or mechanically, as noted in TSB SSM 50485. Ford provides this kit to replace it without replacing the whole turbo. This kit includes the actuator, rod, and both e-clips.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft
  OEM price range: $80-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $60-$200

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0299 — Indicates a turbocharger underboost condition, which is a direct symptom of a wastegate that is stuck open or disconnected.
• P02AB — This code, along with P0243, P0299, P25B3, P25B4, P2AB7, P2AB8, and P2AB9 are all listed together in manufacturer TSBs related to wastegate actuator failures.
• P0234 — Indicates a turbocharger overboost condition, which can happen if the wastegate actuator fails in the closed position.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM 50485: Affects 2019-2022 Nautilus/Edge, 2020-2022 Escape/Corsair, and 2021-2022 Bronco Sport. Cites inoperative actuator, missing e-clip, or non-visible rod damage as causes for P0243 and other codes. Mandates use of service kit K2GZ-9G488-B instead of turbo replacement.
• SSM 50171: Affects 2019-2021 models. Notes lack of power and DTC P0243 may be due to an inoperative wastegate actuator or missing e-clip.
• SSM 49427: Affects 2019-2020 models. Specifically calls out a missing wastegate actuator e-clip and mentions a lower-level service component is available for the fix.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #SSM 50171, #SSM 50485, and #SSM 49427 all identify that 2019-2022 Lincoln Nautilus models with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine may set code P0243 due to an inoperative wastegate actuator or a missing wastegate actuator e-clip. This is the most critical piece of information for diagnosing this code on this specific vehicle.
• A user on the Ford Edge Forum with a 2020 2.0L EcoBoost experienced codes P0243 and P0299 after accelerating on the freeway. The dealer diagnosed a faulty 'wastegate solenoid' and replaced the entire actuator assembly under the powertrain warranty, which resolved the issue.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Wastegate Actuator Solenoid Coil Resistance — expected: Approximately 20 Ω ± 5 Ω. (Note: This is a general value for this type of component, not specific to the OEM part for this vehicle).. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open (infinite resistance) or shorted (near zero resistance) circuit, indicates a failed coil.
• PCM Voltage Supply to Actuator — expected: The PCM should supply a regulated voltage, typically 5V, to the actuator's control circuit.. Failure: An out-of-range voltage reading could indicate a PCM fault rather than an actuator fault.
• Actuator Position Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: 1.26V to 1.43V (Note: This specific range is for a Honda Civic Type R electronic actuator but illustrates the need for precise calibration).. Failure: Voltage outside the specified range after installation indicates improper mechanical adjustment of the actuator rod, which can trigger fault codes.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• FORScan: Monitor PIDs: 'W_gate_B_V' (Voltage) and 'Wgate_A/B_DC_mess' (Duty Cycle %) — When diagnosing a P0243 on a similar Ford EcoBoost engine, these PIDs can be used to watch the live voltage and commanded duty cycle of the wastegate actuator to see if it is responding correctly to PCM commands. This helps determine if the fault is with the actuator or the signal from the PCM.
• Professional Scan Tool (e.g., Ford IDS): Wastegate Actuator Bidirectional Control — To command the actuator to move through its range of motion while the vehicle is stationary. This allows for visual inspection of the actuator rod's movement and helps confirm if the actuator is mechanically stuck or electrically unresponsive.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Ford Edge Forum user 'Boscee' (2019 Ford Edge Titanium 2.0L EcoBoost) — Check Engine Light on, lack of power, no cruise control, codes P0243 and P0299 stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Previous dealer visits for surging/bucking issues yielded a 'no codes, no problem' response.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The dealer acknowledged the stored codes, diagnosed a problem with the 'wastegate solenoid', ordered a new part (the actuator assembly), and replaced it. This resolved the check engine light and performance issues.

OEM Part Supersession History

• K2GZ-9G488-B → P2GZ-9G488-A (for later model years) — Unknown, likely a design revision or supplier change.
  Heads up: Part K2GZ-9G488-B is specified for the 2019-2022 Nautilus. Part P2GZ-9G488-A is specified for 2023+ Nautilus models. While they may appear similar, using the incorrect part between these year ranges is not advised due to potential internal electronic or calibration differences.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019-2022 vs 2023+: The OEM part number for the turbocharger wastegate actuator assembly changes. For the 2019-2022 model range, the specified service kit is K2GZ-9G488-B. For the 2023 model year and newer, the part number is listed as P2GZ-9G488-A. This indicates a change was made to the component after the 2022 model year.