P0245 on 2017-2024 Chevrolet Silverado: Turbo Wastegate Solenoid Fault Guide

What's Unique About the 2017-2024 Chevrolet Silverado

On the 2.7L Turbo (L3B) engine, GM uses a modern, electrically-actuated wastegate for faster and more precise boost control compared to older vacuum-based systems. While this improves performance, it also means the system is sensitive to electrical issues. For both the 2.7L and Duramax diesel engines, the wiring harness leading to the turbo components is exposed to significant heat and vibration, making chafed wires or corroded connectors a common point of failure leading to a P0245 code. GM has specifically identified harness chafing as a known issue in TSB 21-NA-149.

Generation note: This guide covers the end of the third generation (2017-2018) and the entire fourth generation (2019-2024) of the Chevrolet Silverado. The 2.7L Turbo engine was introduced in the 2019 model year. 🎬 Watch: Learn more about common 2.7L L3B engine issues While the general cause of P0245 is consistent, there is a known issue with engine wire harness chafing on 2019-2023 models that is a primary suspect for this code, as detailed in GM TSB 21-NA-149.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Significantly reduced engine power and sluggish acceleration (limp mode)
• Lack of boost from the turbocharger
• Possible abnormal whistling or hissing sounds from the turbo area
• Erratic turbo boost behavior

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid/Actuator 🔴 High Probability → Shop Turbocharger The solenoid/actuator is subject to extreme heat cycles and vibration due to its location on or near the turbocharger, leading to internal electrical failure (short or open circuit) over time.
   How to confirm: Test the solenoid's internal resistance with a multimeter; it should be within the manufacturer's specified range (typically 10-40 Ω). A reading near zero ohms indicates a short, while an infinite reading indicates an open circuit. You can also use a bidirectional scan tool to command the actuator and listen for a click to see if it responds.
   Typical fix: Replace the turbocharger wastegate solenoid/actuator.
   Est. part cost: $150-$350
2. Damaged Wiring or Corroded Connector 🟡 Medium Probability GM issued a technical service bulletin (21-NA-149) for potential engine wire harness chafing on 2019-2023 models with the 2.7L and 3.0L Duramax engines. The harness can rub against the camshaft carrier cover on the 2.7L, or other engine/chassis components, causing a short to ground and triggering the P0245 code.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the entire wiring harness leading to the wastegate solenoid for any signs of melting, chafing, or breaks. Pay close attention to where the harness crosses over the camshaft carrier cover on the 2.7L engine. Check the connector for corrosion or loose pins. A 'wiggle test' on the harness while monitoring voltage can help pinpoint intermittent shorts.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wire harness using approved methods and protect it from future damage with abrasion-resistant tape or loom. If the connector is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $20-$100
3. Blown Fuse ⚪ Low Probability A short circuit in the wastegate solenoid or its wiring can cause the corresponding fuse to blow as a protective measure.
   How to confirm: Check the underhood fuse box for any blown fuses related to the engine controls or turbocharger components. TSB 21-NA-149 mentions that harness chafing can blow various fuses, including F46UA, F78UA, and others.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown fuse. If the fuse blows again immediately, it confirms a short circuit is present that must be found and repaired.
   Est. part cost: $1-$5

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is a rare cause. The ECM should only be considered after all other possibilities, including wiring and the solenoid itself, have been thoroughly tested and ruled out. TSB 21-NA-149 notes that the ECM has been unnecessarily replaced for these concerns when the root cause was wiring.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner and confirm P0245 is present. Note any other codes.
2. Visually inspect the turbocharger wastegate actuator and its electrical connector for any obvious signs of damage, melting, or corrosion.
3. Carefully inspect the wiring harness leading to the actuator. On 2.7L models, pay special attention to the area where the harness crosses the top of the engine, as outlined in TSB 21-NA-149. Check for rubbing against the ECM bracket, upper control arm, and shock tower as well.
4. Using a multimeter, check for 12V power at the solenoid connector with the key on, engine off. A low voltage reading points to a wiring or fuse issue upstream.
5. Test the resistance of the solenoid itself. Disconnect the solenoid and measure between its two pins. Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specification (typically 10-40 Ω). An out-of-spec reading indicates a faulty solenoid.
6. If you have a bidirectional scan tool, command the wastegate actuator to open and close to verify its mechanical operation. You should hear a distinct click.
7. If the solenoid and wiring test good, check the related fuses in the underhood fuse block (e.g., F46UA, F78UA).
8. If all other components and wiring check out, the issue may be with the ECM's driver circuit, though this is uncommon.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator / Solenoid (OEM #12735942) — This is the most common failure point for a P0245 code, as the component is subjected to high heat and vibration, leading to internal electrical faults.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, GM Genuine
  OEM price range: $170-$265
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$200
• Wire Harness Repair Kit / Pigtail Connector — If the connector at the solenoid is corroded or melted, or if wiring is damaged near the connector, a pigtail is needed for repair.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Dorman
  OEM price range: $30-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$40

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0299 — This code means 'Turbocharger Underboost'. It can appear with P0245 because if the wastegate solenoid circuit has a fault, the ECM cannot properly control the wastegate, often resulting in a lack of boost.
• P0246 — This code means 'Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid 'A' High'. It indicates the opposite electrical fault (high voltage) but points to a problem in the same circuit. Seeing both could suggest an intermittent wiring issue.
• U-series codes (e.g., U0100, U0101) — If the P0245 code is caused by the TSB-documented harness chafing, various communication codes may also be present, as the damaged harness can affect multiple systems.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 21-NA-149: Engine Wire Harness Chafing which can lead to various DTCs, including circuit low faults like P0245.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB 21-NA-149: Addresses a known issue where the engine wiring harness can chafe against engine components, causing various electrical faults, including those that would trigger a P0245 code. This applies to 2019-2023 models with the 2.7L Turbo and 3.0L Duramax engines. The bulletin provides specific inspection points, such as over the camshaft carrier cover (2.7L) and near the ECM bracket and upper control arm.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Wastegate Actuator/Solenoid Internal Resistance — expected: 10-40 Ω (General Spec). Failure: A reading near 0 Ω indicates a short circuit. An infinite reading (OL) indicates an open circuit.
• Voltage at Wastegate Actuator Connector (Power Pin) — expected: 12V ± 0.5V (with ignition on, engine off). Failure: A reading below 11.5V suggests a problem with the power supply circuit, which could be a blown fuse or a wiring issue upstream.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GDS2 (GM Dealer Scan Tool): Turbocharger Wastegate Learn — This procedure is required whenever the turbocharger or the electronic wastegate actuator is replaced. The ECM must learn the new actuator's fully open and closed positions to ensure precise boost control.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G100 / G101 — Located at the left front of the engine block.. These are primary engine grounds. A poor connection here can cause a variety of electrical issues and fault codes, including intermittent voltage problems in sensor and actuator circuits like the wastegate solenoid.
• G102 — Located at the left rear of the engine.. This ground is for the ignition coils, but its proximity to other engine harness branches means a loose or corroded connection could potentially affect nearby circuits.
• G103 — Located at the left rear of the engine compartment on the cowl, above the brake booster.. This is a critical ground point for the BCM and ECM. A fault here can cause widespread communication and control module errors, which could potentially manifest as a P0245 code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12690327 → 12735942 — Standard part revision and update by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The new part number (12735942) is the correct replacement for the original. There are no known incompatibility issues.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2022-2024: The 2.7L L3B Turbo engine received a significant update for the 2022 model year, branded as the "TurboMax." It features a more rigid cylinder block, a 30% stiffer crankshaft, and revised engine tuning. This resulted in a torque increase from 348 lb-ft to 420-430 lb-ft. While the wastegate actuator part number appears to remain the same, the internal engine changes and new calibration could alter diagnostic behavior, though the root causes of P0245 remain consistent.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• 8-Speed & 10-Speed Transmission Shudder 🟠 Medium — Common on earlier models (2017-2019), particularly at low speeds. Often addressed by a fluid flush to an updated fluid type. (Ref: Multiple TSBs exist, including updates to fluid specifications.)
• 3.0L Duramax (LM2) Long Crank/No-Start 🟠 Medium — Reported on 2020-2021 models, often related to a faulty crankshaft reluctor wheel or fuel system issues. (Ref: TSBs have been issued to address ECU calibration for this issue.)
• 3.0L Duramax DEF System Errors 🟠 Medium — Owners report 'Service Emission System' and 'DEF Level Low' warnings due to sensor or software issues across 2020-2024 models. (Ref: GM has issued TSBs to update the Reductant Control Module software.)
• Infotainment System Glitches / Black Screen 🟡 Low — Fairly common across the generation; symptoms include a blank screen, unresponsiveness, or issues with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Often resolved with a software update. (Ref: Software update TSBs are available.)
• 2.7L L3B Engine Carbon Buildup 🟡 Low — As with many direct-injection engines, carbon buildup on intake valves can occur over time, potentially affecting performance at higher mileage.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used wastegate actuator from a low-mileage, late-model donor vehicle can be a cost-effective option, especially if the failure is on a higher-mileage truck and budget is a primary concern. It is a purely electronic/mechanical part with no programming, making it a simple swap.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 60000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Check for any signs of physical damage, cracking, or melting on the actuator housing and electrical connector.
• Ensure the actuator arm moves freely without binding (if possible to test).
• Source the part from a reputable salvage yard that offers a short warranty (30-90 days) to protect against receiving a dead-on-arrival part.
• Verify the part number on the used component matches the required OEM number (12735942 or its predecessor).

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Engine Control Module (ECM) - Due to programming requirements and high failure rates of rebuilt units, a new OEM ECM is the only reliable choice if it is ever condemned.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ACDelco (GM Original Equipment)
• GM Genuine

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, no-name actuators from online marketplaces should be avoided, as their internal electronics and calibration may not meet OEM specifications, leading to premature failure or performance issues.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0243 — Often associated with turbocharger wastegate solenoid malfunctions or circuit issues similar to P0245.
• P0246 — The high-circuit counterpart to P0245, often caused by the same wiring harness chafing or solenoid failures mentioned in TSB 21-NA-149.
• P0299 — Turbocharger underboost code that frequently accompanies P0245 when the wastegate fails to maintain proper boost levels.
• U0100 — Communication code that may appear if the wiring harness chafing described in TSB 21-NA-149 affects the main data lines to the ECM.

Frequently Asked Questions