P0248 Code Meaning and Next Steps

First checks take 10 minutes for basic checks. No special tools are usually needed for the first checks.

Can you keep driving?

Stop driving if any of these apply

!The vehicle suddenly runs much worse, loses power sharply, or the check-engine light starts flashing.
!There is a strong smell, smoke, overheating, or any symptom that suggests a real-time safety problem rather than a stored code alone.

If the light is steady and the vehicle still drives normally: Often yes for a short time, but it should not be ignored if drivability changes are obvious.

What to check first

Step-by-step checks

1
Safety first
Let the engine cool before touching turbo, exhaust, or charge-air parts
2
Free - no tools
Check whether the fault only appears at certain loads or speeds, which can point to a secondary control path
3
Basic tool needed
Inspect the connectors, hoses, and actuator routing associated with the second boost-control circuit
4
Basic tool needed
Compare commanded versus actual boost if live data is available
5
Basic tool needed
Look for recent service that may have affected more than one boost-control line or valve
6
Basic tool needed
Confirm whether the vehicle has one or two boost-control valves so you know which path is actually being monitored

If the code returns

-If the second valve or actuator is not moving, solve that path directly instead of replacing the main turbo first.
-If the secondary circuit shares a vacuum source, check that source for leaks or restrictions.
-If the code comes back only under one driving condition, focus on the path used under that condition.

Background

What this code means

P0248 is a generic OBD-II code for a fault in a secondary or alternate boost control path.

On some vehicles this points to a second boost solenoid or a separate control strategy. The key idea is still the same: the ECU expected a boost change and the control path did not behave.

Diagnosis

Common causes

Most common

Secondary boost solenoid failure

Some systems use more than one solenoid, and the second one may fail independently.

Common

Vacuum routing issue on the second circuit

An incorrect line or leak can make the alternate control path fail.

Common

Wiring or connector fault

The second circuit may have its own damaged connector or harness section.

Possible

Actuator movement problem

If the alternate control path cannot move the wastegate correctly, the code can set.

Avoid these mistakes

What not to do

xDo not assume the main turbo is the problem if the code is tied to a secondary control path.
xDo not overlook the second hose or connector just because the primary system looks fine.

Parts

Parts that may need replacing

PartTypical costNotes

Secondary boost control solenoid$40-$180Relevant when the alternate control valve itself is the problem.

Vacuum hose repair$10-$120Often needed when the secondary path is leaking or routed incorrectly.

Connector or wiring repair$20-$160Important if the alternate circuit has its own electrical fault.

Related OBD codes

P0249

P0249 means the secondary boost control path is out of range or not responding properly.

P0250

P0250 means the secondary boost control circuit is reading too low.

P0251

P0251 means the secondary boost control circuit is reading too high.

Source notes

Generic OBD-II (SAE J1979 / ISO 15031-5). P0248 was seeded from dtcdb and then expanded around secondary boost-control path faults, including alternate solenoids, hoses, and connectors.

This guide is written as a generic multi-make reference, so bulletin history, sensor locations, and repair order can still change by manufacturer and engine family.

This is generic OBD-II guidance and should not override vehicle-specific service information. Exact diagnosis and repair steps vary by make, engine family, and model year.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-10

Reference: Open reference

P0248 - The Secondary Boost Control Path Has a Fault