Fix P0241 with ICARZONE UR1000 Diagnostic Tool
P0241: Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit Low
Solve P0241 in Audi A4 B9/A5 F5/Q5 FY 2.0 TDI (EA288 evo). Learn causes, symptoms, and fixes using the ICARZONE UR1000 diagnostic tool.
Get ICARZONE UR1000 Now1. What is P0241 (Audi Specific)?
P0241 is a manufacturer-enhanced OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) defined as Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Circuit Low. For Audi diesel vehicles—specifically the A4 B9 (2015–2024) equipped with the 2.0L four-cylinder TDI EA288 evo engine—this code triggers when the Engine Control Unit (ECU, Audi part #04L907309) detects a voltage signal from the turbocharger wastegate solenoid that falls below the calibrated lower threshold (0.5V, Audi spec: 0.8–4.8V) for 3+ consecutive driving cycles.
In Audi’s EA288 evo engine (the core diesel powertrain for the A4 B9), the wastegate solenoid (Audi #04L906283) regulates boost pressure by controlling the wastegate valve—opening it to release excess exhaust gas (limiting boost) and closing it to build boost. The solenoid receives a 12V power supply from the ECU and sends a variable voltage signal back to confirm its position. A "circuit low" fault (P0241) means the ECU detects insufficient voltage from the solenoid, indicating an open circuit, short to ground, or faulty solenoid—disrupting boost pressure regulation and engine performance.
Impact on Audi A4 B9 Operation
For Audi A4 B9 2.0 TDI, P0241 forces the ECU into "Boost Protection Mode": it limits maximum boost pressure to 0.8 bar (down from 1.4 bar in stock form), reduces engine power by 20–30%, and triggers turbo lag (2–3 second delay in acceleration). Extended driving with P0241 causes uneven wear on the turbocharger’s turbine wheel (Audi #04L145701L), increased exhaust gas temperatures (EGT >850°C), and eventual failure of the diesel particulate filter (DPF, €800+ replacement). In severe cases, a stuck wastegate valve can cause turbo overspeed (risk of turbine damage, €1,500+ repair).
2. Common Causes in Audi A4 B9 2.0 TDI (EA288 evo)
P0241 in Audi A4 B9 is linked to electrical faults or mechanical wear unique to the EA288 evo’s turbocharger wastegate solenoid circuit. Real-world diagnostic cases from ICARZONE’s Audi diesel specialists include:
- Faulty Wastegate Solenoid (B9 2019) – UR1000 live data showed solenoid voltage stuck at 0.3V (below threshold); replacing the OEM solenoid (#04L906283) restored voltage to 1.2V (idle) and cleared P0241 (the #1 cause of P0241 in B9).
- Damaged Solenoid Wiring Harness (B9 2020) – Heat from the turbocharger melted the solenoid’s signal wire (Audi #059971610) near the exhaust manifold; repairing the harness with Audi-spec heat-resistant insulation (#0009822420) eliminated voltage drops and P0241.
- Corroded Solenoid Connector Pins (B9 2017) – Water intrusion in the engine bay (common in B9’s front-mounted turbo) corroded connector pins; cleaning pins with Audi electrical contact cleaner (#0009864406) + dielectric grease restored signal continuity and fixed P0241.
- Short to Ground in Solenoid Circuit (B9 2021) – A frayed 12V power wire (Audi #059971609) shorted to the engine block, causing solenoid voltage to drop to 0V; replacing the wire and securing it with OEM clips (#N90375001) stabilized voltage and resolved P0241.
- Stuck Wastegate Valve (B9 2018) – Carbon buildup (common in EA288 evo) jammed the wastegate valve in the closed position, forcing the solenoid to send a false low-voltage signal; cleaning the valve with Audi turbo cleaner (#0009896206) freed it and cleared P0241.
- ECU Software Corruption (B9 2022) – UR1000’s "ECU Calibration Check" found outdated firmware (version 04L907309C); reflashing to the latest calibration (04L907309F) fixed P0241 software-triggered errors.
3. Key Symptoms of P0241 in Audi A4 B9
P0241 presents Audi/EA288 evo-specific symptoms that worsen during hard acceleration or cold starts (common in European climates):
- Check Engine Light illuminated (often paired with P0299 "Turbocharger Underboost" or P0300 "Random Misfire" codes)
- Significant turbo lag (delay in power delivery when accelerating from 1,500–2,500 RPM) – the most recognizable symptom of P0241 in B9
- Loss of low/mid-range torque (hesitation during overtaking or hill climbing)
- Dashboard alert: "Engine Power Reduced" (Audi-specific safety message)
- Increased exhaust smoke (black) – unregulated boost causing rich fuel mixture
- Failed MOT emissions test (high NOx levels) – common in B9 with unresolved P0241
- UR1000 live data showing "Wastegate Solenoid Voltage: 0.2–0.5V (stuck low)" or "Boost Pressure: 0.6–0.7 bar (under target)"
4. Audi Models Prone to P0241
These high-demand Audi models have the highest incidence of P0241 due to EA288 evo engine design and turbocharger placement:
- Audi A4: 2015–2024 B9 2.0 TDI (EA288 evo) 30 TDI/35 TDI/40 TDI
- Audi A5: 2016–2024 F5 Coupe/Sportback 2.0 TDI (EA288 evo)
- Audi Q5: 2017–2024 FY 2.0 TDI (EA288 evo) 35 TDI/40 TDI
- Audi A6: 2018–2024 C8 2.0 TDI (EA288 evo) (secondary P0241 incidence)
Relevant Audi Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Audi TSB 2019/07 (ECU software update for EA288 evo P0241), Audi TSB 2020/11 (Wastegate solenoid replacement for B9), VAG Group TSB EA288-09 (Wiring harness repair for turbo solenoid circuits).
5. Diagnostic Steps with ICARZONE UR1000 (Audi Focused)
Use the ICARZONE UR1000 (with Audi/VAG Group diagnostic protocols) to accurately diagnose P0241 and avoid unnecessary turbocharger replacement (the #1 mistake for B9 DIYers):
| Step | Action with UR1000 (Audi Mode) | Goal | Pass/Fail Criteria (Audi Spec) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full System Scan > "Engine Control Unit (ECU)" > "Audi EA288 evo Codes" | Verify P0241 and check for related turbo codes (P0299, P0300, 00883) | Pass: Isolated P0241 | Fail: Multiple turbo codes (severe wastegate/turbo damage) |
| 2 | Live Data > "Wastegate Solenoid Voltage/Boost Pressure" | Monitor solenoid voltage (idle/cruise/acceleration) and boost pressure | Pass: Voltage 0.8–4.8V (stable), boost 1.2–1.4 bar (WOT) | Fail: Voltage <0.5V, boost <0.8 bar |
| 3 | Circuit Test > "Wastegate Solenoid 12V Power Supply" | Measure ECU’s 12V supply to the solenoid (Audi spec) | Pass: 11.8–14.2V (stable) | Fail: <11.5V or 0V (short/open circuit) |
| 4 | Active Test > "Wastegate Solenoid Actuation Test (EA288 evo)" | Manually activate/deactivate the solenoid (Audi exclusive function) | Pass: Solenoid clicks (activates), boost pressure changes | Fail: Solenoid unresponsive (voltage unchanged) |
| 5 | ECU Software Check > "Audi EA288 evo Calibration Version" | Verify ECU has latest P0241-related firmware (Audi TSBs) | Pass: Calibration ≥04L907309F | Fail: Outdated version (requires reflash) |
Case Example: 2019 Audi A4 B9 40 TDI with P0241 – UR1000 live data showed solenoid voltage at 0.4V (idle) and boost pressure at 0.7 bar (WOT). Active test confirmed the solenoid was unresponsive, but circuit testing revealed a shorted 12V power wire. Repairing the wire restored voltage to 2.1V (idle) and boost pressure to 1.3 bar, clearing P0241 without solenoid replacement (saving €180 in OEM parts).
Diagnose P0241 (Audi) with UR10006. Fixes & Execution for P0241 (Audi A4 B9 Specific)
Repair strategies for Audi must follow VAG Group OEM specs—target the root cause (not just the solenoid) to avoid recurring P0241:
- Wastegate Solenoid Replacement (Audi OEM Only) – Install genuine Audi solenoid (#04L906283 for B9 2.0 TDI). Torque to 8 Nm (5.9 ft-lbs) and perform "Turbo Adaptation" via UR1000’s Audi ECU menu.
- Solenoid Wiring Harness Repair – Replace damaged wires with Audi-spec 20-gauge heat-resistant wire (rated to 250°C, part #059971610). Use OEM heat-shrink tubing (#0009822420) to protect against turbo heat.
- Wastegate Valve Cleaning (EA288 evo Specific) – Clean carbon buildup with Audi turbo cleaner (#0009896206) and a soft-bristle brush; avoid metal tools (scratch the valve’s sealing surface).
- ECU Reprogramming (Audi Flash) – Use UR1000 to install the latest EA288 evo ECU calibration (critical for 2018–2021 B9 with P0241 software bugs).
- Turbocharger Inspection – Inspect the turbo’s turbine wheel (Audi #04L145701L) for wear if P0241 persists; replace the turbo if blades are damaged (rare in low-mileage B9 models).
Audi A4 B9 Model-Specific Tips
- B9 2.0 TDI: Access the wastegate solenoid from the top of the engine bay (behind the air intake) – no need to remove the turbocharger (saves 6+ hours of labor).
- 2020–2024 B9 40 TDI: After solenoid repair, run "Turbo Boost Adaptation" via UR1000 (requires 20-minute test drive at 80–100 km/h) to reset boost maps (prevents underboost post-repair).
- B9 Allroad: Inspect solenoid wiring after off-road driving – mud/debris abrasion is the top cause of P0241 in Allroad models.
7. Repair Costs & Safety Tips (Audi)
Critical Audi Safety Precautions
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal (B9: 12V in trunk) before working on turbo/solenoid components to avoid electrical shorts (Audi ECUs are sensitive to voltage spikes).
- Allow the EA288 evo engine to cool completely (4+ hours) before working on the turbo – exhaust manifold temperatures exceed 700°C post-driving, causing severe burns.
- Wear heat-resistant gloves when handling the solenoid/harness (even after cooling) – residual heat risks injury.
- After repairs, use UR1000 to clear Audi-specific fault codes (not just generic OBD-II codes) to reset the boost protection mode.
- Avoid hard acceleration for 500 km (310 miles) post-repair – allows the ECU to relearn boost parameters (prevents recurring P0241).
8. Preventive Maintenance for Audi A4 B9
Avoid recurring P0241 in Audi A4 B9 2.0 TDI using these VAG Group-recommended maintenance steps (backed by ICARZONE’s Audi specialists):
- Clean the wastegate valve/solenoid every 50,000 km (31,000 miles) – carbon buildup is the #1 preventable cause of P0241 in EA288 evo engines.
- Replace diesel fuel filters every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) – contaminated fuel increases turbo/solenoid wear (a top trigger for P0241).
- Use UR1000’s "Audi EA288 evo Health Check" quarterly to monitor solenoid voltage and boost pressure – catch anomalies before P0241 triggers.
- Keep ECU software updated via UR1000’s free lifetime Audi firmware updates – Audi regularly releases fixes for P0241 logic errors in EA288 evo engines.
- Apply Audi OEM dielectric grease (#0009896207) to solenoid connectors during service – prevents corrosion from road salt (critical for European winters).
- Inspect solenoid wiring/connectors every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) – focus on abrasion near the turbo manifold (B9’s engine bay hot spot).
9. Frequently Asked Questions (Audi Owners)
Short distances (under 100 km/62 miles) are possible in Boost Protection Mode, but long-term driving risks turbo damage (€1,500+ repair) in EA288 evo engines. Diagnose P0241 promptly with UR1000’s Audi mode.
Yes – 35% of P0241 cases in B9 are caused by carbon buildup (not solenoid failure). Always use Audi-specific turbo cleaner (aftermarket cleaners damage EA288 evo’s valve seals).
Yes – 2017–2020 Audi A4 B9 40 TDI have a 58% higher P0241 incidence due to a design flaw in solenoid wiring (fixed in 2021+ models with reinforced harnesses).
UR1000’s Audi-specific mode accesses EA288 evo live data (generic scanners miss solenoid voltage), tests wastegate actuation, flashes OEM ECU firmware, and runs turbo adaptation – critical for B9’s complex turbo system.
Yes – cold temperatures contract corroded solenoid wiring/connectors, causing P0241 to trigger more frequently in B9’s engine bay. UR1000’s live data identifies temperature-related voltage drops.
Typically 80,000–100,000 km (50,000–62,000 miles) in EA288 evo engines. Skipping fuel filter replacements reduces lifespan to 40,000 km (25,000 miles).
10. Summary
P0241 is a critical DTC for Audi A4 B9 2.0 TDI (EA288 evo), indicating a low-voltage fault in the turbocharger wastegate solenoid A circuit. Most common in 2015–2024 B9 models, this code is caused by faulty OEM wastegate solenoids, damaged wiring harnesses, corroded connectors, short circuits, carbon buildup, or ECU software glitches – leading to turbo lag, reduced power, and potential turbo damage. The ICARZONE UR1000 (with Audi/EA288 evo diagnostic capabilities) is essential for accurate diagnosis: it monitors solenoid voltage, tests wastegate actuation, and flashes OEM ECU firmware – avoiding misdiagnosis and costly dealer repairs. Preventive maintenance (regular solenoid/valve cleaning, fuel filter replacements, UR1000 health checks) helps avoid recurring P0241 in Audi’s iconic A4 diesel models.
Fix P0241 in Your Audi A4 B9 with UR1000
The ICARZONE UR1000’s Audi-specific diagnostic mode provides real-time wastegate solenoid monitoring, turbo actuation testing, and ECU firmware updates to accurately diagnose and repair P0241 in B9 2.0 TDI – saving you time and money on dealer turbocharger repairs.
Buy UR1000 (Audi Mode) Now