OBD-II trouble code
P0048: Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit High
Application matters: Identify the actual boost-control circuit and driver design. The generic solenoid label does not establish a separate vacuum solenoid, a universal terminal voltage or a replacement part.
P0048 reports a high condition in the boost-control circuit. Match the complete manufacturer code, actual circuit and commanded state before selecting a solenoid, wiring or controller repair.
Quick facts
- System
- Powertrain
- Category
- Fuel & Air
- Severity
- High severity
- Driving guidance
- Depends on symptoms and vehicle guidance
- Repair cost range
- $206 – $241 (turbocharger boost-pressure solenoid replacement, parts and labor; conditional job example)
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
A code alone cannot establish whether driving is safe. Stop safely for a red brake or oil-pressure warning, overheating, severe misfire, stalling, or impaired braking or steering, and follow the owner's manual. Restraints faults can reduce crash protection even when the vehicle runs normally.
Part of a family with 5 codes
P0048 is one of 5 codes covering boost control and overspeed faults. The identifier must be matched to the exact vehicle. Related codes can share a diagnostic approach, but their circuit, failure condition, and required tests can differ.
Read the full guide for this family →Browse every code in P0001–P00C6, or start from the full code library.
What does P0048 mean?
The boost-control electrical monitor detected a high result. P0048 is distinct from P0047, general circuit/open P0045, range/performance P0046 and the turbine-overspeed designation P0049. A circuit result does not by itself prove an overboost condition, failed turbocharger or specific replacement component.
The January 2014 Volkswagen Golf/GTI book’s CJAA table calls P0048 wastegate bypass regulator circuit short to battery voltage. Those are engine-specific monitor descriptions. The high characteristic, controller state and permitted measurements must come from the actual vehicle procedure; another engine’s output-driver test or a single disconnected reading does not establish the cause.
A driver can switch or protect its output, and disconnecting a component intentionally changes the circuit. Interpret voltage/current, terminal condition, supply and control behavior together. Do not replace a solenoid because the result changes when it is unplugged, or condemn a harness because the result remains.
Possible causes
- Damaged insulation, corroded/loose terminals or a connector fault in the actual boost-control circuit
- A short to power or other high-result circuit fault demonstrated by the matching tests
- A fitted solenoid/actuator component fault established using its permitted checks
- A supply, ground or controller-driver problem after the controlled circuit and component are checked
Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0048 stored
- Restricted power or abnormal boost response when the actual fault/fallback produces it
- A warning without an obvious driving change
- Related circuit or boost faults that require their own diagnosis
Diagnostic steps
Save the full scan report, code status, and available freeze-frame data before clearing anything. Confirm the reporting module, any failure-type suffix, and the procedure for the exact vehicle. The steps below are an overview; use manufacturer specifications and safety procedures for testing.
- 1.Save the full P0048, suffix, status, event data and companion faults. Confirm the exact engine and boost-control circuit.
- 2.Follow warnings and avoid forced-boost road tests. Stop safely for unsafe power loss, severe noise, smoke, overheating or a burning smell.
- 3.Identify the fitted actuator/solenoid, supply and control path from the correct diagram. Inspect only safely accessible wiring with ignition off and engine/turbo cool.
- 4.Have a technician follow the actual high-result diagnostic path, including prescribed connected/disconnected states and any driver shutdown/re-enable conditions.
- 5.Use only permitted circuit and component tests with the required isolation, terminals and limits. Do not apply a generic coil resistance, battery jumper or assumed low-side-driver test.
- 6.Separate electrical results from pressure, position and mechanical observations. A click, single voltage or changed unplugged code does not prove complete actuator operation or identify a replacement part.
- 7.Repair the demonstrated fault, restore routing/connectors and complete the specified actuator/learn and operational verification where required.
Repair cost
$206 – $241 (turbocharger boost-pressure solenoid replacement, parts and labor; conditional job example)
USD planning figures, not a vehicle-specific quote. Confirm the diagnosed job and whether the estimate includes diagnosis, parts, labor, programming, calibration, and taxes.
RepairPal national average updated September 3, 2026, checked November 6. Applies only if this type of solenoid is fitted and its replacement is diagnosed. Excludes taxes, fees, location differences and related repairs. Diagnosis, wiring, programming, an electronic actuator and a turbocharger assembly are separate jobs.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with check engine light diagnosis preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
Related repairs
These links are planning examples; the code does not confirm that any listed part has failed.
DIY vs shop
A qualified shop is recommended because this can involve vehicle-specific boost-system and pressure-input diagnosis, protected electrical or actuator tests, and prescribed cooling or pressure-release precautions when required by the installed system and confirmed repair. Ask the technician what testing confirmed the repair.