Code
P1693
Other
P — Powertrain
Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted wiring between ECM and turbo boost control solenoid/actuator
- Corroded, loose or damaged connector at solenoid, actuator or ECM
- Failed boost control solenoid (wastegate/vacuum solenoid) or stuck actuator
- Faulty turbocharger actuator or internal turbo mechanical failure
- Faulty boost/pressure sensor (MAP, MAP/boost sensor) giving incorrect feedback
- Blown fuse or failed power/ground supply to solenoid or ECM output
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light / MIL illuminated
- Reduced engine power or limp-home mode
- Poor or delayed turbo spool and reduced acceleration
- Intermittent or sustained overboost or underboost condition
- Unusual turbo noises or visible boost pressure fluctuations
- Reduced fuel economy
What to check
- Read freeze frame and all stored DTCs with a scan tool; record live data of boost, commanded duty and actuator position
- Visual inspection of turbo, solenoid, actuator, vacuum/pressure hoses and connectors for damage, contamination, or loose fittings
- Check fuse(s) and relays supplying power to boost control circuits
- Backprobe connector at boost control solenoid and ECM to verify power, ground and control signal
- Measure solenoid coil resistance and compare to expected range
- Check for vacuum/boost leaks (smoke test or pressure test)
Signal parameters
- Control signal: typically a PWM duty-cycle command from ECM (0–100% duty). Frequency commonly in the tens to low hundreds of Hz (vehicle-specific).
- Supply voltage to solenoid: battery voltage when key on (approx. 12 V) or switched 12 V feed depending on design.
- Ground: low-impedance ground (near 0 Ω to chassis).
- Solenoid coil resistance: commonly tens of ohms (example 10–60 Ω depending on design) — consult vehicle-specific spec before replacement.
- Boost/MAP sensor output: typical MAP/boost sensors produce approx. 0.5–4.5 V across their pressure range; verify against vehicle spec.
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a professional scan tool, read freeze frame data and all stored/active DTCs. Note current boost, commanded duty and any related codes (MAP, turbo actuator, powertrain).
- Perform a visual inspection: check wiring harness, connectors, solenoid, actuator, vacuum/boost hoses and mounting for damage, corrosion or contamination.
- With ignition ON (engine off), verify power and ground at the boost control solenoid connector. Check fuses/relays if no power.
- Measure solenoid coil resistance (unplug solenoid). Compare to manufacturer spec. If open or shorted, replace solenoid.
- Backprobe control pin with engine running while monitoring scan tool. Verify ECM is commanding the solenoid (PWM duty changes with load).
- Apply a known-good 12 V (through an inline resistor or fused jumper) to the solenoid ground/power as required to confirm mechanical actuation of the actuator and observe boost response. Do not short circuits; follow safety procedures.
- Pressure/ vacuum test actuator and hoses for leaks. Manually operate actuator (where serviceable) and confirm wastegate movement and correct action.
- Check boost/MAP sensor readings against expected values while applying load. Replace sensor if readings are inconsistent with actual boost measured.
- If wiring and components test good but code persists, perform continuity/resistance checks between solenoid connector and ECM pin to rule out intermittent or shorted wiring. Repair any wiring faults.
- Consider ECU output driver failure only after verifying all wiring, connectors and components. If ECM replacement is necessary, reprogram/flash as required and confirm repair with road test and re-scan.
Likely causes
- Damaged harness or pin corrosion at solenoid/actuator connector
- Failed boost control solenoid coil (open or shorted)
- Vacuum/boost hose leak between solenoid and actuator
- Intermittent open/short in control signal (PWM) or ground
- Failed boost pressure sensor producing invalid feedback
Fault status
Status
P1693 — Turbo Charge Control Circuit Malfunction: ECM detected a fault in the turbo/boost control circuit (solenoid/actuator or control wiring). Inspect wiring, connectors, boost control solenoid and actuator; verify ECM control signal and sensor feedback before replacing components.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0 - 4.0 hours
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