P25B3: Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate A Stuck Open

P25B3 says the wastegate of turbocharger A stays further open than the module commands, so exhaust bypasses the turbine and boost falls short. On Ford EcoBoost engines with an electric wastegate actuator and position sensor, the PCM compares commanded and measured position; a gap above 20 mm held for 2.5 s sets the code, provided no circuit fault (P0243, P2ABD) is present. The 2024 summary reports it as P0243 with failure type 72. Ford bulletins SSM 49427 and 50171 cover 2.0/2.3 L EcoBoost models from 2019 (Edge, Escape, Ranger, Explorer, Bronco Sport and others) with a missing e-clip, a dead actuator or a damaged actuator rod; a service kit replaces actuator, rod and clips without a new turbocharger. Toyota lists P25B3-72 on the 2022 Tundra V35A and released new ECM software for it on the 2023 GR Corolla. Expect lack of power.

Symptoms

• Clearly reduced power and slow boost build-up
• Check engine lamp on, often with an underboost code
• Wrench or reduced power warning on some models

Most likely causes

• Missing retaining clip disconnecting actuator rod from the wastegate lever
• Electric wastegate actuator failed or rod bent
• Wastegate flap or bushing seized in the open position by heat or carbon
• Diagnostic calibration needing an update (Toyota GR Corolla)

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Check the hoses, clamps, and intercooler
2. Check the continuity of the wire between the component and the control module.
3. Compare commanded and actual pressure in live data
4. Check the actuator's movement
5. Check the vacuum hoses and the solenoid valve
6. Check the oil and the turbo shaft play before replacing it

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: hard
• It can trigger limp mode.
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P25B3 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 5: Speed and idle
• B3: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P25B3?

Drive without demanding power and go to a repair shop soon. If you see a lot of blue smoke or hear a metallic noise, shut off the engine.

What causes code P25B3?

The most common causes are: missing retaining clip disconnecting actuator rod from the wastegate lever; electric wastegate actuator failed or rod bent; wastegate flap or bushing seized in the open position by heat or carbon.

Related codes

• P25B4Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate A Stuck Closed
• P25B5Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate B Stuck Open
• P0243Turbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A
• P0299Turbocharger/Supercharger A Underboost Condition
• P2AB7Wastegate Position Sensor A Circuit
• P2AB8Wastegate Position Sensor A Circuit Low
• P2AB9Wastegate Position Sensor A Circuit High
• P2ABDTurbocharger/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator A Driver Current/Temperature Too High

Sources

• fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10186564 0001
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10202614 0001
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10209013 9999

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.