P1700 — Wastegate Solenoid Circuit Malfunction

OBD2 code P1700 flags a problem with the turbocharger / supercharger boost control (wastegate solenoid circuit malfunction). Short, gentle driving to a shop is usually possible. Common culprits: stuck wastegate or faulty boost control solenoid, faulty boost pressure sensor, clogged intake or exhaust (DPF/cat).

For Ford vehicles

transmission indeterminate failure failed to neutral

powertrain (engine/transmission)

Is it safe to drive?

Drive with caution Drive gently and avoid boost. The car will likely be down on power and may be in limp mode; ignoring boost faults can overheat the engine and destroy the turbo — a far more expensive repair.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

Read the code and freeze frame Connect an OBD2 scanner, confirm P1700 is stored, and save the freeze frame data — it shows engine conditions when the fault was detected.
Check for companion codes and TSBs Related codes often reveal the real root cause. Also check manufacturer technical service bulletins (TSB) for your make and model — many P0xxx issues have factory fixes or software updates. Search by VIN on the manufacturer site or nhtsa.gov.
Inspect wiring and connectors Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the turbocharger / supercharger boost control for damage, corrosion, chafing or poor contact.
Subsystem check Run the module's actuator test for the wastegate solenoid if your scanner supports it — a component that does not respond to a direct command is confirmed faulty.
Subsystem check Pressure-test the intake piping for boost leaks — cracked intercooler hoses are the most common cause.
Subsystem check Command the boost control solenoid with a scanner and verify wastegate movement.
Verify the repair Clear the code, complete a full drive cycle including the conditions from the freeze frame, and confirm P1700 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

Repair cost depends on which component actually failed. Typical scenarios for P1700 (parts and labor, USD, independent shop rates): Repair boost leak (hoses, clamps, intercooler): $100–$400; Replace boost control solenoid or actuator: $200–$600; Turbocharger replacement: $1,200–$3,500. Overall, fixing P1700 usually costs between $100 and $3,500. An accurate diagnosis before buying parts saves money — the most expensive scenario is rarely the first one to check.

Common questions

Is it safe to drive with P1700?

Drive gently and avoid boost. The car will likely be down on power and may be in limp mode; ignoring boost faults can overheat the engine and destroy the turbo — a far more expensive repair.

What does OBD2 code P1700 mean?

How do I diagnose P1700 myself?

Start with a scan: confirm P1700, save the freeze frame and note any companion codes. Then inspect the wiring and connectors related to the wastegate solenoid, and verify the suspect component against live data before buying parts.

What are the symptoms of P1700?

Drivers most often notice: limp-home mode, black smoke under acceleration, whistling or siren noise from the engine bay, significant loss of power.

What is the most common cause of P1700?

The most common causes are: stuck wastegate or faulty boost control solenoid, faulty boost pressure sensor, clogged intake or exhaust (DPF/cat).

When your scan tool pulls code P1700, the engine control unit has detected that something is wrong with the wastegate solenoid circuit used to regulate turbo or supercharger boost. This falls under the powertrain fault category in the OBD2 standard, meaning it directly affects how your engine produces power. The wastegate solenoid's job is to control boost pressure by directing either vacuum or pressurized air to the wastegate actuator — when this circuit fails its self-test, P1700 is stored.

The control module constantly evaluates the wastegate solenoid and its wiring while the engine runs. When sensor readings or circuit behavior strays outside the acceptable window for enough consecutive drive cycles, the ECU logs P1700 and illuminates the Check Engine Light. The freeze frame snapshot captured alongside this code is extremely useful — it pinpoints engine speed, load, temperature, and vehicle speed the instant the fault triggered, giving you a reliable starting point for troubleshooting.

One thing to understand about P1700 is that a general "malfunction" designation differs from a straightforward electrical circuit code. The problem could stem from damaged wiring, a failed solenoid itself, or even an internal issue within the control module that drives the circuit. This is why systematic electrical diagnosis should come before any part replacement.

Symptoms of P1700

The vehicle enters limp-home (fail-safe) mode, limiting RPM and throttle response
Excessive black smoke billowing from the exhaust under acceleration
An unusual whistling or siren-like sound originating from the engine bay
Noticeable and sudden reduction in engine power
The Check Engine Light remains illuminated on the dashboard

Common Causes

Damaged or corroded wiring in the wastegate solenoid circuit causing self-test failure
Faulty control module driver circuit or outdated software calibration
Internally failed wastegate solenoid or boost control solenoid
Malfunctioning boost pressure sensor providing incorrect data
Torn or disconnected vacuum lines feeding the actuator
Boost leak somewhere in the intercooler piping, couplers, or hoses
Worn or damaged turbocharger bearings or compressor components
Clogged intake air filter or restricted exhaust (including DPF or catalytic converter blockage)

How to Diagnose P1700

Connect an OBD2 scanner, verify P1700 is active, and record all freeze frame data — this information shows exactly what conditions existed when the failure occurred.
Scan for any additional trouble codes — related P-codes or U-codes often expose the true root cause rather than the symptom. Also search manufacturer TSBs for your specific make and model using your VIN, as many boost-related faults have documented factory fixes or software updates.
Perform a thorough visual inspection of all wiring and connectors associated with the turbo boost control system, looking for chafed insulation, broken wires, moisture intrusion, or loose terminals.
If your scanner supports actuator tests, command the wastegate solenoid directly — a solenoid that fails to respond with audible clicking or measurable movement is confirmed defective.
Pressurize the intake system and inspect for boost leaks, paying close attention to the intercooler hoses, clamps, and couplings — cracked hoses are the leading cause of boost-related faults.
After repairs, clear the code and drive the vehicle through a complete drive cycle replicating the freeze frame conditions to verify the fault does not recur.

Repair Options

Fix boost leak in intercooler piping, hoses, or couplings — $100–$400
Replace boost control solenoid or wastegate actuator — $200–$600
Complete turbocharger assembly replacement — $1,200–$3,500

Total Repair Cost

Your actual out-of-pocket expense hinges entirely on which component triggered P1700. Independent shop labor rates typically add $75–$125 per hour on top of parts costs. Boost leak repairs (hoses, clamps, gaskets) generally run $100–$400 depending on accessibility. Solenoid or actuator replacement usually falls between $200–$600 including parts and labor. If the turbocharger itself has failed internally, expect to pay $1,200–$3,500 for a quality replacement unit plus installation. Across all possible scenarios, P1700 repairs span roughly $100 on the low end to $3,500 at the high end. Proper diagnosis before purchasing parts prevents wasting money on unnecessary components — the turbocharger replacement scenario is rarely where you should start.

Can You Drive With P1700?

Caution. You can continue driving, but exercise significant restraint. The engine will likely operate in limp-home mode with severely reduced power output, and boost will be unavailable or inconsistent. Avoid hard acceleration, sustained high loads, or towing. Prolonged operation with unmanaged boost pressure can cause excessive cylinder temperatures and catastrophic turbocharger failure — problems far more costly than addressing P1700 promptly. Get the vehicle diagnosed and repaired at your earliest convenience.