What Is P1249 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke & How To Fix It?

Getting codes randomly is pretty common with 7.3 Powerstroke. The P1249 is one of them. If you’re getting P1249 & don’t know what it means, this article is for you. 

In this article, I’ve discussed everything top-to-bottom about the error code P1249. Follow this article to know the proper troubleshooting method for solving the code. 

P1249 code on 7.3 powerstroke

What Does P1249 Code Means On 7.3L Powerstroke?

P1249 is one of the DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) of the Ford 7.3L Powerstroke. This DTC means the turbo was over-boosted & PCM (Powertrain Control Module) has detected that boost.

By definition, P1249 refers to Wastage Control Valve Performance. The wastegate valve’s primary purpose is to allow excess gases of the turbo to bypass the wheel & reduce the boost. 

When you see the code P1249, it simply means the wastegate won’t open to reduce the turbo boost. As a result, your vehicle will face an over-boosted turbo & that’s all the code P1269 means on a 7.3.

Symptoms Of Getting The P1249 Code On 7.3L Powerstroke

Most of the time, the P1249 code doesn’t reflect any symptoms for the user to trace it down. In some rare cases, you may found the following symptoms of getting the DTC P1249:

  1. The plastic ring around the front (left & right) hubs becoming loose
  2. Rough & sluggish driving experience

That’s all; you shouldn’t see anything other than the symptoms mentioned above. 

Causing Factors Of The Code P1249 Error On On 7.3L Powerstroke  

As I mentioned earlier, the error code P1249 appears for many reasons. Some of the most common causing factors of P1249 are:

  • Damaged Wastage Control Hose Solenoid, Actuator & Valve
  • The Wastage Control Hose or Port is Plugged 
  • The Fuel Injector Harness is Shorted or Open
  • Poor Electrical Connection Of Fuel Injector 
  • Using Performance Chip (Example: A 40HP Super Chip)
  • There’s A Leakage In The The Intake Air System
  • Damaged Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Some of these causes are relatively severe than others & you’ve to figure out the reason before freaking out about the P1249 code. 

How Serious Is Code P1249 On 7.3 Powerstroke

The possibility of getting your Powerstroke engine damaged by the P1249 code tends to be zero. However, there’s a fragile possibility that you might face severe engine problems such as – sluggish & rough trips for this code. 

That’s why you shouldn’t neglect this code & try solving it as soon as possible. For your greater help, I’ve given detailed information regarding solving the error code in the next segment. 

How To Solve P1249 Error Code On 7.3L Powerstroke?

You can’t operate the removal operation bare-handed. Make sure to get the necessary equipment before executing the operation.

Assuming you’re ready with your equipment, let me introduce the best troubleshooting method of solving the error code P1249.

Note: By the word ‘Test’, I meant testing if the particular component can hold the vacuum properly. 

Check The Wastegate Control Hoses

Start with checking the WGC hoses. First, disconnect the red hose from the wastegate control hose actuator. 

Now install the Gauge Bar 014-00760 vacuum pump. Run the test & see if the hose holds the vacuum. 

Depending on the result, you’ll have to run different tests. For example:

  • If the hose the vacuum, check the intake port
  • If the hose doesn’t hold the vacuum, check the intercooler port

Check The Intake Port

First, You’ve to detach the red hose from the charge air cooler housing. Now rerun the test & perform according to the result:

  • If the hose holds vacuum: That means the WGC hose is faulty. Replace the WGC hose & this code should be solved. 
  • If the hose doesn’t hold vacuum: That means the air cooler is clogged. Clean it up & the P1249 code should be solved. 

Check The Intercooler Port 

Start with disconnecting the red hose from the charge air cooler housing & install the Gauge Bar 014-00760 vacuum pump to the port. 

Now run the test & check if the actuator can hold the vacuum:

  • If the hose holds vacuum: That means intercooler ports are plugged. Clean the plugged ports properly & this code should be gone forever. 
  • If the hose doesn’t hold vacuum: That means there’s something wrong with the actuator. Try checking the actuator. 

Check The Actuator

Like every other component inspection, install the Gauge Bar 014-00760 vacuum pump on the wastegate control actuator. Check if the actuator can hold the vacuum.  

  • If the actuator holds vacuum: Check & Install new WGC linkage is necessary. By doing this, the error code P1249 should be solved. 
  • If the actuator does not hold vacuum: That means you have a faulty actuator. Replace the actuator & this problem should be solved

Check & Replace Powertrain Control Module: The Last Path 

If everything is functioning fine & you still don’t know what is causing the DTC P1269 to appear from time to time, replacing the PCM is the only solution.

The reason I’ve put it at the end is because the PCM costs a fortune & you won’t want to purchase one unless that’s the only path remaining.  

Common Mistakes While Solving The P1249 Code

You may encounter several mistakes while solving this code as a newbie with the 7.3L Powerstroke. Try avoiding these common mistakes mentioned below:

  • Not Using Necessary Equipment While Executing The Operation
  • Not Checking Connectors, Wirings & Everything Else Before PCM

Additional Comments To Consider Regarding The P1211 Code

Don’t panic over P1249 if you do not see any visual symptoms around the engine. It’s common for the code to appear if you’ve installed a performance chip. That’s why you should inspect the cause first before losing your sweat solving this error code. 

Conclusion 

I hope this article was helpful enough to satisfy your queries regarding the P1259 code on a 7.3L Powerstroke. 

Now it’s up to you whether you want to solve the code or leave it as it is. It’s totally fine to ignore the code until it’s any performance issue.

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