What Is P1690 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke? (How To Fix)

The turbocharger of 7.3 Powerstroke plays a very important role. But it has some problems too. Among these problems, the wastegate is one. This problem is represented by the trouble code P1690. 

If you scan your vehicle and find the code P1690 for the first time then here we present a complete guide on this. You will find what is P1690 code is on 7.3 Powerstroke. What are the causes of this code and how to solve it?

Let’s see all about this code now.

P1690 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke

What Does P1690 Code Mean On 7.3 Powerstroke?

The OBD trouble code P1690 on 7.3 Powerstroke means there is a problem in the turbo wastegate. Not all kinds of turbo have wastegate equipment. If this wastegate can not perform its duty then the code P1690 code comes.

The duty of the Wastegate or Wastegate Actuator is helping to exhaust extra pressure of air taken by the turbo. If the extra pressure is not taken away then the engine will generate extra power and an annoying sound. 

So, the code p1690 on 7.3 Powerstroke means Wastegate Solenoid Circuit Malfunction. There may be a number of symptoms of this code. Let’s see these symptoms in the next section.

Symptoms Of Getting The P1690 Code On A 7.3

As P1690 indicates that there is a problem with your 7.3 engine’s wastegate turbo. As this component plays a very important role in controlling the turbo air pressure, any problem with this will hamper the natural behavior of your vehicle. 

These unnatural behaviors create some symptoms. These symptoms are not too obvious and do not come every time. But when they come, let everyone know it. Let see these symptoms of this code.

  • Sudden Generation of High Power
  • Engine Creates Strange Sound
  • Check Engine Light

These symptoms will not be visible all time when your wastegate is not working well. When it is not working and the turbo is taking extra air in the cylinder then the symptoms will appear. 

The Causing Factors Of The Error Code P1690

The functionality of the Wastegate is very complex. There is a solenoid, electromagnetic field, electric circuit, and many more. So, there is a very high possibility for this to face some trouble.

There are a number of possible causes behind this code to come on your 7.3 Powerstroke. To solve this code from your engine, it is very important to know these causes.

  • Faulty Wastegate Solenoid
  • Poor Electrical Connection
  • Solenoid Hardness

These are the most known causes of this code. If you want to solve this code then you have to work on these causes. We also can help you to solve the Wastegate problem. Continue reading for the solution.

How Serious Is Code P1690 On 7.3 Powerstroke?

The seriousness of this code on 7.3 Powerstroke is not at the level of high intensity. According to some expert mechanics, the wastegate is just to bring stability in the engine power and keep the cylinder ok with the air pressure.

We also know that there are a number of turbos that have no wastegate. These turbos are ok with that. So, this code is not so serious for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine. This is less serious.

But no one should take this lightly. If the problem remains for a long time then your engine may face some issues that cost you a lot in the long term. Take steps immediately when you see these symptoms.

How To Solve P1690 Error Code On 7.3 Powerstroke?

Solving this code needs a long and careful process. You have to check all these possible causes and find the actual reason that happens in the case of your engine. Then you have to work on that reason. Let’s see how to solve this code from 7.3 Powerstroke.

Inspect the Engine

Inspection will be the most important part of solving this code. In this part, you have to take a multimeter and measure the voltage that your wastegate circuit is getting. If the voltage is lower than the expected level then check the connection.

A poor connection will cause this low voltage. If the voltage is okay then check the solenoid itself. If that looks okay then you have to check the functionality of the wastegate itself. 

You have to give more time in this section. Because if you fail to find any cause then it will be the hardest thing to solve this problem. 

If the Connection is Poor

As I said, the code P1690 may come if the electric connection of the wastegate is poor. In that case, you have to connect the circuit port with the wire port well. If there is dust then clean it before reconnecting.

The wire itself may have a problem. The wire may be damaged or leaked by any means. In that case, you have to change the wire. This is the easiest solution of this code on 7.3 Powerstroke.

But if the wastegate itself is faulty and the solenoid has any problem then the solution will be to change it. In most cases, mechanics replace the old solenoid with a new one. That was all about the solution of this code.

How Much Does It Cost To Solve The Error Code P1690?

If the problem is in the connection the cost will be as low as you want. If you can solve this problem then you will have to spend no money. But if it requires a technician then he may take around $10 to $20.

But if the problem is with the solenoid then the cost will be around $80 to $100. This cost includes the mechanic cost. The price of the wastegate solenoid is around $50. The wastegate itself also may be faulty. In that case, it may require around $220 to $270.

The cost is not fixed. Based on your engine’s actual problem, time, your location the price may vary. It may be higher or lower. So, you have to be ready for that.

Common Mistakes While Solving The P1690 Code

The most common mistake we make while solving this code is taking it lightly and not giving priority to it. I said that this code is not so serious that you have to stop your vehicle immediately after you find any symptom of it.

But it is serious enough to do a lot of harm to your engine. It will create huge power suddenly and will generate strange sounds. But will face serious problems if you don’t solve them. So, do it seriously.

Another mistake that we make in the case of every code that is not giving priority in the inspection. Though inspection is the main part of solving this code, we try to avoid this to save time. But the reality is different. If you avoid inspection, it will take more extra time than saving it.

Additional Comments To Consider Regarding The P1690 Code

Nothing to say here. Take the issue seriously and try to take steps as soon as possible. Whenever you find these symptoms, you should work on them.

Conclusion

That was all about the P1690 code on 7.3 Powerstroke. I hope you get the information you wanted. Try to make your driving smoother with a healthy engine. Know about some more trouble codes of 7.3 powerstroke. Thanks for reading from us.

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