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What is N249? Diverter Valve Control Solenoid Failure

N249 Valve Volkswagen

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The N249 is known to cause confusion amongst Volkswagen owners. Codes that you will typically see when there is an issue with the N249 valve can be:

  • 17608/P1200 – Boost Pressure Control Valve (N249): Mechanical Malfunction
  • 18693/P2261 – Boost Pressure Control Valve (N249): Mechanical Malfunction – Implausible Signal – Intermittent
  • 17695/P1287 – Boost Pressure Control Valve (N249): Open Circuit

If you are getting any of the above codes, chances are your valve solenoid is faulty and will need to be replaced or deleted. However, before determining that the valve solenoid is the reason for your issues, make sure to check all of the connecting hoses, the diverter valve (DV), and the N75 valve because these could also cause the codes above to be thrown. But, the valve solenoid is the most common failure in VW boost pressure systems. But what does this mean and how do you fix it?

N249 Valve

N249 – Diverter Valve Control Solenoid

Boost pressure control valve, turbocharger recirculating valve, turbocharger bypass valve, diverter valve control solenoid, N249 valve are all the same thing. In Layman’s terms, the N249 is a valve solenoid that is connected to the intake vacuum source to the back of the diverter valve (DV) and it controls the boost signal to the dv telling it when to open. Essentially it is a part that is there to regulate boost pressure alongside the DV.

Causes of N249 Failure

Something to note before jumping into the causes when receiving any of the codes above, make sure to check before saying for certain that it is in fact the N249 valve that is malfunctioning.

  • Everyday wear and tear
  • Faulty electrical connection
  • Ripped diaphragm or seal

These valves are not made the best out of Volkswagen’s factory, so more often than not, you will have multiple N249’s fail throughout the life cycle of your vehicle.

Symptoms of N249 Failure

It may be hard to self-diagnose your vehicle as having a faulty N249 solenoid, but the list below of symptoms could give you a good starting point.

  • Diverter valve fluttering/sticking
  • Engine surge
  • Low boost pressure
  • CEL illuminating (Fault codes: P1200, P2261, P1287)

How to Fix an N249 Failing

When it comes to fixing the valve solenoid, there are really two solid options you can go with. The most popular, but not recommended, an option is going to be to bypass the valve solenoid entirely. This sparks a heavily debated topic, so I would love to hear your opinion in the comment section!

Replace the Valve Solenoid

You can either take it to the dealer self-diagnosed and ask them to replace it, which may come out to around $183 (for the part at the dealership) + labor. However, if you know your way around your vehicle’s engine, this isn’t a terribly difficult replacement.

N249 Valve Solenoid Replacement Options:

Aftermarket 1.8t: Valve Control Solenoid (N249 Valve)

DIY Difficulty: Moderate
1.8t DIY Guide: *Currently trying to find a guide*

Bypass/Delete the N249

Your vehicle does not NEED an N249 valve solenoid to run properly, but we believe since Volkswagen introduced it in the 2000+ vehicles it is recommended. Some people don’t want the solenoid messing with their vehicle’s boost pressure. Before going over the guides to deleting the solenoid, we’ll go a little into some pros and cons that we’ve read around the community.

Pros
  • Faster DV response
  • Smooth and progressive boost curve
  • Better looking engine bay (Minor)
  • Elevated boost levels
Cons:
  • CEL illuminating w/o a tune to adjust
  • Boost spikes may grow causing leaner conditions
  • Possible additional pressure drop in the ICs

DIY Difficulty: Easy
1.8t DIY Guide (Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MndfASW1t6I
1.8t DIY Guide (Write-Up): https://uk-mkivs.net/topic/17401-my-guide-to-removing-the-n249-valve-with-pictures/

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About Trey

I am a Volkswagen and Audi Enthusiast at heart that spends his weekends in the garage working on his cars. I also enjoy helping others in the form of providing insightful and accurate information in the automotive space. I have spent a decade or more in the automotive industry and strive to keep learning about my passion every day. I hope this passion comes through my articles and assists whoever is reading.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dan Uildriks says

    August 12, 2022 at 10:42 am

    I need to put the N249 into my system after it was cut out, I know it goes to terminal 105 but does it wire up like
    the N75 power in one term and then out to the ECU

    Reply

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More VW Content

Engine Problems

Difference Between TSI, GTI, TDI, & R

TSI vs TFSI

1.9 TDI Engine

2.0 TDI Engine

2.0T TSI Engine

Vr6 Engine

EA888 Engine

2.5L Engine

3.0L TDI Engine

1.4 TSI Engine

1.8t Engine

Model Problems

Atlas

B6 Passat

B7 Passat

CC

MK3 Jetta (Vento)

MK4 Jetta (Bora)

MK6 Jetta

MK7 Jetta

MK5 Golf/GTI

MK6 Golf/GTI

MK7 Golf/GTI

Tiguan

Mod Guides

Best 1.9TDI ALH Mods

Best MK4 GTI Mods

Best MK5 GTI Mods

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