P0A46 code meaning
Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A46 means
P0A46 reports that the motor B resolver still delivers a signal, but one that is degraded or not plausible. GM uses the same check as P0A40 for its second motor: sine or cosine above 4.0 V, with a failure counted when it persists for 0.2 to 0.4 s of a 2 s window (Type A, one trip in the 2011 and 2016 tables). Mitsubishi (2023 Outlander PHEV rear motor) sets P0A46 when its internal resolver status words A, B or C stay failed for 0.18 s, and replaces the rear motor assembly. A GM-related patent explains the idea: a degraded signal shows as a large mismatch between sine and cosine amplitudes. P0A45 is a full signal loss. Expect a hybrid warning and loss of motor B drive.
P0A46 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1.5 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0A46
- Hybrid system warning and MIL
- Rear or second motor disabled, reduced traction or power
- Jerky torque delivery before the fault sets
Common causes of P0A46
- Most likelyResolver of motor B delivering unequal or distorted sine/cosine signals
- PossibleHigh contact resistance or moisture in the resolver connector
- PossibleFault inside the rear motor assembly incl. bearing damage (Mitsubishi)
- Less likelyDamaged shielding letting inverter noise into the resolver lines
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor b position sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0A46 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| A | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A46 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0A46
What does P0A46 mean?
P0A46 means "Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance". P0A46 reports that the motor B resolver still delivers a signal, but one that is degraded or not plausible. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A46?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A46 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A46 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A46 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0A46 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A46 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.