P0D46 code meaning
Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Voltage Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
What P0D46 means
P0D46 stands for a sporadic or unstable signal from the voltage sensor at the 14 V output of the on-board charger. No manufacturer documents it publicly. GM monitors this output in the Volt and ELR charger only for plausibility, low and high readings (P0D43-P0D45) and lists no intermittent variant. The Ford patent on a DC/DC stage housed in the charger shows why the value matters: that stage can regulate the 12 V bus during charging without closing the main contactors, and it needs a steady voltage feedback to do so. CARB counts erratic readings among the faults that comprehensive component monitoring has to catch. Loose low-voltage connections at the charger or a failing internal sense circuit are the main suspects.
P0D46 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0D46
- 12 V battery not kept charged while plugged in
- Occasional charging interruptions
Common causes of P0D46
- PossibleLoose 12 V, ground or signal connection at the charger
- PossibleVoltage sense circuit inside the charger failing intermittently
- Less likelyElectrical interference on the low-voltage network
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger 14v output voltage sensorWiring harnessOn board charger
What each part of P0D46 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D46 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 P0D46
What does P0D46 mean?
P0D46 means "Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Voltage Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P0D46 stands for a sporadic or unstable signal from the voltage sensor at the 14 V output of the on-board charger. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D46?
P0D46 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0D46 fail an emissions test?
P0D46 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0D46 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D46 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.