P2246 code meaning
O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P22xx codes Check engine light
What P2246 means
P2246 means the reference voltage line of the bank 1 front wide-band sensor reads too high, typically from a short to battery or heater voltage or a short inside the sensor. No manufacturer publishes a threshold for P2246. GM's 2018 Duramax table 18OBDG04 names it, together with P2245, P2252 and P2253, as a fault that makes the front sensor signal unusable, but gives no setting criteria. Ford logs any wide-band lead that is shorted to supply voltage as P0132 and keeps P2243 for the open line, so Ford vehicles do not use this code. Bosch limits the Nernst cell to a 250 microamp load, which is why an external voltage on this wire can damage the sensor or the interface. CARB requires circuit faults of fuel-control sensors to be detected. P2245 is the low fault, P2250 bank 2.
P2246 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2246
- Check engine light
- Higher fuel consumption
- Repeat failure of a new sensor if the wiring short remains
Common causes of P2246
- Most likelyReference voltage wire shorted to heater supply or battery voltage
- PossibleInternal short between heater and Nernst cell in the sensor
- Less likelyFault in the sensor interface of the ECM
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oxygen sensor bank1 sensor1Oxygen sensor wiringECM
What each part of P2246 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2246 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 P2246
What does P2246 mean?
P2246 means "O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 1)". P2246 means the reference voltage line of the bank 1 front wide-band sensor reads too high, typically from a short to battery or heater voltage or a short inside the sensor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2246?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P2246 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2246 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 P2246 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2246 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.