P246A code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P246A means
P246A flags a third bank 2 exhaust temperature probe whose reading jumps from sample to sample faster than real gas temperature could, even though every single value stays inside the legal range. The bank 2 code itself is not described by any manufacturer in public material. GM's diesel tables run the equivalent quick-change test for other probes every 100 ms: the 2025 tables count a step above 100 °C between samples, fail after 12 of 25 samples and confirm the fault in a second trip (Type B). CARB expects such erratic-signal checks on emission inputs. Loose terminals, corroded pins and harness strands weakened by heat and vibration are the usual reasons, sometimes a cracked sensor element. A steady but wrong value is P2467, a permanent short or open P2468 or P2469.
P246A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P246A
- MIL on after a repeated fault
- Temperature trace jumps in live data
- Fault may come and go with bumps or engine heat
Common causes of P246A
- Most likelyLoose or corroded terminal in the probe connector
- PossibleHarness strands broken by heat and vibration
- Less likelyCracked sensing element giving unstable contact
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Egt sensor b2s3
What each part of P246A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 6A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P246A 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 P246A
What does P246A mean?
P246A means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic (Bank 2 Sensor 3)". P246A flags a third bank 2 exhaust temperature probe whose reading jumps from sample to sample faster than real gas temperature could, even though every single value stays inside the legal range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P246A?
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 P246A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P246A 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 P246A to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P246A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.