P246C code meaning
Particulate Filter Restriction - Forced Limited Power (Bank 1)
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P246C means
P246C is the final stage of the bank 1 filter loading monitor: the filter is judged so clogged that the controller reduces engine output to protect engine and filter. Ford uses it on diesels with an immediate MIL plus wrench light. In the 2015 summary a normalised restriction of twice the normal soot value above 625 rpm for 300 s sets it and EGR is switched off; the 2023 summary uses an estimated soot mass of 200 % of the normal regeneration trigger. Ford's 2024 gasoline summary applies the code to the gasoline filter as well, with normalised back pressure above 1.0 for 5 s once the filter is above 250 °C at 400–850 m³/h. Ford bulletins for the 3.2 L Transit (18-2064) and 6.7 L Super Duty (21-2052) pair it with P2463 and fix it by forced regeneration or new PCM software. Bank 2 is P243B.
P246C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P246C
- MIL and service or wrench light on
- Marked loss of power (limp mode)
- Drive-to-clean or filter full message
Common causes of P246C
- Most likelySoot overload after repeatedly missed or aborted regenerations
- PossibleMostly stationary or low-speed operation without full regenerations
- PossibleFilter at the end of its life with high ash content
- Less likelyPCM calibration overestimating soot load (Ford bulletins)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
DPF b1
What each part of P246C 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). |
| 6C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P246C 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 P246C
What does P246C mean?
P246C means "Particulate Filter Restriction - Forced Limited Power (Bank 1)". P246C is the final stage of the bank 1 filter loading monitor: the filter is judged so clogged that the controller reduces engine output to protect engine and filter. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P246C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P246C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P246C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P246C 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 P246C to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P246C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.