P246E code meaning
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 4)
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P246E means
P246E is the general code for the fourth exhaust temperature probe on bank 1, usually the last one in the aftertreatment line. Ford's diesels give it a model check rather than an electrical one: after a cold start the measured EGT14 value may differ from the modelled temperature by no more than 80 °C, the comparison lasting 200 to 400 s and the deviation having to persist for 20 s. Dedicated low and high signal faults of the same probe go to P2470 and P2471, and sensor-to-sensor plausibility to P246F. Volvo Trucks lists P246E-15 among the EGT faults on VNL tractors whose fix is replacing the affected exhaust temperature sensor (RD24-034). CARB requires continuity and rationality checks on emission-relevant inputs. A bad value often pauses regeneration or DEF dosing.
P246E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P246E
- MIL on
- Value of the last exhaust probe deviates from expectation
- Regeneration or DEF dosing suspended
Common causes of P246E
- Most likelyProbe aged or failed, reading far from the model
- PossibleProbe loose or not reaching into the gas stream
- Less likelyExhaust leak near the probe cooling the reading
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Egt sensor b1s4
What each part of P246E 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). |
| 6E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P246E 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 P246E
What does P246E mean?
P246E means "Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 4)". P246E is the general code for the fourth exhaust temperature probe on bank 1, usually the last one in the aftertreatment line. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P246E?
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 P246E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P246E 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 P246E to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P246E 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.