AutoCodes – Generic – B0446

B0446 Code - Right Air Temperature Actuator

Quick Answer

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module commands the left air temperature actuator movement with one of three voltage signals applied to the left air temperature door control circuit. Common causes include Faulty Right Air Temperature Actuator, Right Air Temperature Actuator harness is open or shorted, Right Air Temperature Actuator circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical. The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

What it means: B0446 indicates Right Air Temperature Actuator.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Right Air Temperature Actuator, Right Air Temperature Actuator harness is open or shorted, Right Air Temperature Actuator circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical.
Can I drive?: The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

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Code Popularity 3,458

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Low (Monitor) (1 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 11, 2021

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code B0446 Description

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Control Module commands the left air temperature actuator movement with one of three voltage signals applied to the left air temperature door control circuit. A low voltage of zero volts moves the left air temperature door toward full cold. A voltage of 2.5 volts stops the door. A voltage of 5 volts moves the left air temperature door toward full hot. The HVAC control module determines the current position of the actuator by monitoring the feedback voltage of the left air temperature door position signal circuit. The feedback potentiometer position is a function of the actuator position. A high voltage indicates a full cold left air temperature door position. A low voltage indicates a full hot left air temperature door position. The HVAC control module controls the left air temperature door position in order to maintain the selected air temperature.
Whenever the HVAC control module keep alive memory battery power is interrupted, the HVAC control module will perform a recalibration of the actuators. During recalibration, the HVAC control module will drive the actuators to their minimum and maximum travel extremes. The HVAC control module will then calculate a travel range from this data and compare it to a calibrated range within the HVAC control module. If the actual travel range is not within the calibrated expected range, the actuator will be considered not calibrated and the DTC will set.

OBDII Code B0446 - Right Air Temperature Actuator - AutoCodes.com — B0446 Code - Right Air Temperature Actuator

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B0446?

Faulty Right Air Temperature Actuator
Right Air Temperature Actuator harness is open or shorted
Right Air Temperature Actuator circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Auxiliary Heating and Cooling Systems (HVAC) Control Module

How to Fix the DTC B0446?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B0446 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B0446 code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

B0446 Buick — Right Air Temperature Actuator
B0446 Cadillac — Right Air Temperature Actuator
B0446 Chevrolet — Right Air Temperature Actuator
B0446 GMC — Right Air Temperature Actuator

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.