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AutoCodes – Generic – P0046

P0046 Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance

Quick Answer

A smart turbocharger vane position actuator incorporates a brushless motor and is mounted on top of the turbocharger. Common causes include Faulty Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator, Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator harness is open or shorted, Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0046 indicates Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator, Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator harness is open or shorted, Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 55,549
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
What is this?
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 13, 2022
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Code P0046 Description

A smart turbocharger vane position actuator incorporates a brushless motor and is mounted on top of the turbocharger. It is connected to the vanes by a linkage rod. The vanes are used to vary the amount of boost pressure and can control the boost pressure independent of engine speed. The vanes mount to a unison ring which is rotated to change the vane angle. The Engine Control Module (ECM) communicates with the actuator via the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The ECM will vary the vane angle which adjusts the boost dependent on the load requirements of the engine. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the difference between the commanded turbocharger vane position and the actual turbocharger vane position is greater than 15%, for greater than 10 s.
OBDII Code P0046 - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance - AutoCodes.com
P0046 Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance
What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0046?

  • Faulty Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator
  • Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator harness is open or shorted
  • Turbocharger Vane Position Actuator circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Turbocharger Assembly

How to Fix the DTC P0046?

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 P0046 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 P0046 code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

  • P0046 Acura — Turbocharger Wastegate Control Actuator Circuit Range/Performance Problem
  • P0046 Chevrolet — Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance
  • P0046 GMC — Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance
  • P0046 Honda — Turbocharger Wastegate Control Actuator Circuit Range/Performance Problem
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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0046 Code

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