AutoCodes – GMC – P0046 2015 GMC Sierra

P0046 2015 GMC Sierra 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 2015 GMC Sierra 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 185

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 13, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0046 2015 GMC Sierra 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 2015 GMC Sierra - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0046 2015 GMC Sierra Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0046 2015 GMC Sierra?

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 2015 GMC Sierra?

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 2015 GMC Sierra 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 2015 GMC Sierra code?

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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 2015 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0046 mean on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

P0046 indicates an issue with the turbocharger boost control position sensor or actuator, specifically a performance problem in achieving the desired boost levels.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0046 on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include reduced engine power, poor acceleration, black smoke from the exhaust, increased fuel consumption, or the vehicle entering limp mode.

3. What causes the P0046 code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Possible causes include a faulty turbocharger boost control actuator, wiring or connector issues, a malfunctioning turbocharger, or a clogged intake or exhaust system.

4. How can I diagnose the P0046 code on my 2015 GMC Sierra?

Start by inspecting the turbocharger boost control actuator and its wiring for damage. Test the actuator's operation, check for intake or exhaust restrictions, and verify boost pressure readings with a scan tool.

5. Can I drive my 2015 GMC Sierra with a P0046 code?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can lead to reduced performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to the turbocharger or engine.

6. How do I fix the P0046 code on my 2015 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may involve replacing the turbocharger boost control actuator, fixing damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning or replacing clogged components, or addressing internal turbocharger issues.

7. What tools are needed to diagnose and repair a P0046 code?

Youâ€™ll need a diagnostic scan tool, a multimeter to check wiring, and possibly a turbocharger pressure tester or a smoke machine to check for leaks.

8. Is the turbocharger always the issue with a P0046 code?

No, the issue can also stem from electrical problems, sensor malfunctions, or intake/exhaust restrictions, so a thorough diagnosis is necessary.

9. How much does it cost to fix a P0046 code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

Repair costs can vary widely, ranging from $150 for minor wiring repairs to over $1,000 if the turbocharger or actuator needs replacement.

10. Can a dirty air filter cause the P0046 code on a 2015 GMC Sierra?

While unlikely, a severely clogged air filter can restrict airflow, potentially contributing to boost performance issues. Itâ€™s worth checking as part of diagnostics.