AutoCodes – GMC – P0046 2016 GMC Sierra

P0046 2016 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 2016 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 267

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 2016 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 2016 GMC Sierra - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0046 2016 GMC Sierra Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0046 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 GMC Sierra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0046 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Common symptoms include reduced engine power, poor acceleration, a noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency, and the vehicle going into "limp mode."

2. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P0046 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- The code P0046 is typically triggered by issues with the turbocharger boost control position sensor, such as a faulty sensor, damaged wiring, or a poor connection.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0046 in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Diagnosing the issue involves checking the turbocharger boost control position sensor for proper operation, inspecting the sensor wiring for damage, and ensuring there are no loose connections.

4. Can I continue driving my 2016 GMC Sierra with OBDII code P0046?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with code P0046 present, as it can lead to further damage to the turbocharger system and other components. It's best to address the issue promptly.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P0046 in my 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Repairing code P0046 may involve replacing the turbocharger boost control position sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing any loose connections to resolve the issue.

6. Will resetting the OBDII code P0046 in my 2016 GMC Sierra make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue causing code P0046 is not addressed, the code is likely to return.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0046 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Depending on your skill level and access to tools, DIY enthusiasts may be able to diagnose and repair code P0046 by replacing the turbocharger boost control position sensor or addressing wiring issues.

8. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P0046 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- The repair time for code P0046 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue. It may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to diagnose and repair the problem.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect OBDII code P0046 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- Extreme weather conditions can potentially exacerbate existing issues related to code P0046, especially if there are wiring problems or sensor malfunctions that are sensitive to temperature changes.

10. Is it necessary to have a professional mechanic clear OBDII code P0046 in a 2016 GMC Sierra?

- While professional help is recommended for accurate diagnosis and repair, you can clear the code yourself using an OBDII scanner. However, the underlying issue should still be addressed to prevent the code from reoccurring.