AutoCodes – GMC – P0046 2018 GMC Sierra

P0046 2018 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 2018 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 248

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 2018 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 2018 GMC Sierra - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0046 2018 GMC Sierra Code - Turbocharger Boost Control Position Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0046 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 GMC Sierra Code

What does the OBDII code P0046 mean for a 2018 GMC Sierra?

The P0046 code indicates that there is a performance issue with the turbocharger boost control position, which affects the engine's ability to generate the desired boost pressure.

What are some common symptoms of the P0046 code?

Common symptoms include reduced engine power, poor acceleration, check engine light illumination, and possible turbo lag or inconsistent boost levels.

What could cause the P0046 code to trigger?

Possible causes include a faulty turbocharger, issues with the boost control solenoid, vacuum leaks, wiring problems, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

How can I diagnose the P0046 code?

To diagnose the P0046 code, use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the code, inspect the turbocharger and its related components, check for vacuum leaks, and test the boost control solenoid's operation.

Is it safe to drive with a P0046 code?

While it may be possible to drive with a P0046 code, it is not recommended due to potential reduced engine performance and efficiency. It's best to address the issue as soon as possible.

What repairs are typically needed to fix the P0046 code?

Repairs may include replacing a faulty turbocharger, fixing or replacing the boost control solenoid, repairing any damaged wiring, or addressing vacuum leaks in the system.

Can a dirty air filter cause the P0046 code?

Yes, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow, affecting the turbocharger's performance and potentially triggering the P0046 code.

How much might it cost to repair a P0046 code issue?

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the underlying cause but may range from $100 for a simple vacuum leak to over $1,000 for turbocharger replacement.

Will clearing the code fix the problem?

Clearing the code will not fix the underlying issue. The code may return if the root cause is not addressed, so proper diagnosis and repair are necessary.