AutoCodes – Mercedes-Benz – P0146 Mercedes-Benz

P0146 Mercedes-Benz Code - O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 1 Sensor 3

Quick Answer

The rear heated oxygen sensor (or sensor 3 for some vehicles), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3 harness is open or shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means
P0146 Mercedes-Benz indicates O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 1 Sensor 3.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3 harness is open or shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3 circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?
The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 4,327
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0146 Mercedes-Benz Description

The rear heated oxygen sensor (or sensor 3 for some vehicles), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. Even if switching characteristics of the heated oxygen sensor 1 are shifted, the air-fuel ratio is controlled to stoichiometric, by the signal from the heated oxygen sensor 3.
This sensor is made of ceramic zirconia. The zirconia generates voltage from approximately 1V in richer conditions to 0V in leaner conditions. Under normal conditions the heated oxygen sensor 3 is not used for engine control operation.
OBDII Code P0146 Mercedes-Benz - O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 1 Sensor 3 - AutoCodes.com
P0146 Mercedes-Benz Code - O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 1 Sensor 3

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0146 Mercedes-Benz?

  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3 harness is open or shorted
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 3 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0146 Mercedes-Benz?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0146 Mercedes-Benz 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 P0146 Mercedes-Benz code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0146 Mercedes-Benz code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0146 Mercedes-Benz code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P0146 Mercedes-Benz Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0146 in a Mercedes-Benz?

The common symptoms include poor fuel economy, engine misfires, rough idling, and a noticeable decrease in engine performance.

2. What does the OBDII code P0146 on a Mercedes-Benz indicate?

The code P0146 signifies that there is no activity detected in the O2 sensor circuit for Bank 1 Sensor 3, meaning the sensor is not providing the expected feedback to the engine control module.

3. What are the potential causes of O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 1 Sensor 3 in a Mercedes-Benz?

Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, exhaust leaks, or issues with the engine control module.

4. How can I diagnose the O2 sensor circuit issue in my Mercedes-Benz related to code P0146?

Diagnosis typically involves checking the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the oxygen sensor for proper functionality, and verifying the fuse related to the circuit.

5. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code P0146 in a Mercedes-Benz?

It is not recommended to continue driving with this code as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the engine over time.

6. Can I repair the O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected issue in my Mercedes-Benz myself?

If you have the necessary tools and expertise, you may be able to repair the issue yourself by replacing the faulty oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing any other identified causes.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0146 in a Mercedes-Benz?

The cost of repairing this issue can vary depending on the specific cause, but it generally ranges from $100 to $400 for parts and labor.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code P0146 in my Mercedes-Benz make the issue go away?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear it, but if the underlying problem is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear once the vehicle is driven again.

9. Can a Mercedes-Benz dealership or mechanic easily fix O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 1 Sensor 3?

Yes, a dealership or qualified mechanic with experience in Mercedes-Benz vehicles should be able to diagnose and repair the issue effectively.

10. How often should the O2 sensors be replaced in a Mercedes-Benz to prevent issues like code P0146?

O2 sensors typically last around 100,000 miles, but it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and replace them as needed to avoid potential problems.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0146 Mercedes-Benz OBDII Code

Code P0146 Mercedes-Benz comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play