AutoCodes – Generic – P0A46

P0A46 Code - Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance

Quick Answer

The drive motor generator position sensor is monitored by the motor control module. Common causes include Faulty Drive Motor Generator, Drive Motor Generator harness is open or shorted, Drive Motor Generator 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: P0A46 indicates Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Drive Motor Generator, Drive Motor Generator harness is open or shorted, Drive Motor Generator 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 5,955

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 Mar 07, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0A46 Description

The drive motor generator position sensor is monitored by the motor control module. The motor control module monitors the angular position, speed and direction of the drive motor generator rotor based upon the signals of the resolver-type position sensor. The position sensor contains a drive coil, two driven coils and an irregular shaped metallic rotor. The metallic rotor is mechanically attached to the shaft of the drive motor generator. At vehicle ON, the motor control module outputs a 7 volt ac, 10 kHz excitation signal to the drive coil. The drive coil excitation signal creates a magnetic field surrounding the two driven coils and the irregular shaped rotor. The motor control module then monitors the two driven coil circuits for a return signal. The position of the irregular metallic rotor causes the magnetically-induced return signals of the driven coils to vary in size and shape. A comparison of the two driven coils signals allows the motor control module to determine the exact position, speed and direction of the drive motor generator rotor. The position sensor is a non-serviceable part of the drive motor generator.

OBDII Code P0A46 - Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0A46 Code - Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0A46?

Faulty Drive Motor Generator
Drive Motor Generator harness is open or shorted
Drive Motor Generator circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0A46?

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 P0A46 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.

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Information for Specific Makes

P0A46 Buick — Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance
P0A46 Cadillac — Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance
P0A46 Chevrolet — Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance
P0A46 GMC — Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance
P0A46 Saturn — Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance

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.