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P0A46 Cadillac 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 Cadillac 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 998

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
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0A46 Cadillac 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 Cadillac - Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0A46 Cadillac Code - Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0A46 Cadillac?

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 Cadillac?

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 Cadillac 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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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 P0A46 Cadillac Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0A46 mean on a Cadillac?

The P0A46 code indicates an issue with the Drive Motor 2 Position Sensor Performance, typically related to the hybrid or electric drive system in the vehicle.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P0A46 code?

Symptoms can include reduced engine performance, activation of the check engine light, limited power in hybrid or electric mode, and possible difficulty in acceleration.

3. What causes the P0A46 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty drive motor position sensor, wiring or connector issues, software glitches in the vehicle's control module, or internal damage to the drive motor assembly.

4. Is it safe to drive a Cadillac with the P0A46 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, it is not recommended as the issue can lead to further damage to the hybrid or electric drive system and reduced overall performance.

5. How is the P0A46 code diagnosed?

A mechanic will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the drive motor position sensor and its wiring, and may perform tests on the hybrid drive motor system to pinpoint the issue.

6. How do you fix the P0A46 code?

Repairs may involve replacing the drive motor position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, updating the vehicleâ€™s software, or addressing internal motor issues.

7. Can a bad drive motor position sensor cause other problems?

Yes, a faulty sensor can affect the hybrid system's ability to function properly, leading to reduced fuel efficiency, limited power, and potential damage to other drivetrain components.

8. How much does it cost to fix a P0A46 code on a Cadillac?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, ranging from $200 to $1,500 or more, depending on whether it's a simple sensor replacement or a more complex motor repair.

9. Can the P0A46 code be caused by a dead hybrid battery?

While not a direct cause, a failing hybrid battery can exacerbate issues with the drive motor system and may trigger related codes, so itâ€™s important to inspect both.

10. Can I clear the P0A46 code without fixing the issue?

You can clear the code temporarily with an OBDII scanner, but it will likely return unless the underlying problem is resolved.