AutoCodesKIA – P2246 KIA

P2246 KIA Code - O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1

Quick Answer

The Front Oxygen Sensor (O2 Sensor 1) is placed into the exhaust manifold. Common causes include Faulty Front Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Front Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Front Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 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
P2246 KIA indicates O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Front Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Front Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Front Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 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.
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Code Popularity 1,506
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P2246 KIA Description

The Front Oxygen Sensor (O2 Sensor 1) is placed into the exhaust manifold. It detects the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas compared to the outside air. The heated oxygen sensor 1 has a closed-end tube made of ceramic zirconia. The zirconia generates voltage from approximately 1V in richer conditions to 0V in leaner conditions. The heated oxygen sensor 1 signal is sent to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM adjusts the injection pulse duration to achieve the ideal air-fuel ratio. The ideal air-fuel ratio occurs near the radical change from 1V to 0V.
OBDII Code P2246 KIA - O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1 - AutoCodes.com
P2246 KIA Code - O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2246 KIA?

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

How to Fix the DTC P2246 KIA?

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 P2246 KIA 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 P2246 KIA code?

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Need Help with the 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 P2246 KIA Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2246 mean for a Kia?

The code P2246 indicates an issue with the O2 sensor reference voltage circuit being too high for Bank 1 Sensor 1.

2. What are the symptoms of code P2246 in a Kia?

Symptoms may include poor fuel economy, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and an illuminated check engine light.

3. What causes the P2246 code to appear in a Kia?

Common causes include a faulty O2 sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a malfunctioning ECM, or a short circuit in the reference voltage circuit.

4. How do I diagnose the P2246 code in my Kia?

Diagnose by using a scan tool to check live data, inspecting the O2 sensor wiring for damage, and testing the sensor's reference voltage with a multimeter.

5. Is it safe to drive my Kia with the P2246 code active?

While the vehicle may remain drivable, continuing to drive with this code can lead to poor performance and increased emissions, so it’s best to address the issue promptly.

6. Can a bad O2 sensor cause the P2246 code in a Kia?

Yes, a failing or damaged O2 sensor is a common cause of this code.

7. How do I fix the P2246 code in my Kia?

Repairs may include replacing the O2 sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or addressing issues with the ECM if necessary.

8. What tools do I need to fix the P2246 code on a Kia?

You’ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter, and basic tools to inspect and replace the O2 sensor or repair wiring.

9. How much does it cost to repair the P2246 code in a Kia?

The cost depends on the issue, but O2 sensor replacement typically ranges from $150 to $400, including parts and labor.

10. Can a software update fix the P2246 code in a Kia?

In rare cases, an ECM software update may resolve the issue, but this is less common than hardware-related fixes.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P2246 KIA OBDII Code

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