P246F
Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1 Sensor 4P246F is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1 Sensor 4. It is logged by the engine control unit when the dpf monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P246F means
P246F is a generic SAE powertrain code indicating that the PCM/ECM has detected a range or performance issue with the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) sensor circuit on Bank 1, Sensor 4. Unlike a circuit low/high fault, a range/performance fault means the sensor signal is electrically valid — the voltage is within the expected operating window — but the temperature value being reported is implausible given operating conditions, fails to respond correctly to changes in exhaust flow, or deviates significantly from modelled or cross-referenced EGT values. Sensor 4 is the furthest downstream position in the Bank 1 exhaust train and is typically located after the diesel particulate filter (DPF), making this sensor critical for DPF regeneration monitoring and aftertreatment system control.
Common triggers include a sensor that has drifted out of calibration over time, contamination or heat-related degradation of the sensing element, intermittent wiring faults (chafing, corroded connectors) that produce erratic readings, or exhaust leaks upstream of the sensor that artificially alter the temperature profile reaching it. Because Sensor 4 sits downstream of the DPF, a failed or missing DPF substrate can also produce out-of-range temperature correlations that set this code.
Diagnosis begins with a thorough scan for related EGT and DPF codes (P246x, P2459, P2463, P244x), live data comparison of all EGT sensors during a drive cycle, and a careful visual inspection of the Sensor 4 wiring harness and connector for heat damage or corrosion.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P246F is logged.
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1
Faulty or degraded EGT Sensor 4 (drift/contamination after prolonged heat exposure)
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2
Corroded, damaged, or intermittent connector/wiring at Sensor 4
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3
Exhaust leak upstream of Sensor 4 causing abnormal temperature readings
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4
Failed or missing DPF substrate altering downstream temperature profile
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5
PCM/ECM software fault or calibration issue misinterpreting valid sensor data
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6
Contamination of sensor tip by oil, coolant, or DPF ash deposits
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7
High-resistance fault in sensor ground or reference voltage circuit
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P246F
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Perform a full scan for all stored and pending DTCs; note any related P244x, P245x, P246x, P2459, or P2463 codes
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2
Access live EGT sensor data and compare Sensor 4 readings against Sensors 1–3 during cold start, idle, and a moderate load drive
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3
Inspect the Sensor 4 wiring harness and connector for chafing, heat damage, corrosion, or pushed-back terminals
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4
Measure Sensor 4 resistance at the sensor connector and compare to manufacturer specification for the current temperature
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5
Check reference voltage and ground integrity at the sensor connector with a multimeter
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6
Inspect for exhaust leaks at joints, flex pipes, and DPF inlet/outlet upstream of Sensor 4
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7
Clear codes and perform a complete drive cycle; confirm repair by verifying no reoccurrence of P246F and that DPF regeneration completes normally
Vehicles where we've handled P246F
Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P246F coverage.
Related powertrain codes
- P2002 — Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
- P2003 — Diesel Particulate Filter Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2
- P200C — Diesel Particulate Filter Over Temperature Bank 1
- P200D — Diesel Particulate Filter Over Temperature Bank 2
- P200E — Catalyst System Over Temperature Bank 1
- P226D — Particulate Filter Deteriorated / Missing Substrate Bank 1
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with P246F set?
Short-term driving is generally possible, but the MIL indicates that DPF regeneration monitoring is compromised. Prolonged driving risks DPF over-loading with soot, which can lead to expensive DPF replacement or forced regeneration lockout.
Why is Sensor 4 called a 'range/performance' fault rather than circuit high or low?
A range/performance fault means the sensor voltage is within the electrically plausible window but the temperature value is implausible — for example, it reads colder than all upstream sensors at full load, fails to rise during a regeneration event, or jumps erratically. The ECM considers the signal electrically alive but functionally incorrect.
Where exactly is Bank 1 Sensor 4 located?
On a diesel with a DPF, Sensor 4 is the furthest downstream EGT sensor on Bank 1. It is mounted in the exhaust pipe after (downstream of) the diesel particulate filter, typically before or at the catalytic converter/SCR system.
Is P246F more common on any particular makes or models?
This code appears most frequently on diesel-engine vehicles with full DPF/SCR aftertreatment systems — notably European diesel passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (VAG group, Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz diesels) and some diesel pickup trucks.
Disabling P246F in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P246F — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
ECUs with a P246F disable in our catalogue
Confirmed coverage from our recipe database — we support many more families. Upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.
- Bosch EDC17C50 verified 1 software version
- Bosch EDC17C74 verified 1 software version
- Bosch EDC17CP09 verified 1 software version
- Bosch EDC17CP44 verified 1 software version
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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