OBD Guide

P0046

Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Circuit Range/Performance

Severity
🔴 High
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$167–889 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Loss of engine power
  • Black or white smoke from the exhaust pipe
  • Unusual sounds when the turbocharger is operating
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Unstable engine idling
  • Activating emergency engine operation

Causes

  • Turbocharger actuator malfunction
  • Damage to the boost pressure sensor
  • Open or short circuit in the electrical circuit
  • Clogged or damaged vacuum lines
  • Seizing of variable geometry turbine blades
  • Engine ECU malfunction
  • Mechanical damage to the turbocharger

How to Fix

  1. Connect a diagnostic scanner and read additional error codes
  2. Check the electrical connections and wiring harnesses of the turbine control circuit
  3. Test the boost pressure sensor and its circuit
  4. Check the operation of the turbocharger actuator
  5. Inspect vacuum lines for damage
  6. Check the mechanical condition of the turbocharger
  7. If necessary, replace faulty components
  8. Clear error codes and test drive

Related codes

Error P0046 by Vehicle Brand