P2146 Fuel Injector Group A Circuit / Open
OBD2 Error Codes

P2146 Fuel Injector Group A Circuit / Open

OBD-II Trouble Code - P2146 - Data Sheet

P2146 - Group A Fuel Injector Circuit/Open

What does trouble code P2146 mean?

This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and is commonly applied to OBD-II vehicles. This may include but is not limited to vehicles from Dodge Ram (Cummins), GMC Chevrolet (Duramax), VW, Audi, Ford (Powerstroke), Mercedes Sprinter, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Nissan, Saab, Mitsubishi, etc. exact stages Repairs may vary depending on the year of manufacture, make, model and transmission configuration.

Fuel injectors are an integral part of the fuel delivery systems in modern vehicles.

Fuel delivery systems use a different number of components to control and monitor volume, time, pressure, etc. The systems are combined with an ECM (Engine Control Module). Fuel injectors were introduced as a replacement for the carburetor because the injectors are more efficient and effective in managing fuel delivery. As a result, they have improved our fuel efficiency, and engineers are actively developing more ideal ways to improve the efficiency of this design.

Given the fact that the atomization of the injector is electronically controlled, the supply voltage is critical to the delivery of fuel to the cylinders. However, a problem in this circuit can and / or cause significant handling problems among other potential hazards / symptoms.

The group letter "A" in this code is used to distinguish which circuit the fault belongs to. To determine how this applies to your specific vehicle, you need to consult the manufacturer's technical information. Some examples of differences with nozzles: bank 1, 2, etc., Twin nozzles, individual nozzles, etc.

The ECM turns on a malfunction indicator lamp (malfunction indicator lamp) with code P2146 and / or related codes (P2147, P2148) when it monitors for a problem in the supply voltage to the fuel injectors and / or their circuits. It should be noted that the fuel injector harnesses are routed in close proximity to extreme temperatures. Due to the location of the belts, they are not resistant to physical damage. With this in mind, I will say that in most cases it will be a mechanical problem.

P2146 Group A Fuel Injector Circuit / Open Active when the ECM detects an open or a malfunction in the fuel injector supply voltage circuit.

What is the severity of this DTC?

Pretty harsh, I'd say. In the field, we call the lack of fuel in the combusted mixture the "lean" state. When your engine is running on a lean mixture, you run the risk of causing serious engine damage both in the near and distant future. With this in mind, always keep an eye on the maintenance of your engine. There is some diligence here, so let's keep our engines running smoothly and efficiently. After all, they pull our weight to transport us every day.

What are some symptoms of code P2104?

The Check Engine light will come on and the code will be set in the ECM memory as a fault along with the DTC that caused the ECU to go into fault mode in the event of another fault. The engine will not accelerate and respond to the gas pedal, and the engine will only idle. The symptoms detected will depend on the problem that caused the crash mode.

Symptoms of a P2146 trouble code may include:

  • Unstable engine performance
  • Misfire
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Unstable idle
  • Excessive smoke
  • Engine noise (s)
  • Lack of power
  • Can't climb steep hills
  • Reduced throttle response

What are some of the common causes for the code?

The engine control module is in fault control due to a serious malfunction in the throttle actuator control system and sets code P2104 to limit engine idling to closed throttle only.

The cause is a failure of the throttle actuator control system, which can lead to other DTCs, or the throttle was partially open during vehicle start and the ECM detected that the throttle was open.

Reasons for this P2146 fuel injector group supply voltage code may include:

  • Defective or damaged fuel injectors
  • Damaged wire harness
  • Internal wiring malfunction
  • Internal ECM problem
  • Connector problem

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P2146?

Basic step # 1

The first recommended step is to determine which "group" of sensors the manufacturer is talking about. With this information, you will be able to find the physical location of the injector(s) and their circuits. This may require the removal of numerous engine covers and/or components to gain visual access (if possible). Be sure to check the harness for broken wires. Any worn insulation should be properly repaired with heat shrink tubing to prevent further and/or future problems.

Basic step # 2

Sometimes water and / or liquids can get stuck in the valleys where the nozzles are installed. This increases the likelihood that the sensor connectors, among other electrical connections, will corrode faster than normal. Make sure everything is in order and the tabs on the connectors are properly sealing the connection. Feel free to use some kind of electrical contact cleaner to keep everything plugging in and out smoothly, not to mention increasing electrical connections in connections using this product.

Basic step # 3

Check for continuity by following the troubleshooting steps in your specific vehicle service manual. One example is to disconnect the supply voltage from the ECM and fuel injector and then use a multimeter to determine if the wires are in good working order.

One test I like to do to quickly determine if there is an open in a particular wire that can help with code P2146 is to perform a "continuity test". Set the multimeter to RESISTANCE (also known as ohms, impedance, etc.), touch one end to one end of the circuit, and the other end to the other end. Any value higher than desired may indicate a problem in the circuit. Any problem here will need to be determined by tracing the specific wire you are diagnosing.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P2104

  • Clearing ECM memory codes before checking freeze frame data for the underlying problem of the failure so that the failure can be duplicated and corrected.
  • Unable to clear ECM codes after correcting codes
  • Diagnosing Code P2104 Before First Diagnosing Other Throttle Control System Codes

How serious is the P2104 code?

Code P2104 indicates that the ECM is in fault control mode and has limited engine speed because the throttle control actuator system is malfunctioning. The problem may be in another system causing the problem.

What repairs can fix code P2104?

  • Diagnosis and correction of other codes received for TAC before addressing code P2104.
  • Removing an obstruction that is holding the accelerator open, such as a carpet or floor mat.

Additional comments to consider regarding code P2104

Code P2104 is an informational code that in most cases alerts you to another fault that has triggered the failure mode and caused the engine to only idle. The most common reason for the code to appear is when the car starts with the throttle open while the engine is starting.

What is P2104 Engine Code [Quick Guide]

Need more help with the P2146 code?

If you still need help with DTC P2146, post a question in the comments below this article.

NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.

4 comment

  • IBRD

    I would like to know that when I park the car for 1-2 days and start it about 20-30 The engine light shows, so I connect the OBD2 code value P2146, how to fix it?

  • anonym

    Hello, I have a 2.0 tsi mk6 vento, could anyone tell me what voltage reaches the fuel injectors?

  • Daniel

    Hello, I have a 2.0 tsi mk6 vento, could anyone tell me what voltage reaches the fuel injectors?

  • Marco

    for me it was about 5V.

    for cylinders 1 and 4, however, it was also 0,04V directly at the control unit.

    did you manage to fix your mistake?

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