Code
P2046
Generic
P — Powertrain
Reductant Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
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UK: 10
EN: 19
RU: 16
AI status
Completed
Completed
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Causes
- Damaged, chafed, or pinched wiring in the sensor harness
- Corroded, loose, or contaminated connector(s) at the sensor or module
- Failed reductant temperature sensor (NTC thermistor)
- Intermittent power or ground to the sensor (including blown fuse, relay, or poor chassis ground)
- Water or DEF crystallization/contamination in connector or sensor body
- Poor splice or broken wire hidden in harness
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or SCR system warning illuminated
- One or more reductant/DEF system codes stored
- Reduced or inhibited regen or de-rate of aftertreatment functions (depending on vehicle strategy)
- Possible loss of reductant dosing heater control or heater fault messages
- Inaccurate reductant temperature readings in live data
- Intermittent operation of DEF heater (if tied to sensor)
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame and live data for reductant temperature and related reductant/DEF parameters
- Check for additional related DTCs (heater, dosing valve, NOx sensors) to help narrow cause
- Visually inspect sensor, connector, and wiring along full harness length for damage, chafing, or DEF residue
- Inspect connector for corrosion, bent pins, water ingress and ensure proper mating
- Wiggle-test wiring and connector while monitoring live data and DTC status to reproduce intermittent behavior
- Check fuses and relays that supply power to the sensor/heater circuits (if applicable)
Signal parameters
- Sensor type: typically an NTC thermistor (resistance decreases as temperature rises)
- Typical signal: resistive/voltage type; many systems present ~0.5–4.5 V across temperature range (cold-to-hot) — consult vehicle-specific data for exact values
- Open-circuit result: very high resistance or no voltage/signal (near infinite Ω or 0 V)
- Short-circuit to ground: near 0 V output; short to battery: near battery voltage on signal line
- Heater circuit (if present): switched 12 V supply when active; expected current draw depends on heater design
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve all DTCs and freeze-frame data. Note time/temp conditions when fault set.
- Monitor live reductant temperature signal while key ON and engine running (if required). Look for signal dropouts, jumps, or unrealistic values.
- Visually inspect sensor connector and harness for DEF crystals, corrosion, damage, or loose pins. Clean and reseal if contamination found.
- Perform wiggle test: with scan tool monitoring the reductant temp value, move harness and connector to try to recreate intermittent fault. If fault appears, isolate and repair wiring/connector.
- Backprobing: measure sensor signal voltage or resistance at the connector. Compare to expected vehicle-specific values and to temperature. For NTC: verify resistance changes with temperature (warm the sensor slightly and see resistance decrease).
- Check seed power and ground: verify reference supply (if present) and ground continuity from sensor harness to ECU. Check fuses/relays in the sensor/heater circuits.
- If sensor includes a heater, verify heater supply and measure current draw; check for open or intermittent heater circuit.
- If wiring and connectors test good, substitute a known-good sensor or bench-test sensor to confirm replacement need.
- Repair or replace faulty wiring, connectors, or sensor as required. Use dielectric grease where appropriate and prevent DEF ingress.
- Clear DTCs and perform functional test/drive cycle. Re-scan to ensure code does not return and system behaves normally.
Likely causes
- Connector corrosion or water/DEF contamination causing intermittent contact
- Damaged harness where it bends or routes near hot/sharp parts
- Failed sensor element (NTC) developing intermittent resistance changes
Fault status
Status
Reductant Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent — intermittent/open/short or poor connection detected in reductant temperature sensor circuit.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5 - 2.0 hours
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