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Home / DTC / P2246 — O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1

P2246 — O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1

Detailed page for trouble code P2246.

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P2246

Generic P — Powertrain

O2 Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 1

Brand: Generic
Type: P — Powertrain
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open, shorted, or damaged wiring in the O2 sensor reference circuit
  • Corroded, loose, or contaminated connector at the sensor or ECU
  • Failed or internally shorted upstream O2 sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
  • Short to battery voltage on the reference wire
  • Faulty ECU/PCM reference output (less common)
  • Aftermarket radio or accessories incorrectly tapped into sensor circuits

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Poor fuel economy or rich/lean running
  • Rough idle or hesitation under load
  • Failed emissions test
  • Stored misfire or fuel-trim related codes may appear

What to check

  • Read freeze frame and live data with a scan tool; record fuel trims and O2 sensor voltage/response
  • Check for additional DTCs that may point to wiring or module issues
  • Visually inspect wiring harness and connectors for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or aftermarket taps
  • Backprobe sensor connector and measure reference and signal voltages with key ON / engine OFF and with engine running
  • Perform continuity and resistance checks from sensor reference pin to ECM reference pin and to battery/ignition voltage to locate shorts
  • Disconnect the O2 sensor and observe if the reference voltage fault clears (helps isolate sensor vs wiring/ECM)

Signal parameters

  • Typical narrowband O2 sensor signal: ~0.1–0.9 V switching; reference nominal ~0.45 V (varies by manufacturer)
  • Reference circuit considered 'high' if reading above ~0.8–1.0 V or near battery/5 V (specific thresholds depend on OEM)
  • Heated O2 sensor heater circuit should measure as specified in OEM manual (if applicable)
  • Continuity: low ohms between sensor reference pin and ECM reference pin; open or high resistance indicates break

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Verify the code with a scan tool, record freeze frame and live data for Bank 1 Sensor 1, and check for related codes.
  2. Visually inspect the sensor and harness from the sensor to the ECM for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or recent repairs/splices.
  3. With key ON engine OFF, backprobe the sensor connector reference wire and measure voltage; compare to expected reference value from wiring diagram/manual.
  4. Measure voltage on the reference wire with engine running and observe for changes; note if voltage is abnormally high (near battery voltage) or fluctuating.
  5. Check continuity/resistance between the sensor reference pin and the corresponding ECM pin. Also check for unintended continuity to battery positive or other circuits (short-to-voltage) and to ground (short-to-ground).
  6. Disconnect the O2 sensor and clear codes, then check if the code returns. If disconnecting the sensor clears the code but it returns with sensor connected, suspect sensor or short in harness.
  7. Inspect and, if necessary, repair damaged wiring/connectors (replace corroded connector, repair chafed wire, remove improper taps).
  8. If wiring and connectors pass tests, test or replace the O2 sensor with a known-good unit and verify proper operation.
  9. If a new sensor and correct wiring do not clear the code, consult OEM wiring diagrams and test ECM reference output; replace ECM only after all wiring and sensor causes are conclusively ruled out.

Likely causes

  • Pinched or chafed reference wire contacting battery/ignition voltage
  • Water/corrosion inside sensor connector causing high resistance or cross-voltage
  • Sensor harness repair or splice with poor insulation creating a short
  • Failed sensor heating element causing erroneous circuit conditions (if reference shares heater return)
  • Loose connector pin at the ECM or sensor

Fault status

⚠️ Status
PCM reports O2 sensor reference circuit voltage above expected range for Bank 1 Sensor 1.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-3.0 hours

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Code

P2246

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

Oxygen sensor reference voltage - high circuit. Bank 1 - sensor 1

Brand: LAND ROVER
Type: P — Powertrain
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Open, shorted, or damaged wiring in the O2 sensor reference circuit
  • Corroded, loose, or contaminated connector at the sensor or ECU
  • Failed or internally shorted upstream O2 sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
  • Short to battery voltage on the reference wire
  • Faulty ECU/PCM reference output (less common)
  • Aftermarket radio or accessories incorrectly tapped into sensor circuits

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Poor fuel economy or rich/lean running
  • Rough idle or hesitation under load
  • Failed emissions test
  • Stored misfire or fuel-trim related codes may appear

What to check

  • Read freeze frame and live data with a scan tool; record fuel trims and O2 sensor voltage/response
  • Check for additional DTCs that may point to wiring or module issues
  • Visually inspect wiring harness and connectors for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or aftermarket taps
  • Backprobe sensor connector and measure reference and signal voltages with key ON / engine OFF and with engine running
  • Perform continuity and resistance checks from sensor reference pin to ECM reference pin and to battery/ignition voltage to locate shorts
  • Disconnect the O2 sensor and observe if the reference voltage fault clears (helps isolate sensor vs wiring/ECM)

Signal parameters

  • Typical narrowband O2 sensor signal: ~0.1–0.9 V switching; reference nominal ~0.45 V (varies by manufacturer)
  • Reference circuit considered 'high' if reading above ~0.8–1.0 V or near battery/5 V (specific thresholds depend on OEM)
  • Heated O2 sensor heater circuit should measure as specified in OEM manual (if applicable)
  • Continuity: low ohms between sensor reference pin and ECM reference pin; open or high resistance indicates break

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Verify the code with a scan tool, record freeze frame and live data for Bank 1 Sensor 1, and check for related codes.
  2. Visually inspect the sensor and harness from the sensor to the ECM for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or recent repairs/splices.
  3. With key ON engine OFF, backprobe the sensor connector reference wire and measure voltage; compare to expected reference value from wiring diagram/manual.
  4. Measure voltage on the reference wire with engine running and observe for changes; note if voltage is abnormally high (near battery voltage) or fluctuating.
  5. Check continuity/resistance between the sensor reference pin and the corresponding ECM pin. Also check for unintended continuity to battery positive or other circuits (short-to-voltage) and to ground (short-to-ground).
  6. Disconnect the O2 sensor and clear codes, then check if the code returns. If disconnecting the sensor clears the code but it returns with sensor connected, suspect sensor or short in harness.
  7. Inspect and, if necessary, repair damaged wiring/connectors (replace corroded connector, repair chafed wire, remove improper taps).
  8. If wiring and connectors pass tests, test or replace the O2 sensor with a known-good unit and verify proper operation.
  9. If a new sensor and correct wiring do not clear the code, consult OEM wiring diagrams and test ECM reference output; replace ECM only after all wiring and sensor causes are conclusively ruled out.

Likely causes

  • Pinched or chafed reference wire contacting battery/ignition voltage
  • Water/corrosion inside sensor connector causing high resistance or cross-voltage
  • Sensor harness repair or splice with poor insulation creating a short
  • Failed sensor heating element causing erroneous circuit conditions (if reference shares heater return)
  • Loose connector pin at the ECM or sensor

Fault status

⚠️ Status
PCM reports O2 sensor reference circuit voltage above expected range for Bank 1 Sensor 1.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.5-3.0 hours

Similar codes

P0138 P0137 P0135 P2196 P2195 P0158
320

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LAND ROVER

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