P2246

Code

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

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

Brand: LAND ROVER

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 19 EN: 30 RU: 34

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Page language: EN

Causes

Damaged or shorted O2 sensor signal/reference wiring (short to battery/ignition voltage)
Corroded, loose or contaminated sensor connector or pins
Faulty oxygen sensor (internal short or contamination)
Poor engine/chassis ground or power supply problem
Faulty ECM/PCM or internal reference circuit failure
Water intrusion or pin corrosion in connector harness

Symptoms

Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
Stored P2246 fault and possibly other oxygen sensor or fuel trim codes
Poor idle quality, hesitation or rough running
Decreased fuel economy and increased emissions
Failed emissions/inspection test

What to check

Read and record freeze frame and live data (fuel trims, O2 sensor voltages) with a scan tool
Visually inspect sensor wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, melted insulation, or rodent chew
Backprobe the Bank 1 Sensor 1 connector to measure reference, signal and ground voltages with ignition ON and engine running per service manual
Check continuity and resistance between sensor connector and PCM connector for signal, reference and ground pins
Inspect and verify proper battery and ignition power circuits and engine/chassis grounds
Check for related codes and multiple sensor circuit faults that point to a shared supply/ground issue

Signal parameters

Typical narrowband upstream O2 sensor signal: ~0.0–1.0 V (switching around ~0.4–0.6 V). Exact switching threshold varies by manufacturer.
Reference supply used by ECU for O2 circuit (if present) commonly ~0.45 V (or low-voltage reference) — consult Land Rover service data for exact value.
Heater circuit (if heated sensor): expected continuity and appropriate voltage/current when commanded on (typically ~12V switched + ground) — check against spec.

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve freeze frame, all stored codes and live data; note whether code is current or intermittent.
Perform a thorough visual inspection of Bank 1 Sensor 1 harness and connector for damage, corrosion, melting or water ingress; repair any visible faults.
With connector attached, backprobe sensor signal, reference and ground wires. With key ON/engine running (as specified), compare voltages to manufacturer spec; look for abnormally high voltage on reference or signal circuits.
Disconnect the O2 sensor and see if the code clears or changes (some vehicles set a different code when sensor is unplugged) — do NOT drive with the sensor disconnected for long periods.
Check continuity and for shorts to battery voltage on the signal/reference wires between the sensor connector and PCM connector. Wiggle harness while monitoring to detect intermittent faults.
Verify engine/chassis grounds and supply voltages to the PCM; repair any poor grounds or supply issues.
If wiring and grounds check OK, test or replace the Bank 1 Sensor 1 (use OEM spec replacement). After replacement clear codes and road test to confirm.
If problem persists after sensor replacement and wiring verified, suspect PCM internal fault; perform PCM bench tests or replace PCM only after exhausting wiring and sensor diagnostics and confirming with manufacturer guidance.

Likely causes

Short in sensor signal/reference wire to constant 12V or switched 5V rail
Open or high resistance ground(s) for sensor or PCM
Failed upstream heated O2 sensor (internal fault)
Connector corrosion or bent pins at sensor or PCM
PCM reference output failed

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will be illuminated when code is active. Code indicates an electrical fault on the Bank 1 Sensor 1 oxygen sensor reference/signal circuit; other O2-related codes or fuel trim adaptations may also be present. Repair required to restore proper emissions and drivability.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1-3 hours

Repair manuals

Manual library for LAND ROVER

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Browse 413 LAND ROVER manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

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P2246 — Oxygen sensor reference voltage - high circuit. Bank 1 - sensor 1