P0046 Turbocharger boost control circuit performance fault

Turbocharger/supercharger boost control solenoid circuit range/performance

P0046 in short

P0046 means the engine computer sees a boost control problem on a turbocharged engine, most often the boost control solenoid or variable-vane actuator, its wiring or connectors. You may notice less power and the engine can be damaged if it is ignored. Have it checked soon and avoid heavy loads until it is.

On a turbocharged engine the computer controls how much boost is made by moving a wastegate or the vanes of a variable-geometry turbo, using a solenoid or an electric actuator. It checks that the boost control follows its command. P0046 sets when the boost control circuit does not perform as expected.

TroubleCodes.net and Kelley Blue Book both name the boost control solenoid or actuator, the wiring and connectors, and a boost sensor as the places to look. On the diesel trucks in the bulletins, the actuator is the part Ford and Ram replace.

General Motors has found software to be the cause on 2018 Silverado and Sierra trucks, so a dealer should check for an engine computer update before parts are replaced.

Most likely causes

  1. Boost control solenoid or turbo vane actuator

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a defective boost control solenoid and Kelley Blue Book lists the variable geometry turbo actuator or boost solenoid; both name it first.
    What would change this
    Rises if the actuator does not follow commands or the turbo makes unusual noise. Falls if it responds correctly in a bidirectional test.

  2. Turbocharger actuator on the 6.7L diesel (Ford Super Duty, Ram 2500/3500)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ram bulletin 0900522 replaces the turbocharger actuator for P0046 with P003A and P00AF, and Ford SSM 50564 releases the vane actuator as a separate part for 2020-2022 Super Duty. Unverified bulletin summaries.
    What would change this
    Rises on a listed 6.7L truck with lack of power, turbo noise and several boost codes. Falls on other engines.

  3. Engine control module software (2018 Silverado and Sierra)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM bulletin PIP5614 says P0046, P113B and P206B may come from a software anomaly corrected by updating the ECM. Preliminary information only.
    What would change this
    Rises on a listed truck if the software is not at the latest level. Falls if it is current.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  4. Damaged wiring or loose, corroded connectors

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net and Kelley Blue Book both list wiring and connector faults in the boost control circuit.
    What would change this
    Rises if a connector is corroded or the harness is chafed or heat damaged. Falls if the circuit checks good.

  5. Boost pressure or wastegate sensor

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Both references list a faulty boost sensor, but a sensor fault usually sets its own code first.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor reading disagrees with actual boost or other sensors. Falls if it reads sensibly.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data. Note whether P003A, P00AF, P0234, P0299 or other boost codes are stored with P0046.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an engine computer update or a boost actuator bulletin for P0046.

    Low risk

  3. With the engine off and cool, look at the boost control solenoid or actuator connector and nearby wiring for corrosion, loose pins or heat damage.

    Low risk

  4. Have a shop command the boost control solenoid or actuator with a scan tool, compare commanded and actual boost, and check the actuator travel.

    Best left to a shopTool: bidirectional scan tool

    Warning:The turbocharger and exhaust are very hot and the test runs the engine under load. Boost leaks and a moving actuator arm can cause burns or injury.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Less power and weak acceleration
  • Hissing, unusual turbo noise or black smoke
  • Higher engine temperatures

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open software or actuator bulletin for P0046.

  2. With the engine off and cool, check that the boost control connector is fully seated and free of corrosion.

Parts and cost context

  • Engine control module (ECM / PCM):GM treats some P0046 cases as a software update, not a part. Check bulletins before replacing hardware; labour varies, so get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ram

  • 2015 · 3500

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ram bulletin 0900522 replaces the turbocharger actuator for P0046 and related boost codes on 2015 Ram 2500 and 3500 with the Cummins 6.7L. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 0900522Status unverified

    Cummins 6.7L turbocharger actuator (X99 warranty extension)

    20152500, 3500 · issued · NHTSA 10212407

    Replace the turbocharger actuator when P0046 and related boost codes (U010C, P003A, P00AF, P0234) are set.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2020–2022 · F-250 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 50564 releases the turbo variable vane actuator as a service part for 2020-2022 Super Duty 6.7L with P0046 among many boost codes. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • SSM 50564Status unverified

    6.7L MIL, lack of power, turbo noise; vane actuator replacement

    2020–2022f-250-super-duty, f-350-super-duty, f-450-super-duty · issued · NHTSA 10208834

    Where workshop manual diagnosis points to the turbocharger variable vane actuator, replace the actuator; replacing the whole turbocharger is no longer required.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2018 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIP5614 says P0046, P113B and P206B may be caused by an ECM software anomaly on 2018 Silverado and Sierra trucks. Preliminary information; whether it is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5614 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    P0046, P113B and P206B from an ECM software anomaly

    2018silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10154576

    Update the engine control module software.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 19NA127 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    Check engine light with P0106, P0046, P20EE, P249D and/or P249E

    2019colorado · issued · NHTSA 10163247

    NHTSA summary lists the codes but does not state the cause or repair.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P003ATurbo boost control position (vane or actuator) outside the range the computer has learned

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P003A is the turbocharger boost control position exceeded learning limit. Ram and Ford list P003A with P0046 for the same actuator.

All Turbocharging, fuel pressure and EGR codes

P0046 questions

Can I drive with P0046?

Kelley Blue Book advises against it for long because internal damage can follow. Get it checked soon and avoid heavy loads.

Is P0046 always the turbocharger?

No. It can be the boost solenoid or actuator, wiring, a sensor or, on some GM trucks, software.

Sources and review

  1. P0046 OBD-II code page — Kelley Blue Book (Cox Automotive)
  2. P0046 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  3. Chrysler (FCA US) 0900522: Cummins 6.7L turbocharger actuator, X99 warranty extension — Chrysler (FCA US) (filed with NHTSA)
  4. Ford SSM 50564: 6.7L Super Duty MIL, lack of power, turbo noise — Ford (filed with NHTSA)
  5. General Motors PIP5614: P0046, P113B and P206B from a software anomaly — General Motors (filed with NHTSA)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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