Error Code P0146: What It Means & What To Do?

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If OBD Error Code P0146 is flashing on your vehicle, then the chances are that there might be few issues with your vehicle’s ECM or MAF. But now the thing that troubles all of us is what is this obd P0146 error and how badly it can affect your vehicle’s health? Let’s have a better and deeper look at this problem in the sections that follows.

OBD error code P0146 is a generic error code which will be set by your vehicle’s PCM when it detects that the O2 sensor for bank 1 sensor 3 fails to have a voltage change between 410-490 mV for more than 74 seconds.

This error code will be set when the rear oxygen sensor fails to show sufficient activity that indicates fuel control and closed loop fuel management. Let’s have a look at few of its common causes.

What causes this problem with the O2 sensor circuit no activity (Bank 1 Sensor 3)?

• Defective or damaged Powertrain Control Module
• Poor or damaged bank 1 sensor 3 oxygen sensor
• Defective wirings such as melted harness, broken connectors
• Defective rear most oxygen sensor
• ECM misinterpretations

1. Oxygen Sensor - Facing an OBD error code P0146 is not good for your vehicle’s health. You will need to undergo o2 sensor replacement as soon as possible. We have in stock for you high end oxygen sensors from top brands like Denso, Bosch and many more.
2. Engine Control Module - A faulty ECM can be really problematic. So, we advise you to undergo ECM replacement as soon as possible, if found damaged. Worried about the cost? Well, you no longer need to worry about that as we have for you best priced ECM’S in stock.
3. Fuel Pump - If your vehicle’s fuel pump is damaged it might face multiple issues. So, we recommend you to undergo a fuel pump replacement as soon as possible. To do so you might need fuel pumps. You can find the most budget friendly fuel pumps with us.
4. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor - Are you looking for manifold absolute pressure sensor to fix this problem? If YES, then all you need to do is to browse through our website. You can find the most budget friendly parts with us.
5. Powertrain Control Module - If you have OBD error code P0146 flashing and everything is okay with your O2 sensor and MAF sensor then there is a chance that your PCM, itself is damaged and is demanding for a quick change. So, what are you waiting for? Buy a new one with us now.
6. Mass Air Flow sensor - finding a top quality MAF sensor is no longer a tough task as we have in stock not only high end MAF sensors but we also have them for all makes and models. So, what are you waiting for? Just dive into the pool of best auto parts.
7. Exhaust Systems & Parts - you can easily find with us all exhaust components such as exhaust manifold, cat converters and more for your vehicle make at the most budget friendly prices online.
8. Diagnostic Tools - If you need any of the DIY diagnostic tools, to diagnose the issues with your cars. You can find them all with us.

Well, if you are looking to know about the common symptoms related to this error code P0146, then you are at the right place. We have worked out a small list to help you discover this error code with your vehicle.

Common Symptoms

• Fall in fuel economy
• Illumination of malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
• Rough idling and poor drivability
• Emission test failure
• Emission of NOx gases

If you wish to get rid of this issue with your o2 sensor circuit you will need to follow these following steps. But before this we recommend you to make sure that you are actually facing this problem.

• First and foremost, thing is to replace the damaged oxygen sensor
• Next, you will need to test the MAF sensor when the engine off and also when it is running for the readings per specifications
• In case the MAF sensor fails the test then you will need to undergo MAF sensor replacement at the earliest
• You can also try cleaning out the mass airflow sensor to see if readings change
• You can also check the voltage by disconnection the oxygen sensor to see if it goes to zero to check the wiring to the sensor 

If you continue to face these problems and need parts to fix it you can find them with us. We have stocked a wide range of best priced ECM, PCM, oxygen sensors and a lot more to help you out in fixing your car.

Diagnosing a problem is equally important as correcting it. You can’t actually correct a problem until you are done with its proper diagnosis. Here are few steps you will need to follow to diagnose error code P0146 properly.

• First of all, you will have to scan the codes and then freeze the frame data
• After that you will have to examine the O2 sensor data to see if the voltage is moving above or below 410-490 mV
• Next, check if the MAF Sensor data responses to throttle changes per specifications
• Lastly, for further diagnosis you will need to undertake manufacturer's specific tests.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0146 Code

In order to avoid any misdiagnosis, follow these simple guidelines:

Firstly, avoid assuming that your oxygen sensor is faulty, there are chances it is not and the problem lies somewhere else.

Also make sure that you check the MAF sensor for any contaminations.