P2146: Fuel injector group A supply voltage circuit or open
The ECU detects that the power supply to a group of injectors is faulty or cut off. Usually a connector, a damaged wire or an internal fault.
| Code | P2146 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P21xx, Throttle, injection and emissions |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Better not |
What P2146 means
On many engines, especially direct injection diesels, the ECU powers the injectors in groups. This code means the supply circuit for group A does not have the correct voltage or is open. Which injectors make up group A is up to each manufacturer. If those injectors stop working, the engine loses cylinders.
Most common causes
- A loose, dirty or corroded connector on one of the injectors in the group
- An injector supply wire broken, chafed or shorted
- An injector in the group with a shorted coil dragging the whole line down
- A loose or damp ECU connector
- A failed output stage in the ECU, which may need repair or replacement
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- The engine shakes or runs on fewer cylinders
- Big loss of power or limp mode
- Hard starting or no start
Can you drive with P2146?
Better not With a group of injectors unpowered the engine runs badly, may cut out, and unburnt fuel can damage the catalyst. Only drive if you must, straight to a garage.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Note whether misfire codes for specific cylinders are also stored (P0301, P0302 and so on): they show which injectors belong to the affected group and where to look first.
How to read and clear P2146 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P2146 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P2142 The exhaust gas recirculation throttle control circuit A gives a higher signal
- P2143 The exhaust gas recirculation vent control has a broken or disconnected wire
- P2144 The exhaust gas recirculation vent control gives a lower signal than normal
- P2145 The exhaust gas recirculation vent control gives a higher signal than normal
- P2147 The fuel injector unit A power supply voltage is below normal
- P2148 The fuel injector unit A power supply voltage is above normal
- P2149 The fuel injector unit B power supply voltage has a broken or disconnected wire
- P214A The SCR NOx catalytic converter intake temperature is above normal
- P2100 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit open
- P2101 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit range or performance
- P2102 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit low
- P2104 Throttle control system: forced idle
What does code P2146 mean?
On many engines, especially direct injection diesels, the ECU powers the injectors in groups. This code means the supply circuit for group A does not have the correct voltage or is open. Which injectors make up group A is up to each manufacturer. If those injectors stop working, the engine loses cylinders.
Can you drive with P2146?
With a group of injectors unpowered the engine runs badly, may cut out, and unburnt fuel can damage the catalyst. Only drive if you must, straight to a garage.
How do you clear P2146?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P2146 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
