B146C Maserati Birdcage Diagnostic Trouble Code

B146C Maserati Birdcage code definition:
B146C is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic B-Body Diagnostic Trouble Code for Maserati Birdcage.

B146C Maserati Birdcage is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. Other symptoms that may indicate this problem are when the Check Engine Light illuminates and when there is a visible lack of engine power.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a B146C Maserati Birdcage diagnostic trouble code may include:

Fuel pressure too high
Diminished fuel efficiency
Rich or lean exhaust
The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly

Possible Causes :

A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.
Faulty IMRC actuator/sensor
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Common Misdiagnoses

Vehicle Speed Output Circuit Problem
Cruise Control Servo Indicates Low Problem
A/C System High Pressure High Temperature Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem
Transmission Control Module Reprogrammable Memory Problem

Repair Processes :

Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust. If all testing has passed so far yet you still have the same code, check your scan tool and see if it can open and close the IMRC valve. Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code B146C Maserati Birdcage is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before B146C Maserati Birdcage.

Fortunately, B146C Maserati Birdcage is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.