P0946 Mitsubishi 3000 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0946 Mitsubishi 3000 code definition:
P0946 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Mitsubishi 3000.

P0946 Mitsubishi 3000 is defined as Knock Sensor Circuit Range Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor). This refers to camshaft timing, which in this case is over-retarded. 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 P0946 Mitsubishi 3000 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Poor fuel economy
Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Misfire
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
A large vacuum leak would cause a massive amount of un-metered air to enter the intake manifold resulting in an overly lean mixture.

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 for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust. You might continue by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0946 Mitsubishi 3000 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 P0946 Mitsubishi 3000.

Fortunately, P0946 Mitsubishi 3000 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.