P0946 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0946 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight code definition:
P0946 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Oldsmobile Eighty-eight.

P0946 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight is described as Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Circuit Malfunction. It's actually a general trouble code for a problem on IAT electrical circuit sensor, as it sends incorrect voltage input signals to the PCM. The spark should have a light tan color. If the sensor probe comes with white and chalky parts, this means it has been lagging between switching phases, and should be replaced.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0946 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight 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

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
PCM Stack Overrun 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 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight 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 Oldsmobile Eighty-eight.

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