P246E is the general code for the fourth exhaust temperature probe on bank 1, usually the last one in the aftertreatment line. Ford's diesels give it a model check rather than an electrical one: after a cold start the measured EGT14 value may differ from the modelled temperature by no more than 80 °C, the comparison lasting 200 to 400 s and the deviation having to persist for 20 s. Dedicated low and high signal faults of the same probe go to P2470 and P2471, and sensor-to-sensor plausibility to P246F. Volvo Trucks lists P246E-15 among the EGT faults on VNL tractors whose fix is replacing the affected exhaust temperature sensor (RD24-034). CARB requires continuity and rationality checks on emission-relevant inputs. A bad value often pauses regeneration or DEF dosing.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the light is on steadily, take a highway drive or go to a repair shop soon. If the car is in limp mode or the light is flashing, do not push the engine.
Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Inline engines only have this bank.
Symptoms
- MIL on
- Value of the last exhaust probe deviates from expectation
- Regeneration or DEF dosing suspended
Most likely causes
- Probe aged or failed, reading far from the model
- Probe loose or not reaching into the gas stream
- Exhaust leak near the probe cooling the reading
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P246E means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 4: Emissions
- 6E: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P246E?
If the light is on steadily, take a highway drive or go to a repair shop soon. If the car is in limp mode or the light is flashing, do not push the engine.
What causes code P246E?
The most common causes are: probe aged or failed, reading far from the model; probe loose or not reaching into the gas stream; exhaust leak near the probe cooling the reading.
Related codes
- P246FExhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 4)
- P2470Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 4)
- P2471Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 4)
- P2472Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic (Bank 1 Sensor 4)
- P242AExhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
- P24C2Exhaust Gas Temperature Measurement System - Multiple Sensor Correlation Bank 1
Sources
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 11012133 0001
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.