P246F stands for a fourth bank 1 exhaust temperature probe whose signal is electrically fine but physically implausible. Both main users test it after a long soak. Ford's diesels compare it with three other probes after at least 6 h off and allow no more than 50 °C between them, which unmasks a probe stuck at one value. GM's 2025 diesel tables wait for more than 10,800 s engine-off, then compare how far the probe warms within a calibrated time against a temperature map; too little rise points to a probe that has slipped from the pipe, or to a frozen signal, rated Type B with the MIL in the second trip. Electrical faults of the probe are P2470 to P2472, while P246E covers the model comparison on Ford. A plausibility fault often follows a loose probe after exhaust work.
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 after the second faulty trip
- Probe disagrees with neighbouring temperatures after a cold start
- Usually no noticeable change in driveability
Most likely causes
- Probe stuck at one value or drifting
- Probe loose or backed out of the exhaust pipe
- Probe connectors swapped with a neighbouring sensor
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 P246F means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 2: Generic code: same on every make
- 4: Emissions
- 6F: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P246F?
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 P246F?
The most common causes are: probe stuck at one value or drifting; probe loose or backed out of the exhaust pipe; probe connectors swapped with a neighbouring sensor.
Related codes
- P246EExhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit (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)
- P242BExhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
- P2080Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
Sources
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.