P2146: Fuel Injector Group A Supply Voltage Circuit/Open
The ECU detects an open or missing supply voltage on injector group A. The injectors of this bank cannot be energized; the affected cylinders may not fire and the engine runs rough or stalls.
What P2146 means
P2146 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the fuel & air group. In plain English: the computer found an electrical fault in that circuit: an open, short or bad connection, or a failed component.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
- Drive cycle to clear
- Required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Misfire or rough idle on the affected cylinder
- Increased fuel consumption
- Possible fuel smell or smoke from exhaust
Common causes
- 01Blown injector fuseMost likely
- 02Faulty injector supply relayPossible
- 03Open in supply wiringPossible
Can I drive with P2146?
Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop.
This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
Why we rate it urgent
- Can put the vehicle in limp mode (reduced power)
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P2146
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P2146. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P2149, P2152, P2155, P216A. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the fuel injector and injector supply relay for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Blown injector fuse; faulty injector supply relay; open in supply wiring. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.
P2146 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Fuel injector
- Injector supply relay
- Injector wiring
P2146 FAQ
What does P2146 mean?
P2146 means “Fuel Injector Group A Supply Voltage Circuit/Open”. The ECU detects an open or missing supply voltage on injector group A. The injectors of this bank cannot be energized; the affected cylinders may not fire and the engine runs rough or stalls.
Is P2146 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P2146 as urgent severity. Not recommended beyond getting it to a shop. This fault can put the engine or transmission in limp mode with reduced power, which can make merging and passing unsafe. Have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
What causes P2146?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Blown injector fuse; Faulty injector supply relay; Open in supply wiring. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P2146?
Typical labor is about $40–$190 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P2146 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P2146 clear itself?
Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.