P2346: Cylinder 11 Above Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor Threshold
The knock or combustion-vibration sensor monitors the structure-borne noise of each cylinder. The signal level for cylinder 11 has stayed above the diagnostic threshold for an extended period, indicating either persistent knock or an electrical fault that biases the channel high.
What P2346 means
P2346 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the misfire & ignition group.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Common causes
- 01Persistent knocking on cylinder 11Most likely
- 02Sensor or wiring biased highPossible
- 03Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectlyLess likely
Can I drive with P2346?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
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 P2346
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P2346. 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 P2345, P2347, P2344. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Check module power, ground and the data bus
Confirm the module named in the code has battery voltage, ignition feed and a good ground. With the battery disconnected, a healthy CAN bus usually measures about 60 ohms between CAN-High and CAN-Low at the OBD port. Inspect connectors for corrosion and pushed-out pins.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Persistent knocking on cylinder 11; sensor or wiring biased high; gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. 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 drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P2346 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?
- Usually a shop job
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Knock sensor
- Knock sensor wiring
- Cylinder 11 combustion
P2346 FAQ
What does P2346 mean?
P2346 means “Cylinder 11 Above Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor Threshold”. The knock or combustion-vibration sensor monitors the structure-borne noise of each cylinder. The signal level for cylinder 11 has stayed above the diagnostic threshold for an extended period, indicating either persistent knock or an electrical fault that biases the channel high.
Is P2346 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P2346 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P2346?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Persistent knocking on cylinder 11; Sensor or wiring biased high; Gateway module routing CAN messages incorrectly. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P2346?
Typical labor is about $100–$500 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 P2346 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P2346 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.