OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)

P046A Catalyst Temperature Sensor 1/2 Correlation (Bank 1)

Catalyst temperature sensors 1 and 2 on bank 1 disagree by more than the allowed tolerance over a drive cycle.

Is it safe to drive with P046A?

Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.

Common causes

  • Most likelyOne sensor drifts

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Failed emissions inspection
  • Possibly slightly increased fuel consumption
  • Sulfur (rotten egg) smell from exhaust under load

Repair at a glance

Difficulty
Medium
DIY friendly
Often, with basic tools
Typical labour
0.5–2.5 h
Emissions test
Likely to fail
Parts involved
Exhaust Temperature Sensor

Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.