OBD-II trouble code
P0046: Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control Solenoid Circuit Range/Performance
Application matters: Range/performance identifies a boost-control result, not a universal solenoid, wastegate or turbocharger replacement. Match the engine, fitted actuator and full manufacturer code.
P0046 reports boost-control range/performance that does not match the expected behavior. Diagnose the actual actuator, circuit, power supply and required learning procedure before choosing a repair.
Quick facts
- System
- Powertrain
- Category
- Fuel & Air
- Severity
- High severity
- Driving guidance
- Depends on symptoms and vehicle guidance
- Repair cost range
- Get a vehicle-specific estimate after diagnosis.
- DIY difficulty
- Shop recommended
A code alone cannot establish whether driving is safe. Stop safely for a red brake or oil-pressure warning, overheating, severe misfire, stalling, or impaired braking or steering, and follow the owner's manual. Restraints faults can reduce crash protection even when the vehicle runs normally.
Part of a family with 5 codes
P0046 is one of 5 codes covering boost control and overspeed faults. The identifier must be matched to the exact vehicle. Related codes can share a diagnostic approach, but their circuit, failure condition, and required tests can differ.
Read the full guide for this family →Browse every code in P0001–P00C6, or start from the full code library.
What does P0046 mean?
The boost-control monitor detected behavior outside its permitted range or performance. This is distinct from the low/high circuit designations P0047/P0048 and from a pressure-only overboost or underboost result. It does not establish whether the cause is electrical, actuator/mechanical, learned position or another exact-application condition.
GM 21-NA-113, September 2022 version 3, describes P0046 during cranking on its listed 2017–2023 L5P Silverado/Sierra and 2019–2023 L5D Silverado medium-duty trucks. Low voltage can prevent the turbocharger actuator from completing its learn. The professional procedure first checks the specified actuator operation, then performs the applicable learn and position verification; when that corrects the concern, battery and connection checks follow. If it does not, GM directs diagnosis through the service information.
That bulletin states no parts are required for the described repair. It is not a universal relearn cure and does not justify manipulating another actuator by hand or copying its travel, scan-command percentages or rest position. A moving actuator, completed learn or matching pressure reading alone does not verify every part of boost control.
Possible causes
- A power-supply or connection problem interfering with the actual control/learn operation
- A binding, damaged or incorrectly learned actuator when confirmed by the fitted system’s tests
- A solenoid, connector or circuit fault demonstrated by the applicable procedure
- A control or calibration concern confirmed for the exact engine/module rather than presumed from the title
Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0046 stored
- A light appearing during cranking in the specified GM service case
- Restricted power or inconsistent boost response where the actual fault produces it
- No obvious driving change in some cases; this does not verify normal control
Diagnostic steps
Save the full scan report, code status, and available freeze-frame data before clearing anything. Confirm the reporting module, any failure-type suffix, and the procedure for the exact vehicle. The steps below are an overview; use manufacturer specifications and safety procedures for testing.
- 1.Save the full code, status, event data and companion faults. Record whether it set during starting, normal operation or after actuator/turbo work.
- 2.Follow warnings and avoid forced-boost testing. Obtain assistance for unsafe power loss, severe noise, smoke, overheating or a burning smell.
- 3.Identify the actual boost-control hardware and exact manufacturer procedure. Inspect only safely accessible wiring with ignition off and engine/turbo cool.
- 4.For a matching GM 21-NA-113 application, have a qualified technician perform its actuator-operation, learning and position-verification path. Do not copy its manual movement or scan-command recipe to another vehicle.
- 5.Have required power, ground, terminal/circuit and actuator/control checks completed. A relearn cannot substitute for repairing a demonstrated supply, circuit or mechanical fault.
- 6.If a bulletin’s prescribed repair does not resolve the concern, continue the vehicle’s diagnostic procedure rather than replacing the turbocharger or repeating generic resets.
- 7.Repair the demonstrated cause and complete required learning and operational verification. Preserve records of intermittent failures rather than treating a cleared light as proof.
Repair cost
Get a vehicle-specific estimate after diagnosis.
A trouble code alone does not price the repair. Ask the shop to identify the confirmed fault and itemize diagnosis, parts, labor, programming or calibration, and taxes.
Estimate your repair
Run the numbers for your vehicle
Open the Repair Cost Estimator with check engine light diagnosis preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.
Related repairs
These links are planning examples; the code does not confirm that any listed part has failed.
DIY vs shop
A qualified shop is recommended because this can involve vehicle-specific boost-system and pressure-input diagnosis, protected electrical or actuator tests, and prescribed cooling or pressure-release precautions when required by the installed system and confirmed repair. Ask the technician what testing confirmed the repair.