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P246F on Volkswagen: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost

Quick Answer

Safe to drive (short-term)

P246F on a Volkswagen means the engine computer has found that the signal from exhaust gas temperature sensor 4 on bank 1 does not make sense: it is out of the expected range, or it disagrees with the other exhaust temperature sensors. Diesels use these sensors to protect the turbocharger and to control particulate filter regeneration, and sensor 4 is often the one furthest along the exhaust, around or after the particulate filter, although the numbering is set by each manufacturer. The usual causes are a failed sensor, a damaged wire or connector, or an exhaust leak near the sensor. This is not an AdBlue code: AdBlue and SCR faults set different codes.

Severity
Moderate · Emissions
Typical repair cost, all makes
€60-€470

Connect a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone) to your Volkswagen and Skanyx tells you what P246F means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.

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What does P246F mean on a Volkswagen?

The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Volkswagen models that log P246F.

Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI

2011-2016

The 3.0 TDI V6 in the Touareg has four exhaust gas temperature sensors, and Volkswagen's own location information places sensor 4 (G648) furthest down the exhaust, after the particulate filter. Each sensor has its own part and connector, so confirm you are working on sensor 4 and that its connector is not swapped with a neighbour before replacing anything.

Source: static.nhtsa.gov

Sources

  1. static.nhtsa.gov static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10149854-9999.pdf

What causes P246F on a Volkswagen?

Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P246F page, these are the patterns noted for Volkswagen models:

  • Failed exhaust gas temperature sensor 4 (G648)

    : Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI

  • Connector swapped or damaged after earlier exhaust work

    : Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI

How to diagnose P246F on a Volkswagen with OBD2

  1. Read all stored codes and the freeze frame with an OBD2 reader. Note any other codes for the same sensor (circuit, low or high) or for the particulate filter. A generic OBD2 reader can show the codes and freeze frame, but on most cars not each exhaust temperature sensor's reading or the regeneration status, and it cannot run a forced regeneration: those need manufacturer-level software or a workshop.
  2. Find out which physical sensor is number 4 on your engine. The numbering is set by the manufacturer and some engines have four temperature sensors along the exhaust, so check the workshop information rather than guessing, and check that no connectors were swapped during an earlier repair.
  3. Inspect the sensor wiring along the exhaust for melted insulation, chafing or a pulled connector, and check the connector for corrosion or loose pins.
  4. With manufacturer-level software and the engine cold, compare the readings of all the exhaust temperature sensors: after the car has stood for some hours they should read close to each other and to the outside temperature. A sensor that reads far off, or does not rise with the others once the engine warms up, is suspect.
  5. Measure the sensor's resistance against the manufacturer's specification, and check the wiring for continuity and shorts back to the engine computer.
  6. Check the exhaust for leaks near the sensor, which can change the temperature it sees.
  7. After replacing the sensor, clear the code and let the car complete a regeneration. If the filter has loaded up while the sensor was faulty, a forced regeneration with manufacturer-level software may be needed.

How much does P246F cost to fix on a Volkswagen? (EUR)

Estimated repair costs for P246F in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect Volkswagen parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.

Repair Parts Cost Labor Cost Total Estimate DIY Difficulty
Replace exhaust gas temperature sensor €25–€100 €40–€120 €65–€220 Moderate
Clean and repair sensor connector €10–€60 €60–€180 €70–€240 Moderate
Repair sensor wiring harness section €20–€120 €120–€350 €140–€470 Professional
Repair exhaust leak near the sensor €30–€150 €60–€200 €90–€350 Professional
Forced DPF regeneration if soot built up meanwhile €0–€0 €60–€150 €60–€150 Professional

Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

These codes are often seen alongside P246F or point to related issues, on any make:

Looking for the full P246F reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)? See the main P246F guide

Diagnose P246F on your Volkswagen

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