P246C on Audi
Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction - Forced Regeneration
P246C on Audi vehicles indicates diesel particulate filter restriction - forced regeneration. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Audi model — most commonly on A3. This diesel emissions code sets when the engine control module detects that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is heavily restricted with trapped soot, to the point that normal cleaning cycles have not kept up. The DPF captures soot from the exhaust and periodically burns it off in a process called regeneration; when soot load gets too high, the system flags this code and often calls for a forced regeneration or reduces engine power to protect the filter and engine. It generally indicates the filter is clogged and that something has been preventing successful regeneration. Ignoring it can lead to limited power (limp mode) and eventual filter damage. Typical repair costs on Audi range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P246C
- •Excessive soot buildup from too many short trips that block regeneration
- •Faulty DPF differential pressure sensor or clogged sensor hoses
- •Failed or incomplete regeneration cycles
- •Faulty exhaust temperature sensor
- •EGR system fault increasing soot production
- •Fuel injector or other engine fault causing heavy soot
- •Physically clogged or aging diesel particulate filter
P246C on Audi by Model
Audi A3(1 issue)
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) Clogging2010-2015
The DPF can become clogged, especially with city driving and short trips that don't allow for proper regeneration cycles. This is more common after the emissions fix was applied. A clogged DPF causes reduced power and warning lights. OEM DPF assembly part numbers: 1K0254706LX (earlier production) and 1K0254708GX (later production). Fits 2009-2014 Audi A3 TDI with CBEA/CJAA engines. DPF differential pressure sensor: available from KermaTDI for CJAA/CKRA engines.
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What does P246C mean on Audi?▼
P246C stands for "Diesel Particulate Filter Restriction - Forced Regeneration." This diesel emissions code sets when the engine control module detects that the diesel particulate filter (DPF) is heavily restricted with trapped soot, to the point that normal cleaning cycles have not kept up. The DPF captures soot from the exhaust and periodically burns it off in a process called regeneration; when soot load gets too high, the system flags this code and often calls for a forced regeneration or reduces engine power to protect the filter and engine. It generally indicates the filter is clogged and that something has been preventing successful regeneration. Ignoring it can lead to limited power (limp mode) and eventual filter damage. On Audi specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P246C on Audi vehicles?▼
Common causes on Audi: Excessive soot buildup from too many short trips that block regeneration, Faulty DPF differential pressure sensor or clogged sensor hoses, Failed or incomplete regeneration cycles, Faulty exhaust temperature sensor, EGR system fault increasing soot production. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P246C on a Audi?▼
Repair costs on Audi range from $200 to $3,000, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Audi models have P246C documented?▼
Au7o has documented P246C on 1 Audi model: A3.