OBD-II DTC C1846 – Air Suspension Front Inflator Solenoid Output Circuit Open
DTC C1846 meaning
DTC C1846 refers to an issue with the air suspension system, specifically indicating that there is an open circuit in the front inflator solenoid output. This code is part of the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system, which monitors various vehicle components to ensure proper functionality. The air suspension system relies on solenoids to control the inflation and deflation of air bags, and an open circuit means that the electrical signal is not reaching the solenoid as intended.
DTC C1846 symptoms
Common symptoms associated with DTC C1846 may include:
- Warning light on the dashboard indicating a suspension issue
- Unusual ride height, either too high or too low
- Inconsistent or rough ride quality
- Air suspension compressor running excessively
- Inability to adjust the suspension settings
DTC C1846 causes
Several factors can lead to the triggering of DTC C1846, including:
- Faulty front inflator solenoid
- Damaged or frayed wiring in the solenoid circuit
- Corroded connectors or terminals
- Issues with the air suspension control module
- Blown fuses related to the air suspension system
DTC C1846 seriousness
DTC C1846 is considered a moderate to serious issue. While the vehicle may still be operable, the air suspension system’s performance can be compromised, leading to poor ride quality and potential safety concerns. If left unaddressed, it may result in further damage to the suspension components or other related systems.
How to diagnose DTC C1846
To diagnose DTC C1846, follow these steps:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the C1846 code.
- Inspect the air suspension system for visible damage or wear.
- Check the wiring and connectors associated with the front inflator solenoid for any signs of corrosion or damage.
- Test the front inflator solenoid for proper operation using a multimeter.
- Examine the air suspension control module for faults or issues.
- Clear the DTC and perform a road test to see if the code returns.
How to fix DTC C1846 step-by-step instructions
To fix DTC C1846, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to ensure safety while working on the electrical system.
- Inspect and repair any damaged wiring or connectors related to the front inflator solenoid.
- If the front inflator solenoid is faulty, replace it with a new one.
- Check and replace any blown fuses associated with the air suspension system.
- Reconnect the battery and clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner.
- Perform a road test to verify that the issue has been resolved and that the DTC does not return.
How to erase DTC C1846
To erase DTC C1846, follow these steps:
- Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
- Turn on the vehicle’s ignition without starting the engine.
- Navigate to the DTC menu on the scanner and select the option to clear or erase codes.
- Confirm the action and wait for the scanner to indicate that the codes have been cleared.
- Disconnect the scanner and perform a road test to ensure the code does not reappear.
Recommended tools for OBD-II diagnostics
Explore our expert picks: The Best OBD2 Scanners for 2025
Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.