P1446 — Volkswagen — Catalyst Temperature Circuit Short To Ground
P1446 (Volkswagen): Catalyst Temperature Circuit Short To Ground — what it means, the affected system and what to check before replacing parts.
Meaning, symptoms, causes and checks
Catalyst Temperature Circuit Short To Ground. Source catalogue definition; confirm applicability using vehicle service information.
Affected system: Powertrain
Symptoms
- Check Engine light illumination
- Stored diagnostic trouble code
- Potential engine performance degradation
- Incorrect catalyst temperature readings
Possible causes
- Damaged wiring harness near the exhaust system
- Internal short circuit within the catalyst temperature sensor
- Chafed insulation allowing wire contact with the vehicle chassis
- Faulty sensor connector pins
What to check
- Inspect the wiring harness for signs of melting or abrasion near the exhaust pipe
- Measure the resistance of the catalyst temperature sensor using a multimeter
- Test for continuity between the signal wire and the chassis ground
- Examine the sensor connector for corrosion or bent pins
- Verify the reference voltage supplied to the sensor from the engine control module