Limp Mode With P2646 Code?

2014 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
135,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JESTERJASMINE0819
Car went into limp mode, used reader and got code p2646, took to a shop for further diagnostics and was told nothing was wrong and was sent home with the car after they manually cleared the codes even though I asked for things to be looked at further. Got car home and went to go back out, limp mode came back as well as code p2646 so I took it to another shop. The second shop recommended an oil change and new oil filter so that was done, car ran fine for a few hours but code p2646 has come back again.
Jun 26, 2026 at 9:16 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,502 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yep, this usually means the variable valve lift motor has gone out or there is a mechanical failure, there is also a variable valve lift sensor as well but these don't go out that often, I would put my money on the motor. Here is the location so you can check it out.

P2646 stands for “A” Rocker Arm Actuator System Performance or Stuck Off Bank 1

Check out the images (below). Please let me know what happens.
Jun 26, 2026 at 10:58 PM
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