P00C6 code meaning
Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low - Engine Cranking
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P00C6 means
Direct-injection engines release injection only once the rail has reached a minimum pressure. P00C6 is set when this pressure is not reached quickly enough while cranking, or, in another documented variant, when it drops below the minimum again right after the high-pressure start. Cranking then takes longer or the engine does not start. The check runs once per start; some manufacturers only enable it above a minimum tank level.
P00C6 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P00C6
- Check engine light on
- Long cranking
- No start
- Jerking after starting
Common causes of P00C6
- Most likelyHigh-pressure pump weak, or its drive cam or follower worn
- PossibleLift pump or low-pressure supply too weak
- PossibleControl valve on the pump faulty
- PossibleLeak or check valve fault letting pressure bleed off after shutdown
- Less likelyVery low fuel level
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
High pressure fuel pumpLow pressure fuel pumpFuel pressure regulatorRail pressure sensor
What each part of P00C6 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| C6 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P00C6 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P00C6
What does P00C6 mean?
P00C6 means "Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low - Engine Cranking". Direct-injection engines release injection only once the rail has reached a minimum pressure. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P00C6?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P00C6 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P00C6 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P00C6 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P00C6 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.