P06B3 code meaning
Sensor Power Supply B Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P06B3 means
Despite the similar name, 'sensor power supply' is not the 5 V sensor reference (P0641 ff). It is documented in GM hybrid drive motor control modules: a 15 V supply that excites the motor position sensor (resolver) and powers the gate drivers of the inverter transistors, kept separate from the 5 V reference and the 12 V supply. In GM's 2008 Two-Mode hybrid, A and B are the two motor control modules. P06B3 is the general or open-circuit code of supply B, the second module. Only Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander bulletin lists this code (as a main code with low/high sub-codes), without thresholds or sensor assignment. Low and high are P06B4/P06B5; check fuses and feeds of the second motor control module first.
P06B3 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P06B3
- Check engine or hybrid warning light
- Electric drive or hybrid mode limited or disabled
- Further motor position or inverter codes
Common causes of P06B3
- Most likelyBlown fuse or open feed to the module
- PossibleInternal supply circuit of the motor control module faulty
- PossibleConnector or wiring fault
- Less likelyShort in a supplied component
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Sensor power supply circuitDrive motor control moduleResolver
What each part of P06B3 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 6 | Area: computer (engine control module) and output circuits. |
| B3 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06B3 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 P06B3
What does P06B3 mean?
P06B3 means "Sensor Power Supply B Circuit/Open". Despite the similar name, 'sensor power supply' is not the 5 V sensor reference (P0641 ff). It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P06B3?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P06B3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P06B3 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P06B3 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 P06B3 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P06B3 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.