P06BA code meaning
Cylinder 2 Glow Plug Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P06BA means
The glow module calculates each plug's resistance from voltage and current while glowing. 'Range/performance' means the circuit is electrically intact but the resistance or current lies outside the specified window – typically an aged, high-resistance or wrong plug or contact resistance at the connector. CARB requires a single plug outside specification to be detected from model year 2010. Ford's 2023 6.7 L/3.0 L Power Stroke runs this check during heating after the open and short checks and flags a circuit above 2 Ω after about 3 s. GM does not use this code family. Ram's 6.7 L Cummins (from model year 2025, with glow plugs instead of the grid heater) set these codes falsely; the fix was reprogramming the engine module. On the 2014–15 Ram ProMaster 3.0 L diesel, plugs without an inner O-ring caused it; all plugs were replaced. P06BA concerns the glow plug of cylinder 2 alone; the same plug's open circuit is P0672, its control circuit low and high P066C/P066D, and an incorrect plug fitted P06C6.
P06BA at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P06BA
- Check engine and glow plug lamp
- Harder cold start in frost
- Rough running and white smoke after a cold start
- Often no symptom when warm
Common causes of P06BA
- Most likelyGlow plug cylinder 2 aged or high-resistance
- PossibleContact resistance at plug connector or terminal nut
- PossibleWrong plug type or a plug with a manufacturing fault
- Less likelyEngine or glow module software (Ram 6.7 L from 2025)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Glow plugGlow plug wiringGlow plug control module
What each part of P06BA 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. |
| BA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06BA 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 P06BA
What does P06BA mean?
P06BA means "Cylinder 2 Glow Plug Circuit Range/Performance". The glow module calculates each plug's resistance from voltage and current while glowing. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P06BA?
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 P06BA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P06BA 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 P06BA to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P06BA 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.