P06C2 code meaning
Cylinder 10 Glow Plug Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P06C2 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. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code for cylinders 9 and above; the description follows cylinders 1–8. P06C2 concerns the glow plug of cylinder 10 alone; the same plug's open circuit is P0680, its control circuit low and high P069C/P069D, and an incorrect plug fitted P06CE.
P06C2 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 P06C2
- 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 P06C2
- Most likelyGlow plug cylinder 10 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 P06C2 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. |
| C2 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06C2 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 P06C2
What does P06C2 mean?
P06C2 means "Cylinder 10 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 P06C2?
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 P06C2 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P06C2 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 P06C2 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 P06C2 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.