P06DA code meaning
Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P06DA means
A switchable or variable oil pump saves fuel by lowering its output at part load; a solenoid valve sets the stage. GM and Ford design it so the pump runs at full output, i.e. high pressure, when the valve is unpowered – the safe default – and at the low stage when powered. P06DA means the control circuit of this valve is open: it can no longer be powered, so the pump stays at high pressure. GM measures the voltage with the driver off and flags more than 200 kΩ after two trips; some GM modules set P06DB instead. GM checks the low-side driver at 11 V or more relay voltage over 40 of 50 samples (100 ms); Ford's smart driver reports output faults after 5 s with the battery at 11 V or more. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander uses the same code. The engine is not at risk, the pump just can no longer be regulated.
P06DA at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P06DA
- Check engine light after two trips
- Usually no noticeable symptom, oil pressure permanently high
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
Common causes of P06DA
- Most likelyConnector at the control valve loose or corroded (often at the pump in the oil pan)
- PossibleValve coil open or valve broken
- PossibleSupply (main relay) or control wire broken
- Less likelyEngine module software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oil pump control valveOil pump control circuitEngine control module
What each part of P06DA 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. |
| DA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06DA 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 P06DA
What does P06DA mean?
P06DA means "Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open". A switchable or variable oil pump saves fuel by lowering its output at part load; a solenoid valve sets the stage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P06DA?
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 P06DA fail an emissions test?
P06DA is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P06DA to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P06DA 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.