P06DB code meaning
Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P06DB 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. P06DB means the control wire behind the valve is shorted to ground. With a low-side driver the valve is then powered all the time, so the pump stays at the low stage even at high load and speed. That endangers the engine, so GM flags a short below 0.5 Ω after just one trip, unlike open circuit and short to positive. 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. A short to positive is P06DC, a pump stuck at low pressure without a circuit fault P06DE.
P06DB at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P06DB
- Check engine light at once (GM after one trip)
- Low oil pressure at high engine speed, possibly oil pressure warning
- Possibly reduced power
Common causes of P06DB
- Most likelyControl wire chafing against ground (engine block, oil pan)
- PossibleControl valve shorted internally
- PossibleOil or moisture in the connector
- Less likelyEngine module driver stage
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 P06DB 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. |
| DB | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06DB 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 P06DB
What does P06DB mean?
P06DB means "Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Low". 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 P06DB?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P06DB the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P06DB fail an emissions test?
P06DB 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 P06DB to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P06DB clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.