P06DC code meaning
Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P06DC 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. P06DC means the control wire is shorted to positive: the low-side driver can no longer pull it to ground, so the valve stays unpowered and the pump at high pressure – the safe state. GM checks this with the driver on and flags a short below 0.5 Ω after two trips. 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. Apart from slightly higher consumption there are usually no symptoms. An open circuit is P06DA, a short to ground P06DB.
P06DC 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 P06DC
- Check engine light after two trips
- Usually no noticeable symptom, oil pressure permanently high
- Slightly higher fuel consumption
Common causes of P06DC
- Most likelyControl wire shorted to positive
- PossibleValve coil shorted (looks like a short to positive at the driver)
- Less likelyEngine module
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 P06DC 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. |
| DC | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06DC 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 P06DC
What does P06DC mean?
P06DC means "Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit High". 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 P06DC?
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 P06DC fail an emissions test?
P06DC 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 P06DC to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P06DC 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.