P06F3 code meaning
Reductant Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P06F3 means
Some SCR diesels have a separate reductant control module that drives the DEF pump, heaters and dosing valve – Ford calls it the pump motor controller (fault above 130 °C under P20FF), GM's L5P an SCR power module. It measures its own board temperature with an internal sensor to protect itself from heat. P06F3 means the signal is above its maximum; with the usual NTC voltage divider that is an open circuit or short to positive, and the reading appears implausibly cold. The opposite fault is P06F2, an implausible reading P06F1. No manufacturer document available to us uses P06F0–P06F3; Ford and GM report related faults under P20FF or own codes. Without a valid temperature the module limits or stops heaters and pump, so dosing is restricted and an SCR warning, up to a start lock countdown, may follow.
P06F3 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P06F3
- Check engine light or SCR warning
- Message to check AdBlue system, possibly countdown to start lock
- DEF heating or pump inactive (no thawing in frost)
- Driveability usually unchanged
Common causes of P06F3
- Most likelyReductant control module or pump unit faulty (sensor is on the board)
- PossibleWater ingress or corrosion in the module (DEF crystals, underbody location)
- PossibleSupply or ground problems at the module
- Less likelyModule software or calibration
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Reductant control moduleDef pump moduleModule power supply
What each part of P06F3 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. |
| F3 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06F3 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 P06F3
What does P06F3 mean?
P06F3 means "Reductant Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor Circuit High". Some SCR diesels have a separate reductant control module that drives the DEF pump, heaters and dosing valve – Ford calls it the pump motor controller (fault above 130 °C under P20FF), GM's L5P an SCR power module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P06F3?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P06F3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P06F3 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P06F3 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 P06F3 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P06F3 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.