P06F4 code meaning
Stop-Start Mode Lamp Control Circuit
What P06F4 means
When the engine module switches a lamp through its own wire, it checks the output driver electrically like other lamp outputs: with the lamp off the line must carry supply voltage, with it on nearly 0 V – GM's MIL driver, for example, flags an open circuit at 200 kΩ or more. It cannot see whether the bulb lights, and on cars that send the lamp command over CAN such faults appear as U codes. P06F4 concerns the indicator showing that stop-start is active or disabled; the code reports a fault in its control circuit. No manufacturer document available to us uses it; the description follows CARB's output check and other lamp circuits. Only the display is affected – the stop-start function itself has its own codes (P06E9, P06EF).
P06F4 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P06F4
- Stop-start indicator not working or permanently lit
- Usually no check engine light
Common causes of P06F4
- Most likelyWire or connector to the indicator open or shorted
- PossibleIndicator or instrument cluster faulty
- 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
Indicator lamp circuitInstrument clusterEngine control module
What each part of P06F4 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. |
| F4 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06F4 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 P06F4
What does P06F4 mean?
P06F4 means "Stop-Start Mode Lamp Control Circuit". When the engine module switches a lamp through its own wire, it checks the output driver electrically like other lamp outputs: with the lamp off the line must carry supply voltage, with it on nearly 0 V – GM's MIL driver, for example, flags an open circuit at 200 kΩ or more. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P06F4?
P06F4 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P06F4 fail an emissions test?
P06F4 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 P06F4 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P06F4 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.