P06FA code meaning
Glow Plug Control Module 2 Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P06FA means
P06FA means glow plug control module 2 does not respond correctly to the glow command – the counterpart of P06E5 for module 1. For module 1, Ford's 2023 Power Stroke flags internal drivers that fail to switch or overheat for more than 1 s; GM's L5P files the same check under P064C (under 3.2 A with 0 V at the plug for 3.5 s, two trips). No manufacturer document available to us uses a second glow module – Ford's and GM's V8 diesels drive all eight plugs from one; the code suits systems with one module per cylinder bank. The description follows module 1 (P06E5). Internal checksum errors are P06FB, overheating P263F. The plugs of module 2 then heat poorly or not at all, typically on one bank.
P06FA at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P06FA
- Check engine light, possibly glow plug/wait-to-start lamp
- Hard cold start, long cranking in frost
- Rough cold idle and white smoke, often one cylinder bank only
- Usually no symptoms when warm
Common causes of P06FA
- Most likelyGlow module 2 faulty internally (drivers do not switch)
- PossiblePoor supply or ground of module 2
- PossibleModule overheating
- Less likelyModule software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Glow plug control module 2Module power supplyModule ground
What each part of P06FA 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. |
| FA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P06FA 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 P06FA
What does P06FA mean?
P06FA means "Glow Plug Control Module 2 Performance". P06FA means glow plug control module 2 does not respond correctly to the glow command – the counterpart of P06E5 for module 1. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P06FA?
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 P06FA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P06FA 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 P06FA to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P06FA 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.