The engine control module compares the air quantity measured by the mass air flow sensor with the quantity it calculates from manifold pressure, engine speed and temperature. P006A is set when the two deviate too far. A typical cause is an exhaust gas recirculation valve that does not close: recirculated exhaust raises manifold pressure without passing the air flow sensor. Air leaks, a leaking crankcase ventilation hose or a dirty sensor have the same effect. Each sensor can be electrically fine on its own; regulations require such plausibility checks for input sensors with a code of their own.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?You can drive in moderation. If the engine goes into limp mode, go to a repair shop without passing other vehicles or demanding power.
Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Inline engines only have this bank.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough running
- Slight hesitation when accelerating
Most likely causes
- EGR valve dirty or sticking open
- Air leak or crankcase ventilation hose leaking
- Mass air flow sensor dirty or manifold pressure sensor faulty
- Air filter or intake restricted
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P006A means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 0: Subsystem depends on the code range
- 6A: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P006A?
You can drive in moderation. If the engine goes into limp mode, go to a repair shop without passing other vehicles or demanding power.
What causes code P006A?
The most common causes are: eGR valve dirty or sticking open; air leak or crankcase ventilation hose leaking; mass air flow sensor dirty or manifold pressure sensor faulty.
Related codes
- P0068MAP/MAF - Throttle Position Correlation
- P0101Mass or Volume Air Flow Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0106Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- P0401EGR A Flow Insufficient Detected
- P0404EGR A Control Circuit Range/Performance
Sources
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.