P06DB: Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Low

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. P06DB means the control wire behind the valve is shorted to ground. With a low-side driver the valve is then powered all the time, so the pump stays at the low stage even at high load and speed. That endangers the engine, so GM flags a short below 0.5 Ω after just one trip, unlike open circuit and short to positive. 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. A short to positive is P06DC, a pump stuck at low pressure without a circuit fault P06DE.

High severity. Can I keep driving?If the red oil warning light comes on, stop the car in a safe place and turn off the engine. Do not continue until you have confirmed the level and pressure.

Symptoms

Check engine light at once (GM after one trip)
Low oil pressure at high engine speed, possibly oil pressure warning
Possibly reduced power

Most likely causes

Control wire chafing against ground (engine block, oil pan)
Control valve shorted internally
Oil or moisture in the connector
Engine module driver stage

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Stop and check the level with the dipstick or the car's menu
With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
Check for leaks and inspect the sensor's connector
Measure the actual pressure with a gauge
Check the valve or pump according to the manual

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium
It can trigger limp mode.

What each character of P06DB means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
6: Control modules and outputs
DB: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P06DB?

If the red oil warning light comes on, stop the car in a safe place and turn off the engine. Do not continue until you have confirmed the level and pressure.

What causes code P06DB?

The most common causes are: control wire chafing against ground (engine block, oil pan); control valve shorted internally; oil or moisture in the connector.

Related codes

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.