P06DC: Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit High

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. P06DC means the control wire is shorted to positive: the low-side driver can no longer pull it to ground, so the valve stays unpowered and the pump at high pressure – the safe state. GM checks this with the driver on and flags a short below 0.5 Ω after two trips. 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. Apart from slightly higher consumption there are usually no symptoms. An open circuit is P06DA, a short to ground P06DB.

Symptoms

• Check engine light after two trips
• Usually no noticeable symptom, oil pressure permanently high
• Slightly higher fuel consumption

Most likely causes

• Control wire shorted to positive
• Valve coil shorted (looks like a short to positive at the driver)
• Engine module

What to check, in order

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

1. Stop and check the level with the dipstick or the car's menu
2. Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
3. Check for leaks and inspect the sensor's connector
4. Measure the actual pressure with a gauge
5. Check the valve or pump according to the manual

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium

What each character of P06DC means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P06DC?

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 P06DC?

The most common causes are: control wire shorted to positive; valve coil shorted (looks like a short to positive at the driver); engine module.

Related codes

• P06DAEngine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open
• P06DBEngine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Low
• P06DDEngine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off
• P0521Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch A Range/Performance

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Engine Diagnostics
• fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10237505 0001

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.