P06DE: Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck On

A switchable oil pump changes its output via a solenoid valve; powered it runs at the low stage. To test it, the module switches the pump between stages (GM up to 15 times, with oil at 50–110 °C and 1350–2500 rpm, expecting more than 100 kPa difference) and watches the oil pressure sensor; Ford checks each switch-over of a two-stage pump within 1 s, or a variable pump over 10 s, from 30 s after start. P06DE is the counterpart of P06DD: the commanded high stage is not reached and the pressure stays below the threshold, as if the valve were stuck on. Too little oil pressure at high load endangers the engine, so GM sets it after just one trip; a Ford patent raises idle speed in this case. A short to ground on the control wire (P06DB) has the same effect electrically. An FCA bulletin for the 3.6 L V6 fixes false codes by software.

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
Oil pressure warning at higher engine speed possible
Possibly reduced power or raised idle
Valvetrain or chain tensioner noise from lack of oil

Most likely causes

Control valve stuck in the powered position
Low oil level, diluted or sludged oil, aeration
Pump wear or internal leakage
Engine module software (FCA 3.6 L)
Oil pressure sensor

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
Use the scanner to command the movement and compare the actual position with the requested one.
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: hard
It can trigger limp mode.

What each character of P06DE means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P06DE?

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 P06DE?

The most common causes are: control valve stuck in the powered position; low oil level, diluted or sludged oil, aeration; pump wear or internal leakage.

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.