P06E5 means glow plug control module 1 does not respond correctly to the glow command: its outputs do not switch or its internal drivers report faults or overheating. Ford's 2023 6.7 L and 3.0 L Power Stroke list P06E5 among the glow module checks, run continuously, with a fault after about 1 s when internal drivers for glow plugs, DEF heaters or relays fail to switch or overheat for more than 1 s – Ford does not assign each threshold to a single code. GM files the same check under P064C: on the L5P a plug commanded on but drawing under 3.2 A with 0 V at the plug for 3.5 s, on the LML a total current under 6.6 A; both after two trips. The plugs then heat partly or not at all, with hard cold starts and white smoke. There is no limp mode.
Low severity. Can I keep driving?You can keep driving, although cold starts will be harder. Avoid cranking the starter repeatedly on cold days.
Symptoms
- Check engine light, possibly glow plug/wait-to-start lamp
- Hard cold start, long cranking
- White smoke and rough running after cold start
- Often stored together with plug codes or P064C/P263C
Most likely causes
- Glow plug control module faulty internally (drivers do not switch)
- Poor supply or ground of the module (main feed, fuse, ground)
- Module overheating (mounting location, short at a plug)
- Module software
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 P06E5 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 6: Control modules and outputs
- E5: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P06E5?
You can keep driving, although cold starts will be harder. Avoid cranking the starter repeatedly on cold days.
What causes code P06E5?
The most common causes are: glow plug control module faulty internally (drivers do not switch); poor supply or ground of the module (main feed, fuse, ground); module overheating (mounting location, short at a plug).
Related codes
- P064CGlow Plug Control Module 1
- P06DFGlow Plug Control Module 1 Memory Checksum Error
- P052FGlow Plug Control Module 1 System Voltage
- P0670Glow Plug Control Module 1 Control Circuit/Open
- P06FAGlow Plug Control Module 2 Performance
- P263EGlow Plug Control Module 1 Over Temperature
Sources
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 14OBDG10 Engine Diagnostics
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
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.