P06EF concerns the automatic restart after the system itself has stopped the engine – stop-start or hybrid. The restart, by starter, reinforced stop-start starter or belt starter-generator, takes too long or fails. CARB does not count such a commanded shutdown as a stall. No manufacturer publishes the time limit. VW's Tiguan bulletins list P06EF together with P06E9 and trace both to dirt inside the starter; FCA fixes it on the 2019 Jeep Wrangler with engine-module software and lights the check engine light. Stop-start is then disabled. Besides the starter, a weak stop-start battery or fuel and ignition problems at restart can be the cause.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
Symptoms
- Engine does not restart or restarts late after stop-start
- Stop-start disabled
- Check engine light (FCA)
Most likely causes
- Starter or starter-generator worn, contacts intermittently open
- Engine module software
- Weak stop-start battery (AGM/EFB) or battery sensor
- Fuel pressure or ignition at restart
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
What each character of P06EF means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 6: Control modules and outputs
- EF: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P06EF?
If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
What causes code P06EF?
The most common causes are: starter or starter-generator worn, contacts intermittently open; engine module software; weak stop-start battery (AGM/EFB) or battery sensor.
Related codes
- P06E9Engine Starter Performance
- P0615Starter Relay A Circuit
- P0616Starter Relay A Circuit Low
- P0617Starter Relay A Circuit High
- P0562System Voltage Low
Sources
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10177537 9999
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10211927 0001
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10251632 0001
- 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.