P06FA means glow plug control module 2 does not respond correctly to the glow command – the counterpart of P06E5 for module 1. For module 1, Ford's 2023 Power Stroke flags internal drivers that fail to switch or overheat for more than 1 s; GM's L5P files the same check under P064C (under 3.2 A with 0 V at the plug for 3.5 s, two trips). No manufacturer document available to us uses a second glow module – Ford's and GM's V8 diesels drive all eight plugs from one; the code suits systems with one module per cylinder bank. The description follows module 1 (P06E5). Internal checksum errors are P06FB, overheating P263F. The plugs of module 2 then heat poorly or not at all, typically on one bank.
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 in frost
- Rough cold idle and white smoke, often one cylinder bank only
- Usually no symptoms when warm
Most likely causes
- Glow module 2 faulty internally (drivers do not switch)
- Poor supply or ground of module 2
- Module overheating
- 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 P06FA means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 6: Control modules and outputs
- FA: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P06FA?
You can keep driving, although cold starts will be harder. Avoid cranking the starter repeatedly on cold days.
What causes code P06FA?
The most common causes are: glow module 2 faulty internally (drivers do not switch); poor supply or ground of module 2; module overheating.
Related codes
- P06E5Glow Plug Control Module 1 Performance
- P06F5Glow Plug Control Module 2
- P06FBGlow Plug Control Module 2 Memory Checksum Error
- P06F9Glow Plug Control Module 2 System Voltage
- P263FGlow Plug Control Module 2 Over Temperature
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG04 Engine Diagnostics
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.