Is there anything that gives you more anxiety than a warning light on the car dashboard? Dealing with the yellow lights is half the problem, but the red ones can be quite a hassle to fix. Luckily, the bright minds in the car maintenance industry have mandated OBD-II, making it cheaper and easier to find the roots of warning lights.
The star of this article is P06DD. The P06DD code means “Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off.” But what does it really mean? This article is dedicated to novices in car repair and explores the causes of the code as well as possible repairs with approximate total costs. Read on!
Contents
What Does Code P06DD Mean?
The code P06DD – Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off – is a common issue occurring in many vehicles. In simple terms, the code indicates that the oil pressure is too low. When it happens, your car’s engine oil pressure sensor sends a warning signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The low oil pressure directly affects the dual-stage oil pump.
The code appears when the oil pressure is too low, right after the PCM shuts down an oil pump drive.
What Happens Inside the Oil Pump when Oil Pressure Is Low?
The oil pump consists of seven vanes and a moving component that constantly adjust in order to provide an adequate oil pressure supply throughout the whole time of driving. The oil pump has two regulated pressure stages – low and high – that are switched interchangeably based on the engine’s conditions, oil and coolant temperature, and engine speed and load.
- Low-pressure mode – solenoid on – equals 200 kPa or 29 psi.
- High-pressure mode – solenoid off – equals 450 kPa or 65 psi.
The modes are switched based on the engine’s conditions and other factors by an on/off solenoid. The maximum oil pressure is as high as 1000 kPa or 145 psi, while the allowed minimum pressure is 41 kPa or 6 psi.
Your OBD-II device will show you the statistics of how your vehicle runs, including the oil pressure.
Once the oil sensor detects the pressure below the minimum threshold, it sends a warning P06DD code.
P06DD Code Symptoms
Some drivers prefer to diagnose their cars on a regular basis with their OBD-II devices; however, if you do it only after noticing a reduced performance, look out for these common symptoms:
- Excessive vibration or noise coming from the engine
- Poor overall vehicle performance
- Lack of engine power
- Poor idle quality
The first symptom of P06DD code you will notice is the oil warning light, prompting you to check the engine. An oil light flashing can indicate a number of problems, ranging from wrong engine oil to oil leaks. Therefore, having an OBD-II tool at hand is useful for identifying the exact problem, namely the code.
Causes of P06DD Code
Treat your vehicle like you treat your own health. If you eat healthily and exercise moderately, the chances of you falling sick are low. The same can be said about your car – if you maintain it regularly and feed it with the right oil, it’s unlikely to malfunction.
Otherwise, the code P06DD can be triggered by the following causes:
- Faulty oil pump
- Faulty oil pressure sensor
- Open oil pressure sensor circuit
- Low oil level
- Contaminated engine oil
- Faulty oil filter
Diagnosis
There are a few things you can do yourself before driving to your local mechanic. The first thing is to confirm the suspicion with a scan tool and to make sure the problem is indeed the code P06DD.
Next, you should see potential oil leaks and see whether the car engine oil is contaminated with dirt and fuel.
You should also inspect the oil level and add it if needed. However, if the oil is dirty, you will need to change it.
Depending on your skills, you or your local mechanic should inspect the oil pump and replace it if necessary.
Your car may also have a faulty oil filter which also has to be replaced with an OEM-specific oil filter.
Another culprit of the code P06DD can be a faulty oil pressure sensor or short/open wiring connected to it.
You might find it easier and faster to replace everything altogether; however, it may end up costing you more than actually finding the cause of the code.
As for the expense, you can expect to pay (the prices may vary in your area):
- Up to around $70 for an oil or filter change
- Up to around $200-$300 for an oil pressure sensor replacement
- Up to around $2500 for an engine oil pump assembly
Can I Drive with Code P06DD?
Your car will not stop working immediately after the oil light has been illuminated. However, it is not recommended to drive, as it can potentially damage your vehicle’s motor.
Without sufficient lubrication, the engine parts won’t be able to move smoothly. Since you can’t know how much oil is being consumed, pumped, or left in storage, you may get stuck in the middle of the road without being able to ignite your car again.
The best-case scenario for you would be to drive directly to the mechanic shop and get your oil pump repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to fix the P06DD Dodge code?
Dodge drivers with the P06DD code should inspect:
- The engine oil being low or dirty
- Faulty oil pressure sensor or wiring
The solution to the P06DD code is the same as for any other car: to replace the faulty component or repair it.
How to fix the P06DD Jeep code?
Jeep users may have the P06DD code when the engine oil is low or contaminated, the oil filter needs to be replaced, or there is a mechanical problem. It may also be possible that the oil pump or a sensor needs to be inspected and replaced if necessary.
How to fix the P06DD Chevy code?
Some drivers of Chevy vehicles (e.g., Silverado or Suburban model) have faced this code, too. The cause could be directly related to the oil change; however, you shouldn’t ignore other possible causes, like a faulty sensor or wiring.
Final Word
The P06DD code appears when the oil pressure is below the acceptable threshold. Running with it for a long time is possible but may lead to major engine problems. If there isn’t enough oil to lubricate the engine, the vehicle’s motor will stop running.
That’s why fixing the problem timely is in your best interest. These repairs can fix the P06DD code:
- Add oil
- Check whether the engine oil is dirty (change it if it is)
- Replace faulty oil filter, pump, or PCM (or reprogram it)
- Repair open wiring
Showing the code and scan’s reading will help your mechanic identify the problem and repair your car.
