The oil pump supplies three to six gallons of oil to lubricate the engine. It’s the part of the fuel pressure oil system that forces oil into the lubrication system to maintain the right amount of pressure under certain driving conditions.
An oil pressure sensor monitors the oil pump’s activity. If the sensor detects that the oil pressure is too low, onboard diagnostics (OBD) will log a P06DD trouble code.
What does the P06DD Code Mean?
The P06DD code stands for “Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off.”
P06DD is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) defined as “Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off.”
This trouble code means that your vehicle’s engine oil pressure sensor is signaling the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that the oil pressure is too low — and affecting the dual stage oil pump.
Your engine oil pump comprises seven vanes and a moving element to adjust and maintain the oil pressure supply continuously. The oil pump works in two regulated pressure stages controlled by an on/off solenoid.
Under typical conditions, these stages are:
- Low mode or low pressure mode regulation (when the solenoid is on): 200 kPa (29 psi)
- High mode or high pressure mode regulation (when the solenoid is off): 450 kPa (65 psi)
The Powertrain Control Module of your vehicle switches between the two regulated pressure stages based on the engine operating conditions, oil and coolant temperature, and engine speed and load. At the same time, a relief valve limits the maximum oil pressure to 1000 kPa (145 psi).
The oil pressure sensor is attached to the rear of the oil filter module, and helps monitor the pressure in the main oil gallery via diagnostic equipment. The minimum pressure for the engine, under all engine operating conditions, is 41 kPa (6 psi).
If the oil pressure sensor reports that the engine oil pressure is low (when there should be higher oil pressure) or if the oil pump face is damaged, the PCM tries to minimize engine wear by turning off the oil pump drive and setting the P06DD code.
Causes of P06DD Code
Many issues can result in the P06DA, P06DD, and P06DE codes. Here are just a few:
- Low oil level
- Old or dirty engine oil
- Oil leakage
- Wrong oil filter used, including aftermarket filters
- Clogged oil inlet port screen
- Poor electrical connections within the circuit
- Damaged wiring or electrical connectors within the circuit
- Faulty torque converter clutch solenoid
- Malfunctioning or faulty accelerator pedal position sensor
- Faulty camshaft position actuator solenoid valve
- Defective oil pressure sensor
- Oil pump failure
- Mechanical crankshaft failure
Some causes are more common for the P06DA code, while others are more common for the P06DD or P06DE codes. While these codes are very similar and related, it’s important to learn more about the causes of each individually, depending on what’s showing up with your code scanner.
Symptoms P06DD Code
- Illuminated check engine light
- Excessive engine vibration
- Noise from the engine
- Loss of oil pressure
- Poor engine power
- Poor vehicle performance
- Rough running idle and/or stalling
- Rough idle
Read More: Symptoms of a bad Fuel Pump
How To Diagnose P06DD Code
To diagnose the DTC P06DD, perform the below-given steps:
- Use a scanner to verify the presence of the P06DD trouble code.
- Record all stored fault codes, along with all available freeze frame data. This information could be very helpful if an intermittent fault is diagnosed later on.
- Check the engine oil leaks.
- Inspect the engine oil level. If your engine oil is less than the specific oil level, then add more oil. If your oil is dirty, then change it.
- Inspect the oil pump and replace it if needed
- Visually inspect the mechanical condition/angle of the engine oil pressure sensor.
- Inspect the wiring connected to the engine oil pressure sensor
- Inspect the connectors to make sure it is working efficiently.
Common P06DD Code Diagnosis Mistakes
- Replacing the Oil Pump Drive Assembly without verifying that it is faulty
- Replacing the engine oil pressure sensor without inspecting the engine oil level and wiring
- Replacing the oil pressure sensor with an incorrect part number
What repairs can fix the P06DD Code
- Adding more engine oil if needed
- Changing the engine oil if your oil is dirty
- Replacing the engine oil filter
- Replacing the engine oil pump assembly
- Replacing the valve cover gasket
- Replacing or repairing the damaged wiring
- Replacing or reprograming the PCM
Repair Cost of P06DD Code
The repair or fixing cost of the P06DD code varies according to the vehicle model, labor cost, and the cause of the problem. To fix or repair the P06DD code, you may need one or more of the following repairs:
| Parts | Cost |
|---|---|
| Engine oil pump assembly replacement | $290 to $2600 |
| Oil pressure sensor replacement | $70 to $270 |
| Valve cover gasket replacement | $100 to $350 |
| Oil Filter replacement | $40 to $90 |
| Oil change | $20 to $60 |
How Serious Is the P06DD Code?
The P06DA, P06DD, and P06DE codes are serious. Not only can these codes make it difficult for you to start the car, but they can also lead to stalling problems when you’re driving, which is obviously dangerous for you and everyone else on the road.
Additionally, issues with the P06DA, P06DD, and P06DE codes have to do with a problem surrounding your oil system, which can result in engine damage and even engine failure — loss of oil pressure is one of the quickest ways to seriously damage an engine.
Always get help for these codes when they appear, even if you don’t feel like they result in serious drivability issues. They can result in engine issues over time.
Can I Still Drive with a P06DD Code?
You should avoid driving if your vehicle shows the P06DA, P06DD, and P06DE codes. These generic codes are not good for your engine, even if they’re not causing severe issues and your vehicle runs normally.
You can experience serious engine damage if you continue to drive when this common engine code is active.
The problem can also be in many different areas, from wire assembly and wire harness issues to a problem with a dead battery or even fuel injection problems, meaning you’ll probably need to invest in more complex solutions than some more common issues may require.
If you know that you’re seeing these low or excessive oil pressure codes, even if it doesn’t feel like they’re causing noticeable issues while driving, stop until you can have an expert check them out.
FAQs.
What is the P06DD Code?
The P06DD code indicates that the engine oil pressure sensor of your car is signaling the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that the oil pressure is too low, which is affecting the dual-stage oil pump.
What is the P06DD code for the Chevy Silverado?
A Chevrolet Silverado with the P06DD trouble code is listed as faulty because the engine oil pressure control circuit is stuck when commanding high oil pressure greater than 95 PSI or the vehicle’s oil pump is not operating. This code is most likely to appear on the 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado models. Possible causes include a bad oil pump, a bad engine oil pressure sensor, a bad oil filter, or a low oil level.
How Serious is the P06DD Code?
If not repaired, the P06DD code can cause serious engine damage. The most common result is a stuck piston/cylinder due to insufficient oil pressure causing the engine to stop working.
Will P06DD clear itself?
This code is usually caused by low engine oil or an aftermarket filter. The code itself will take awhile to clear itself if you did not clear it. Make sure you’re using an OEM filter. If the code returns then you need an oil pump.
How do I get my oil pressure back to normal?
Too little oil can keep your engine from building up to the appropriate pressure, and simply refilling to the appropriate level can get you back to normal.