Powertrain, generic · Computer and auxiliary outputs

P06DD Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

A switchable oil pump changes its output via a solenoid valve; unpowered it delivers high pressure. To test it, the module switches the pump between stages (GM up to 15 times, with oil at 50–110 °C and 1350–2500 rpm, expecting more than 100 kPa difference) and watches the oil pressure sensor; Ford checks each switch-over of a two-stage pump within 1 s, or a variable pump over 10 s, from 30 s after start. P06DD means the pressure does not react and stays above the threshold – the pump acts as if the valve were stuck off, at high pressure; GM sets it after two trips. Yet GM bulletins for V8 and 2.5 L engines list P06DD with low oil pressure, too: broken valve tips, unseated valves, a loose pump drive gear or worn tensioners also stop the pressure from changing. Check oil level and pressure before replacing parts.

Likely causes

Control valve stuck or broken, screen clogged
Oil level too low, wrong viscosity or sludge
Mechanical pump or drive damage (tensioner, drive gear, pump face)
Valve not seated correctly (retaining clip)
Oil pressure sensor inaccurate

Symptoms

  • Check engine light after two trips
  • Oil pressure stays high – or, with pump damage, low or fluctuating
  • Possibly oil pressure warning
  • Slightly higher fuel consumption

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–3,500
Time1–12 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

oil pump control valveoil pumpoil pressure sensorengine control module

Related codes

P06DEP06DAP0521P0524P0520

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, fordservicecontent.com, static.nhtsa.gov.