P06DD Code: Engine Oil Pressure Control (Meaning + Fixes)

OBD2 Scanners are getting more and more popular in the automotive world, especially among DIY enthusiasts like you and me.

But let’s be honest, oftentimes the trouble codes that these scanners throw can be a bit confusing and it’s hard to fix the problem without knowing the root of it.

The P06DD code is certainly one of the hardest to diagnose because there are a lot of reasons which can trigger it.

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But don’t worry. This is the reason I am dedicating a whole article to this problem, so you can be prepared if you face it at some point.

Let’s dive into it.

Understanding The Code P06DD

The first thing that you will see after you scan your vehicle with an OBD2 scanner is the P06DD code: “Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off.“

But that doesn’t speak much.

The real reason behind the P06DD code is that your powertrain control module (PCM) detects too high or too low oil pressure which is monitored by your oil pressure sensor. This can be due to several reasons which I will explain later in this article.

And before we move further it is good to check your oil pressure with an OBD2 scanner using the live data function.

Now let’s explain how the oil pressure is maintained in your vehicle.

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How Oil Pressure Is Maintained?

Modern vehicles nowadays are equipped with dual-stage oil pumps. This means that the pump contains two regulated pressure stages (low-pressure mode and high-pressure mode), which are controlled by an open/closed solenoid valve. Depending on the speed you drive your vehicle, this solenoid maintains a specific oil pressure at different RPMs.

Now, imagine that you are driving on the highway at 80 mph. At this time your engine oil pump is operating in high-pressure mode (solenoid valve closed) which is on average around 65 PSI. On the other hand, if you are driving at 10-20 mph the oil pump is operating at low-pressure mode (with the solenoid valve open) at an average of 25-30 PSI.

Above I told you that the oil pressure is monitored by the engine oil pressure sensor which sends a signal to the PCM. From there the PCM adjusts the pump between the two stages according to the engine load, speed, coolant temperature, oil temperature, and operating conditions.

So when the ECM detects a higher or lower oil pressure it will trigger the P06DD code and alert you with a check engine light (CEL).

In some cases, you can also see the oil warning light flashing on your dashboard without illuminating the CEL, which may also indicate the same problem.

Possible Symptoms Of P06DD

Now that you know how the whole system works, let’s discuss some possible symptoms.

• Flashing Oil Light
• Check Engine Light
• Power Loss / Poor engine performance
• Rough Idle
• Loss of oil pressure
• Engine noise (knocking/pinging)
• Engine Vibration

Important Note – Keep in mind that if you experience some of these symptoms, it’s important to use a professional bidirectional scanner to access the live data on your vehicle and check the oil pressure. 

Vehicle systems are related and you can’t be sure that this is the problem before you scan it. For example, you can experience some of these symptoms if you got the P0332 code which is completely different from the P06DD. Down below I will dive deeper on how to diagnose this problem properly.

What Can Cause It?

Assuming that you made sure that your oil pressure is too low or high, let’s discuss the possible causes.

• Clogged Oil Filter
• Faulty Dual Stage oil pump
• Damaged wiring to the sensor
• Low oil level
• Dirty Oil
• Open Circuit in the oil pressure sensor
• Faulty Oil Pressure Sensor
• Oil Leaks

These are just the most common causes of this problem and they can differ between the different makes and models.

For example, in the Chevy Silverado, the P06DD code is listed as faulty when 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 issue is most likely to appear in Chevy 2014-2016 models.

Where Is The Oil Pressure Sensor (OPS) Located?

Let’s say that you discovered that your OPS is faulty and you don’t want to throw money at expensive shops, instead change it yourself.

The location of the OPS can vary depending on the vehicle you drive, but here are a few common locations.

• Near the oil filter – It’s easier to monitor the pressure here.
• On the engine block – Typically on the right side of the engine block.
• Around the Intake – In some newer vehicles this sensor can be located around the intake manifold on the cylinder head.

It’s always best to do a quick Google search to find out where exactly is located on your vehicle.

Diagnosing It Properly

To fix the P06DD code, the first step is to diagnose it properly. Without doing this, you will be just throwing money at a non-existing problem.

Let’s mention a few steps to diagnose the P06DD error code properly:

1. Check Oil Level – Oftentimes when the oil level is low this can cause low pressure and therefore the code P06DD. You can also replace the oil.
2. Check Oil Pressure Switch – Check the sensor for any signs of damage or use a multimeter to measure the normal operating values.
3. Inspect Wiring and Connectors – You can check the wiring and connectors that are related to the oil pressure sensor and see if there’s any sign of corrosion, damage, or anything that can disrupt the signal.
4. Check the circuit – If everything’s good with the wiring and connectors maybe the circuit itself has gone bad. Make sure to check for any shortage or open circuits.
5. Scan for additional codes – Oftentimes the P06DD code is caused by other underlying problems. So make sure that there are no other present codes.

Important Note – This is more of an intermediate problem and if not diagnosed correctly can lead to major engine damage which can cost you thousands to repair. So if you are not sure about any of the steps above, it’s best to take your vehicle to a professional mechanic who can take care of this.

How To Fix This Code – Step By Step

As I told you earlier, the low/high oil pressure in the engine can be caused by a variety of reasons and it’s important to identify the problem properly.

Before you continue make sure to check the possible causes that can cause this code to appear.

• Step 1: Scan For Codes – Of course, you can’t be sure there’s a problem without scanning your vehicle with an OBD2 scanner.
• Step 2: Review The Possible Causes – This could include low or dirty engine oil, a faulty oil pressure sensor, an open or shorted oil pressure sensor harness, or a poor electrical component in the oil pressure sensor circuit.
• Step 3: Inspect the Wiring Harness and Connectors – This is part of the process of diagnosing the problem correctly, but it’s also part of the solution. Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the oil pressure sensor. If you see something wrong then you will need to replace the harness or the connectors.
• Step 4: Check the Oil Pressure Sensor – Inspect the oil pressure sensor for any signs of damage or wear. If the sensor is faulty, it will need to be replaced.
• Step 5: Check the Engine Oil – Check the level and condition of the engine oil. If the oil is low or dirty, it will need to be changed.
• Step 6: Clear the Code and Test Drive – After making any necessary repairs, clear the P06DD code from the PCM using a diagnostic scanner. Then, leave the OBD2 plugged in and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns. If it does, this indicates that the problem hasn’t been fully resolved and further diagnosis may be necessary.

Preventing

Although these repairs can fix the P06DD, it’s best to not face it. 

It’s important to take care of your oil pressure system and do regular vehicle maintenance to minimize the risk of this problem.

Here are a few steps that will help you to prevent it.

• Regular Oil Changes
• Use the right Oil
• Regularly check the oil level
• Address the issues promptly
• Pre-prime the oil filter 

P06DD Code FAQs