P06DD Code: Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off

What Is P06DD?

P06DD is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) defined as “Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck Off.”

This error code means that your vehicle’s engine oil pressure control circuit is stuck in the “off” position, preventing it from switching between low and high oil pressure modes as intended.

Why does this happen?
Modern engines often use a dual-stage oil pump controlled by a solenoid to regulate oil pressure based on engine needs. The PCM commands the solenoid on or off to switch between two typical conditions:

• Low-pressure mode regulation (solenoid ON): Used during light engine load or low speeds, approximately 200 kPa (29 psi)

• High-pressure mode regulation (solenoid OFF): Used when a higher oil pressure is required, like during acceleration, approximately 450 kPa (65 psi)

A relief valve limits the maximum oil pressure to 1000 kPa (145 psi). Your vehicle’s PCM switches between the low and high pressure mode stages based on engine operating conditions, oil temperature, coolant temperature, engine speed, and engine load. 

Where is the oil pressure measured?
The oil pressure sensor unit is located at the rear of the oil filter housing or module and monitors pressure in the main oil gallery. The minimum required oil pressure under all engine operating conditions is 41 kPa (6 psi).

Now, here’s the thing:

The dual-stage oil pump is designed to operate in low-pressure mode during low-speed driving to reduce engine load and improve fuel efficiency. If the oil pump fails to transition out of low-pressure mode at higher speeds or loads, especially after extended low-speed operation, the P06DD code may be triggered.

Alternatively, if the oil pressure sensor reports low engine oil pressure when higher pressure is expected, or if there’s a problem with the oil pump, the PCM takes action. It sets the P06DD code and may disable the oil pump’s solenoid control to protect the engine from insufficient lubrication.

7 Common Symptoms of P06DD

A flashing Check Engine Light is one of the first signs of the dreaded P06DD code.

Additionally, a person may notice these signs:

1. Excessive engine vibration and noise
2. Noisy valve gear (components like the camshaft, lifters, pushrods, and rocker arms that control valve movement)
3. Rough engine idle
4. Engine stalling
5. Lack of power and speed
6. Reduced fuel economy
7. Loss of oil pressure (usually indicated by a dashboard warning light or accompanied by engine noise)

What are the Major Causes of P06DD?

Here are some typical conditions that could trigger code P06DD on your vehicle:

• Low engine oil level
• Dirty engine oil
• Use of non-OEM oil filters
• Damaged, missing, or improperly installed oil filter O-ring
• Clogged filter or mesh screen at the entry point of the oil pump
• Abnormal engine oil pressure (reading too low or outside the specified range on the gauge)
• Faulty engine oil pressure sensor
• Electrical issues in the oil pressure sensor circuit (including damaged wiring, faulty connectors, or short/open circuits)
• Faulty oil pump
• Excessive internal engine wear or out-of-spec mechanical tolerances
• Mechanical crankshaft failure

Is P06DD Serious and Can You Still Drive?

Yes, the P06DD code is a serious issue because it relates directly to low oil pressure, one of the most critical factors for engine health. 

Low oil pressure can quickly lead to severe engine damage, including seized pistons, worn bearings, timing chain wear, or even complete engine failure. Reduced engine output may also affect transmission performance.  

So, a person shouldn’t drive with an active P06DD code.

Driving the car without addressing the root problem could result in costly and irreversible damage. If your Check Engine Light is on, don’t push your luck — stop driving and have the vehicle inspected by a qualified technician ASAP.

How to Diagnose Code P06DD: A General Know-How

Diagnosing the P06DD error code requires a thorough inspection of different parts within the engine block that ensure a regulated oil pressure supply. If you’re not confident in fixing the problem yourself, it’s best to get help from an experienced mechanic.

Here’s how a mechanic will diagnose code P06DD: 

Step 1: Check for Active DTC Code

• Use an OBD-II code reader to confirm that your vehicle has registered the dreaded P06DD code for not maintaining minimum pressure.

• Check for related check engine codes such as P0520, P0521, P0522, P0523, or P06DA.

• Fix any additional code before continuing.

• Clear all codes and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if code P06DD or any additional code returns.

Step 2: Check Engine Oil

• Inspect the oil level, as low oil can disrupt regulated pressure and damage critical engine parts.

• Ensure the vehicle uses an OEM-specified oil filter (e.g., MOPAR). An incorrect filter can restrict oil flow.

• They’ll see if your car has:
  • Dirty engine oil
  • Aerated engine oil 
  • Incorrect engine oil viscosity

• Inspect the oil filter O-ring to ensure it isn’t damaged, missing, or improperly installed.

• Check the mesh screen at the entry point of the oil pump for sludge buildup.

• Look for other mechanical conditions affecting oil flow, such as oil drain back or oil sludge.

• Check the oil change frequency to ensure that the oil was changed at the required intervals and miles.

• If code P06DD still appears on the code reader, they’ll proceed to check the oil pump.

Step 3: Inspect the Dual-Stage Oil Pump and Oil Pressure Sensor

• At this stage, the mechanic will inspect the oil pump unit and the oil pressure sensor system, since faults in either can trigger the P06DD code.

• They’ll check the oil pump for proper operation.

• Next, inspect the oil pressure sensor and its harness for:
  • Broken or bent pins
  • Open or short circuits
  • Poor electrical connections
  • Damaged or corroded wiring

• If the oil pressure sensor is faulty, replace it with a new one and turn the ignition on.

• Recheck for code P06DD. If they are out of luck and the code returns, the mechanic will test the oil pump solenoid. Since this component is sometimes serviceable on its own, it should be replaced first if found faulty.

• If the oil pressure sensor and solenoid are working correctly, the mechanic will install a new oil pump.

• Perform a powertrain verification test after replacement.

Step 4: Inspect for Any Deeper Mechanical Issue or PCM Fault

• If all else checks out, the mechanic will look for any issue within the engine block, including:
  • Excessive internal wear
  • Out-of-spec mechanical tolerances
  • Mechanical crankshaft failure

• Sometimes, the PCM misinterprets sensor data or doesn’t manage the oil pump correctly due to outdated software. In such cases, the mechanic will give it a flash update, i.e., reprogram the PCM with an updated software from the manufacturer.

Possible Repairs for P06DD and Costs

Fixing code P06DD begins with an hour of diagnostic time, which, depending on labor charges, can cost between $75 and $170 per hour. These rates can vary based on your location and vehicle make and model.

The mechanic may suggest one or more required repairs based on the diagnosis, like installing a new oil pump or topping up the oil level.

Here are the average cost estimates for some P06DD-related repairs (including labor charges) to keep in mind: 

• Synthetic oil change and oil filter change: $70 to $240 
• Flash update or reprogramming the vehicle’s PCM: $80 to $150
• Oil pressure sensor replacement: $130 to $375
• Oil filter O-ring replacement: $180 to $220
• Crankshaft replacement: $400 to $3,000
• Oil pump replacement: $1,205 to $1,625