P06B8 Engine computer reports a fault in its non-volatile memory

P06B8 internal control module non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM)

Monitor

The Ford bulletins show P06B8 often appearing after programming or a repair rather than from a failing part, but the reference page rates it moderate to serious, so confirm it does not return.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine stalls, loses power, has a hard start, or the transmission shifts oddly. The Ford Focus bulletin lists delayed engagement and no-start concerns with this code.

Source: how we rate severity

P06B8 in short

P06B8 is an engine computer memory fault code. On many Fords it is stored after a repair or reprogramming and will not clear until the module sequence is done again. If it comes back, a weak battery, bad connections or the computer itself is possible. Watch for stalling or shifting problems.

The engine computer keeps some data in memory that must survive when power is removed. P06B8 is the code for a problem with that memory, as the name suggests.

The Ford bulletins in the national database show it as a leftover code. TSB 14-0074 says P06B8 will not clear after the original problem on 2013 C-MAX, Fusion and MKZ is repaired, and ASI 44707 says several codes including P06B8 can appear if the key is not left off for 30 seconds after programming. TSB 14-0135 says the PCM and TCM are reprogrammed together on the 2014 Fiesta.

If the code returns after a clean clear, the reference page lists poor CAN harness connections, ground problems, programming errors, or the computer itself. Only the NHTSA summaries of the Ford bulletins were read, so the full repair steps are not shown here.

Most likely causes

  1. Code left stored after a repair or reprogramming (Ford)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford TSB 14-0074 (2013 C-MAX, Fusion, MKZ) and ASI 44707 (2009-2015 Focus, Escape, Expedition, Edge) describe P06B8 staying or setting after a repair or programming. Only summaries were read.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared right after programming or a repair. Falls if it returns after the vehicle is cleared and driven.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  2. PCM and TCM need to be updated as a matched set (2014 Fiesta)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford TSB 14-0135 says the PCM is reprogrammed and the TCM updates automatically as a matched set on the 2014 Fiesta. Summary only.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2014 Fiesta with transmission codes too. Falls on other vehicles.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  3. Weak battery, poor power or ground connections, or CAN harness wiring faults

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The reference page lists poor connections in the CAN harness and grounding problems among the main causes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the battery is weak or other modules store communication codes. Falls if power, grounds and the network test normal.

  4. Faulty engine computer or programming error

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The reference page lists a faulty PCM or programming errors, but the bulletins show other causes come first.
    What would change this
    Rises only after battery, grounds, network and bulletins are ruled out and the code returns after a clean clear. Falls if the code does not return.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes and freeze-frame data, note whether the code appeared after a repair or programming, then clear and drive.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

  2. Test battery and charging voltage, check module grounds, and ask a dealer whether a software update or bulletin applies.

    Low riskTool: multimeter, scan tool

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, often with no other change
  • Delayed shifting engagement, hard start or no-start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Other module or communication codes stored together

How to fix

  1. Check that the battery terminals and cables are clean and tight.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open software update.

Parts and cost context

  • Engine control module (ECM / PCM):Replacement needs programming; rule out leftover codes and power or network faults first. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2013 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 14-0074 says P06B8 does not clear after the MIL cause is repaired on the 2013 Fusion and C-MAX. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2009–2015 · Focus

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford ASI 44707 and ASI 44686 list P06B8 on the Focus after programming or with delayed engagement. Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 2014 · Fiesta

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 14-0135 reprograms the PCM and updates the TCM as a matched set for P06B8 and other codes. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-14-0074Status unverified

    P06B8 not cleared after the MIL cause is repaired

    2013c-max, fusion · issued · NHTSA 10055799

    P06B8 stays stored in the PCM after the original MIL cause is repaired on 2013 C-MAX, Fusion and MKZ. The summary does not give the fix.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • ASI-44686Status unverified

    Delayed engagement, no-crank and no-start with or without P06B8 and transmission codes

    2012–2013focus · issued · NHTSA 10056788

    Concerns including intermittent or delayed shifting from park, drive or reverse, noise during start and no-start, with or without a group of codes including P06B8.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB-14-0135Status unverified

    MIL with P286F, P06B8 and another code

    2014fiesta · issued · NHTSA 10056929

    The PCM is reprogrammed and the TCM updates automatically as a matched set.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • ASI-44707Status unverified

    MIL on with P06B8, P068A, P2610 after PCM programming

    2009–2015focus, escape, expedition, edge · issued · NHTSA 10057865

    Several codes can set if the key is not left off for 30 seconds after programming.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for P06B8 yet.

All Engine computer (ECM/PCM) codes

P06B8 questions

Why did P06B8 appear after a repair?

On many Fords the code stays stored or sets after a repair or reprogramming. A bulletin says it will not clear by itself on some 2013 models. Ask the dealer to check the module update steps.

Do I need a new engine computer for P06B8?

Rarely at first. Rule out a leftover code, battery and wiring problems, and open updates before replacing the computer.

Sources and review

  1. Guide to P06B8 OBD error code — PartsAvatar
  2. Ford bulletin TSB-14-0074: P06B8 not cleared after the MIL cause is repaired (2013 C-MAX, Fusion, MKZ) — Ford (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  3. Ford bulletin ASI-44686: Delayed engagement, no-crank and no-start concerns with or without P0805/P06B8/P0809/P0850/P087A/P087E/P0884/P283A/P2831-P2837 (2012-2013 Focus) — Ford (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  4. Ford bulletin ASI-44707: MIL on with P06B8, P068A, P2610 after PCM reprogramming (2009-2015 Focus, Escape, Expedition, Edge) — Ford (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
  5. Ford bulletin TSB-14-0135: MIL with P0610 (shown as 02610 in the NHTSA summary), P286F, P06B8 (2014 Fiesta) — Ford (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.