P06DD: Oil pump pressure control not responding, as if stuck off

Engine oil pressure control circuit stuck off

P06DD in short

P06DD means the engine computer’s control of the variable-pressure oil pump is not changing oil pressure as commanded, as if the control were stuck off. Low oil level, a damaged pump control solenoid, debris in the pump or wiring faults are common causes. Check the oil now; stop if the oil warning comes on.

Many newer engines use an oil pump whose pressure the engine computer can change through a control solenoid. The computer compares what it commanded with what the oil pressure sensor reports, and sets P06DD when pressure does not respond as if the control is stuck off. GM uses P06DE for the opposite, stuck on.

Bulletins point at both simple and serious causes: low oil, or an oil change that left the filter and oil galleries empty; a broken pump control solenoid; debris jamming the pump; timing chain guide wear damaging the pump on some GM V8s; a failed relief valve on Chrysler’s Pentastar V6; and engine wiring harness faults.

Although the code sits among engine computer codes, the fault is usually in the oil system or its wiring, not the computer itself.

Most likely causes

  1. Cause 1: Low oil level, or an empty filter and gallery right after an oil change

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    GM tells technicians to first check the engine oil level for P06DD, and GM PIP5844 covers P06DD from low or no oil pressure right after an oil and filter change.
    What would change this
    Rises if the dipstick reads low or the code appeared right after an oil change. Falls if the level is correct and the code returns after a few drives.
  2. Cause 2: Damaged or broken oil pump control solenoid (GM V8 trucks and SUVs)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIP5555 says the oil pump control solenoid may be damaged or broken when P06DD sets on 2015–2018 Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban and Escalade, with original or replacement pumps.
    What would change this
    Rises if commanding the pump control on a scan tool does not change oil pressure. Falls if pressure follows the command.
    How to test the engine oil pump
  3. Cause 3: Debris jamming the oil pump (GM 1.2L and 1.3L three-cylinder)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM service update A202302140 and its TechLink articles describe the oil pump sticking from foreign material on the Encore GX, Trailblazer and Trax, with an oil pump screening test.
    What would change this
    Rises on those models if the GM screening test fails. Falls if it passes.
    How to test the engine oil pump
  4. Cause 4: Engine wiring harness fault in the pump control circuit

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIP5750A (2019–2021 Silverado and Sierra 1500) and PIP5932D (2024 Trax and others) point to engine wiring harness concerns behind P06DD.
    What would change this
    Rises if the harness shows chafing, a loose connector or an open circuit to the pump solenoid. Falls if the circuit tests good.
  5. Cause 5: Worn or damaged oil pump, relief valve or timing cover pump

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM PIP5407 replaces the timing chain tensioner guide and a worn pump on some 2014–2016 V8s with low oil pressure; FCA has Pentastar V6 pumps checked for a failed relief valve; Jeep replaces the timing chain cover that holds the pump on 2022–2024 Renegade, Compass and Commander.
    What would change this
    Rises if a mechanical gauge shows low oil pressure with the correct oil level, or there is front-of-engine noise. Falls if real oil pressure is normal.
    How to test the engine oil pump

What to test first

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

  1. Step 1: With the engine off on level ground, check the oil level on the dipstick and note when the oil was last changed.

    Low risk

  2. Step 2: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin or service update for P06DD. GM, Chrysler and Jeep have issued several.

    Low risk

  3. Step 3: Have a shop measure actual oil pressure with a mechanical gauge, compare it with the scan tool reading, command the pump control, and check the pump control wiring.

    Best left to a shopTool: mechanical oil pressure gauge, bidirectional scan tool, multimeter

    Warning:The engine runs with hot oil under pressure and the sender is removed for the gauge. Leave this to a shop.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light with no change in how the engine runs
  • Engine will not rev above about 3,300 rpm (Jeep Renegade, Compass, Commander)
  • Oil pressure low warning or message Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Ticking, rattling or knocking from the engine Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Step 1: Check the oil level with the engine off on level ground and top up to the full mark with the oil your owner’s manual specifies.

  2. Step 2: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a bulletin or service update for P06DD.

Parts and cost context

  • Engine oil pump:On many GM and Chrysler engines the pump sits behind the timing cover or in the oil pan, so replacing it is a major job; Jeep’s fix replaces the timing chain cover that houses the pump. Labour 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

Chevrolet

  • 2014–2021 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins for the V8 trucks cover a broken pump control solenoid, timing chain guide and pump wear, and engine harness faults. Check oil level and real oil pressure before buying a pump. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5555Status unverified

    P06DD: oil pump control solenoid damaged or broken

    2015–2018yukon, sierra, silverado, tahoe, suburban, escalade · issued · NHTSA 10129891

    Applies to original or replacement oil pumps.

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

  • PIP5407Status unverified

    P06DD or no/low oil pressure

    2014–2016silverado-1500, suburban, camaro, corvette · issued · NHTSA 10080702

    Replace the timing chain tensioner guide; replace the oil pump if its face is damaged or worn and inspect bearings for debris damage.

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

  • PIP5750AStatus unverified

    P06DD, P06DA, P06DB from engine wiring harness

    2019–2021sierra-1500, silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10182576

    Possible engine wiring harness concerns.

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

  • PIP5844Status unverified

    P06DD after an oil and filter change

    2019–2022silverado-2500, silverado-3500, trailblazer · issued · NHTSA 10210334

    Low or no oil pressure right after an oil change because the filter and main gallery were drained.

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

  • A202302140Status unverified

    Oil pump stuck by foreign material: P0521, P06DE, P06DD

    2020–2021trailblazer, encore-gx · issued · NHTSA 10177355

    Perform the oil pump screening test and replace the pump if necessary.

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

  • PIP5932DStatus unverified

    MIL with P0521, P06DD or P06DE: harness and pump tests

    2024trax, trailblazer, encore-gx, envista · issued · NHTSA 11006345

    Engine wiring harness inspection and oil pump diagnostic testing.

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

GMC

  • 2014–2021 · Sierra 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    Same GM V8 bulletins as the Silverado: control solenoid, pump wear and harness. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5555Status unverified

    P06DD: oil pump control solenoid damaged or broken

    2015–2018yukon, sierra, silverado, tahoe, suburban, escalade · issued · NHTSA 10129891

    Applies to original or replacement oil pumps.

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

  • PIP5407Status unverified

    P06DD or no/low oil pressure

    2014–2016silverado-1500, suburban, camaro, corvette · issued · NHTSA 10080702

    Replace the timing chain tensioner guide; replace the oil pump if its face is damaged or worn and inspect bearings for debris damage.

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

  • PIP5750AStatus unverified

    P06DD, P06DA, P06DB from engine wiring harness

    2019–2021sierra-1500, silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10182576

    Possible engine wiring harness concerns.

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

Dodge

  • Supported by vehicle data

    On any Pentastar V6 (Charger, Journey, Grand Caravan and others), FCA bulletin 9003694 has the oil pump checked for a failed relief valve. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 9003694Status unverified

    P06DD on Pentastar V6: inspect oil pump relief valve

    2011–2017journey, grand-caravan, charger, nitro · issued · NHTSA 10139989

    Inspect the oil pump for relief valve failure on any Pentastar V6; replace the pump if needed.

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

Jeep

  • Grand Cherokee

    Possible — needs testing

    The Pentastar V6 relief valve check in FCA bulletin 9003694 applies to any Pentastar application. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2022–2023 · Compass

    Supported by vehicle data

    Bulletin 0900623 covers P06DD with the engine held to 3,300 rpm; the timing chain cover that houses the oil pump is inspected and replaced if needed. Also covers the Renegade. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 9003694Status unverified

    P06DD on Pentastar V6: inspect oil pump relief valve

    2011–2017journey, grand-caravan, charger, nitro · issued · NHTSA 10139989

    Inspect the oil pump for relief valve failure on any Pentastar V6; replace the pump if needed.

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

  • 0900623Status unverified

    Low oil pressure: P06DD, engine limited to 3,300 rpm

    2022–2023renegade, compass · issued · NHTSA 10234498

    Inspect and if necessary replace the timing chain cover (oil pump).

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

All Engine computer (ECM/PCM) codes

P06DD questions

Is it safe to drive with P06DD?

Check the oil first. If the level is right and there is no oil warning or noise, drive gently to a shop soon. Stop the engine if the oil pressure warning comes on.

P06DD showed up right after an oil change. Why?

GM has seen P06DD when the new filter and oil galleries were empty at start-up. Confirm the oil level, clear the code and see whether it returns.

Sources and review

  1. GM PIP5407: P06DD or no or low oil pressure, timing chain tensioner guide and oil pump (2014–2016 V8 trucks, SUVs, Camaro, Corvette) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  2. FCA bulletin 0900623: low oil pressure, P06DD, engine limited to 3,300 rpm (2022–2024 Renegade, Compass, Commander) — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  3. Oil Pump and Engine Wiring Harness Conditions — GM TechLink (General Motors)
  4. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  5. What To Do If Your Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light Is On — AA1Car.com (Larry Carley)
  6. GM PIP5844: P06DD after an oil and filter change (2019–2022 trucks, CT4, Trailblazer, Encore GX) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  7. GM PIP5555: P06DD, oil pump control solenoid damaged or broken (2015–2018 Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Escalade) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  8. GM service update A202302140: engine oil pump stuck by foreign material, P0521, P06DE, P06DD (2020–2021 Encore GX, Trailblazer) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. Engine Oil Pump Pressure Control — GM TechLink (General Motors)
  10. GM PIP5932D: P0521, P06DD or P06DE, wiring harness and oil pump tests (2024 Trax, Trailblazer, Encore GX, Envista) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  11. GM PIP5750A: P06DD, P06DA, P06DB from engine wiring harness concerns (2019–2021 Silverado 1500, Sierra 1500) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  12. FCA bulletin 9003694: P06DD on Pentastar V6, inspect oil pump relief valve — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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