P06B0 Sensor Power Supply “A” Circuit/Open
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Sensor Power Supply A Circuit Open
What does that mean?
This is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, GMC, and Mercedes-Benz, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
When an OBD-II equipped vehicle has stored a code P06B0, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has failed to detect power supply voltage for a particular sensor or group of sensors. Depending upon manufacturer. the sensor (or sensors) in question may be related to the exhaust gas recirculation system, the heated exhaust oxygen sensor system, the automatic transmission, or the transfer case (four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles only).The sensor circuit affected has been given the designation A (A & B may be interchanged as well).
Most OBD-II sensors are activated by a voltage signal that is provided by the PCM or one of the other on-board controllers. The degree of voltage applied (frequently called reference voltage) may vary between very low voltage (typically measured in millivolts) up to full battery voltage. The most common sensor voltage signal is 5-volts; followed closely by battery voltage. Obviously, you will need to determine exactly which sensor is related to this code. A reliable source of vehicle information will yield this information.
If the PCM (or any of the other on-board controllers) fails to detect voltage on the power supply circuit designated A, the code P06B0 may be stored and a service engine soon/malfunction indicator lamp (SES/MIL) illuminated. SES/MIL illumination may require multiple ignition cycles with a failure.
A typical PCM powertrain control module, opened up:
What is the severity of this DTC?
I would certainly categorize this code as severe. Its wide reaching sensor inclusion makes it difficult – if not impossible – to pinpoint precisely how catastrophic the symptoms of the condition which has contributed to the P06B0 code being stored could prove.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P06B0 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this code may include:
What are some P06B0 troubleshooting steps?
Diagnose and repair any other sensor related codes prior to attempting a diagnosis for the stored P06B0.
To accurately diagnose a code P06B0, you will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a source of reliable vehicle information.
Without means to reprogram controllers, reaching an accurate diagnostic conclusion for the stored P06B0 will be challenging at best. You may save yourself some headaches by searching for technical service bulletins (TSB) that replicate the code stored, vehicle (year, make, model, and engine), and symptoms exhibited. This information may be found in your vehicle information source. If you succeed in locating the appropriate TSB, it could yield very helpful diagnostic information.
Connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored codes and pertinent freeze frame data. After you write this information down (in case the code proves to be an intermittent one) clear the codes and test drive the vehicle. One of two things will happen; the code will be restored or the PCM will enter readiness mode.
If the PCM enters readiness mode (the code is intermittent), the code may be more difficult to diagnose. The condition which caused the P06B0 to be stored may need to worsen before an accurate diagnostic conclusion can be reached. However, if the code is restored, continue with your diagnosis.
Obtain connector face views, connector pinout charts, component locators, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic flow charts (pertaining to the code and vehicle in question) using your source of vehicle information.
Visually inspect all related wiring and connectors. Wiring that has been cut, burned, or damaged should be repaired or replaced. You may also want to check chassis and engine grounds and make any necessary repairs before you continue. Use your vehicle information source (power and ground locations) to obtain ground junction locations for related circuits.
If no other codes are stored and the the P06B0 continues to reset, use the DVOM to test controller power supply fuses and relays. Replace blown fuses, relays, and fusible links as required. Fuses should always be tested with the circuit loaded to avoid a misdiagnosis.
You may suspect a defective controller or a controller programming error if all controller power (input) and ground circuits are intact and there is no sensor power (output) supply voltage being output from the PCM (or other controller). Keep in mind that controller replacement will require reprogramming. Reprogrammed controllers may be available through aftermarket sources for some applications; other vehicles/controllers will require on-board reprogramming that may only be done through a dealership or other qualified source.
Visually inspect system controllers for signs of water, heat, or collision damage and suspect that any controller that shows signs of damage is defective.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p06b0 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p06b0 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p06b0.
