The po6dd code is likely to come up after driving for a substantially long distance. If you keep on driving after the po6dd code shows up, you’re risking car engine malfunction. Because the engine oil pressure control circuit is stuck off hence causing the car engine parts to struggle to function properly.
The engine oil pressure circuit uses an electric motor, oil pressure switch and relay to control the engine oil pressure. Therefore, the three create a complete oil pressure control circuit. Because it is a circuit, common car electrical system problems could interfere with its functionality. Hence causing the po6dd code.
What does the po6dd code mean?
It’s a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that represents a problem with the engine oil pressure control circuit. There are a number of things that could lead to this issue. Most of which are avoidable through performing engine maintenance practices.
The po6dd code is sent by the oil pressure sensor to the PCM after the sensor detects that oil pressure is too low. Therefore, this low oil pressure affects the dual stage oil pump. On the other hand, the PCM shuts the oil pump off in order to minimize engine damage.
Often times the car’s powertrain control module (PCM) will detect when something is wrong within the engine. During these occasions, it will generate a code which will be displayed as a dashboard warning light. Therefore, alerting the driver that there is a problem which needs investigation.
Other issues that can lead to the generation of a DTC have something to do with the different types of vehicle sensors. Whereby the sensors tend to malfunction. If this is the case, it doesn’t pose an immediate threat but it should be investigated and corrected.
The powertrain control module (PCM) is very specific as to which engine component is faulty. Therefore, you can locate the issue by using an OBD2 scanner to get the specific code from the PCM. Each problem that occurs in relation to engine performance is represented within the PCM by a specific code.
Causes of po6dd diagnostic trouble code.
This OBD2 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is associated with engine oil pressure control circuit. It’s a sign that the oil pressure sensor is faulty or it has detected an issue with the car engine oil pump solenoid.
a]. Insufficient engine oil.
Insufficient engine oil means that the oil pump will not get something to pump from the oil pan to the engine. Therefore causing an interruption of oil pressure which leads to diagnostic trouble code po6dd.
There is a set engine oil capacity that you must adhere to during an engine oil change. Otherwise, you risk overfilling the engine oil. This will reduce the oil’s ability to lubricate the engine parts.
Further, excess oil level is one of the causes of engine oil leak. Alternatively, insufficient oil will cause the po6dd DTC because of low oil pressure. Check engine oil regularly to ensure that there is a sufficient amount.
Further, checking engine oil will help you to determine the extent of engine oil contamination. You will see this from the color of oil on the oil dipstick. Afterwards, you can decide to settle for a full oil change or adding new engine oil.
b]. Faulty oil pressure sensor.
The powertrain control module (PCM) relies on the information that it receives from the different sensors in order to determine engine health. Therefore if the oil pressure sensor is faulty, it will send the wrong reading to the PCM.
Hence causing the PCM to display the check engine warning light or the oil pressure dashboard warning light. This will depend on the PCM program installed by the manufacturer. But, despite the warning light on display, the diagnostic trouble code reading by the OBD2 scanner will be the same.
c]. Faulty solenoid.
The car engine oil pump solenoid controls oil pressure. It regulates oil pressure depending on engine rotation, vehicle load and oil and coolant temperatures. A faulty solenoid will cause low oil pressure hence causing low engine oil levels within the engine block.
d]. Electrical system failure.
The electrical system faces a number of problems that include wiring and blown fuses. Oil pressure regulation relies on a fully functional vehicle electrical system.
Because the oil pressure control circuit needs electric current in order to communicate with the powertrain control module. Some of the vehicle electrical system problems that can cause the DTC po6dd are inclusive of faulty wiring and blown fuse box.
Other causes of po6dd diagnostic trouble code are inclusive of;
- Faulty oil pump.
- Dirty engine oil.
Symptoms of po6dd diagnostic trouble code.
When the po6dd diagnostic trouble code DTC shows up, it means that oil is not reaching every part of your car engine as it should. Therefore, the following are some of the things you will observe to come to a solid conclusion.
a]. Engine misfires.
You will notice this when the engine starts and you drive for a while then you stop without turning it off. The engine’s exhaust pipe will start misfiring and producing loud banging noises like gunshots. This is a sign of low engine oil pressure thereby causing the engine parts not to receive sufficient oil.
b]. Car engine stalling.
Whereby the engine starts and runs for sometime and then it shuts down randomly. This may happen when the vehicle is idle or when you’re driving in the middle of your journey. This is a clear sign that the engine is not receiving sufficient oil.
c]. Check engine light.
Some vehicle’s powertrain control modules are programmed to show the check engine warning light when there is insufficient oil. You will have to use an OBD2 scanner to determine the real cause of the check engine light. If the diagnostic trouble code from the check engine light is po6dd then there is a problem with the oil pressure.
d]. Engine overheating.
In some cases, the engine may start to overheat while you’re driving if you choose to do so without sufficient oil pressure. That’s because oil plays a role in cooling the moving engine parts around which it moves.
Oil takes the heat caused by friction and the heat is dissipated when the oil leaves the engine. Afterwards, when the oil cools down, it goes back into the engine.
Therefore, if there is insufficient oil pressure, the heat being generated by friction will remain in the engine. This will cause the engine to start overheating. This is despite having other functional engine cooling system components.
e]. Poor engine performance.
Proper engine performance highly depends on the lubrication of moving engine parts. You will notice that the engine delays to accelerate when you press the accelerator pedal.
It shows that the engine is struggling to generate power for the purpose of acceleration. Because low engine oil pressure will not allow the smooth movement of engine parts. The parts will be grinding against each other instead of gliding over each other.
Other symptoms of the po6dd diagnostic error code are inclusive of;
- Poor fuel economy.
- Loud grinding noises from the engine area.
- Lastly, engine damage.
Car engine oil pump.
The engine oil pump is made up of seven vanes and it is responsible for ensuring that oil circulates through the engine. Oil has various functions and roles within the engine that include lubrication, cleaning and cooling.
Engine oil pump failure could lead to problems such as engine knock or an overheated engine amongst others. In order to avoid low oil pressure, the oil pump incorporates an on and off solenoid which acts as an oil pressure gauge.
This solenoid works within two limits; when it’s on during the low pressure mode or when it’s off during high pressure mode. Powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the engine’s performance to determine the solenoid’s operating mode.
Additionally, the PCM also looks at vehicle load, engine speed, oil and coolant temperatures when determining the solenoid’s mode of operation.
How to fix po6dd diagnostic error code.
- Check engine oil on a regular basis. Ascertain the amount of oil that’s available and its color.
- Secondly change dirty oil.
- Replace oil filter.
- Repair any oil leak that your engine has.
- Lastly, replace the entire engine oil pump assembly.
Types of car engine oil pumps.
The two types of car engine oil pumps are determined by the year when the engine was manufactured. Auto lube technology has come a long way over time. Therefore, the following are the types of engine oil pumps.
a]. Gear pumps.
If you’re driving a vehicle that has an old engine, there is a probability that it has a gear pump. Gear pumps are highly affected by oil viscosity. Therefore, manufacturers that make the different types of engine oil designed oil that specifically suits older engines because of their type of oil pump.
As the name suggests, gear pumps have two gears which work together to draw oil from the oil pan. Further, they work together to push oil through the engine. These two gears are known as the drive and idler gear.
b]. Rotor pumps.
They are very common in modern engines. They draw oil from the oil pan and pump it into the engine using two rotating lobes. The rotor pumps rotating lobes are very efficient at controlling oil pressure for different oil viscosity. But don’t put the wrong engine oil into the car and expect normal functionality.
