P06DA: Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P06DA means
Many newer engines use a variable-pressure oil pump. KBB explains that a solenoid relief valve switches the pump between a high-pressure mode at high engine speed and a low-pressure mode at low speed. P06DA is set when the engine computer sees an electrical problem in the circuit to that valve. In Mitsubishi's 2023 service manual, the ECM sets P06DA when the voltage signal from the engine oil pressure control solenoid valve stays near 0 volts, or below normal operating voltage, for 5 seconds or more; its confirmation test holds the engine at 4,500 rpm or more for at least 5 seconds. A Mercedes-Benz bulletin filed with NHTSA (for the M274 engine) describes P06DA00 as high resistance or an open in the circuit to the Y130 oil pump control valve. Sources describe it a little differently: KBB says P06DA indicates the control valve is likely stuck in the open position, while the Mitsubishi and Mercedes-Benz documents describe it as an electrical circuit fault (open or shorted wiring, connectors, or the valve itself). Related codes P06DD (Circuit Performance/Stuck Off) and P06DE (Circuit Stuck On) cover the same valve, per KBB.
Severity: can I keep driving?
Drive with caution, fix soon
Check your oil level first and get it diagnosed soon. How serious P06DA is depends on the vehicle. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says it can cause hard starting and stalling, while a Mercedes-Benz service bulletin for its M274 engine says that on 2019 and later models it causes no driveability concerns, only the check engine light. Because the circuit controls engine oil pressure, don't ignore an oil pressure warning light, engine noise or stalling that comes with it.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on (all sources)
- Hard starting, including a delay after turning the key or stalling when starting (KBB calls this the most common P06DA symptom)
- Stalling while driving or at idle (KBB)
- No driveability symptoms at all on some vehicles; the Mercedes-Benz bulletin says 2019 and later M274 engines show only the check engine light
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Faulty engine oil pressure control solenoid valve (Mitsubishi service manual, Mercedes-Benz bulletin)
- Open or shorted wiring harness, or poor or damaged connectors in the solenoid valve circuit (Mitsubishi service manual, Mercedes-Benz bulletin, KBB)
- Engine control software, on some Mercedes-Benz M274 engines up to model year 2018 (Mercedes-Benz bulletin)
- Oil-system problems that KBB lists for the P06DA/P06DD/P06DE group: low oil level, old or dirty oil, oil leaks, the wrong (including some aftermarket) oil filter, a clogged oil inlet screen, a bad oil pressure sensor, or oil pump failure. KBB notes some causes are more common for one of the three codes than the others.
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Check the oil level on the dipstick and top up if low. KBB lists low, old or dirty oil among the causes, and it's the quickest thing to rule out.
- Make sure the correct oil filter is fitted, since KBB lists the wrong filter (including some aftermarket filters) as a cause.
- Inspect the oil pressure control solenoid valve's wiring and connector for damage, corrosion or a loose fit, because both the Mitsubishi manual and the Mercedes-Benz bulletin name the harness and connectors.
- Look up technical service bulletins for your vehicle. Mercedes-Benz, for example, has a bulletin saying some M274 engines up to model year 2018 need a software update for this code.
Typical fixes
- Repairing open, shorted or high-resistance wiring or connectors in the solenoid valve circuit (Mitsubishi service manual, Mercedes-Benz bulletin)
- Replacing the engine oil pressure control solenoid valve (Mitsubishi service manual)
- Updating the engine control unit software where the manufacturer specifies it (Mercedes-Benz bulletin for M274 engines up to model year 2018)
- Correcting the oil level, changing the oil and filter, or fixing oil leaks when those are the cause (KBB)
Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.
🛠 When to call a pro
- Running the manufacturer's DTC confirmation test; Mitsubishi's procedure clears conditions, then holds the engine at 4,500 rpm or more for at least 5 seconds and rechecks for the code
- Using the manufacturer's guided test to locate high resistance or an open in the valve circuit (the Mercedes-Benz bulletin requires its guided test for component Y130)
- Checking actual oil pressure and the oil pressure sensor if oil-system causes are suspected (KBB lists a defective oil pressure sensor and oil pump failure)
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P06DA?
It depends on the vehicle. KBB says P06DA can cause hard starting and stalling, while a Mercedes-Benz bulletin says some of its engines show only the check engine light with no driveability problems. Check your oil level, and stop driving if an oil pressure warning light comes on or the engine gets noisy or stalls.
Is P06DA a bad oil pump?
Usually not the pump itself. Mitsubishi's service manual and the Mercedes-Benz bulletin point to the oil pressure control solenoid valve and its wiring and connectors. KBB does list oil pump failure among possible causes for the P06DA/P06DD/P06DE group.
What's the difference between P06DA, P06DD and P06DE?
KBB defines P06DA as Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit/Open, P06DD as Circuit Performance/Stuck Off, and P06DE as Circuit Stuck On. All three concern the same oil pressure control valve.
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-22. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.