Codes/brands This Page Will Cover
- P0606 Control Module Processor
- P0607 Control Module Performance
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What Is the P0606 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0606 code relates to your engine’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and its operability and state of condition. The PCM is the computer that assesses and controls all of your vehicle’s vital components and systems; it is the brain behind your car. Whenever you start your vehicle, the PCM performs a series of checks and tests to ensure that everything is in working order. Over one hundred different systems and vehicle components are checked during this process ranging from your oxygen sensors to your engine oil pressure and fuel temperature. During this process, the PCM also performs a self-check, and if it determines that there’s an issue within, it will trigger the P0606 code.
What Are the Symptoms of a P0606 Code?
The first symptom to expect with the P0606 code is the PCM setting a Check Engine Light on your dashboard. This may also come with an anti-lock brake (ABS) light sometimes. As far as physical symptoms, you may expect your car to stall when at a complete stop, or it may start shifting erratically. This is sometimes paired with an engine misfire and a drop in fuel economy if the engine is operating on a poor air and fuel ratio. You may also find difficulty cranking the engine or that your engine isn’t turning over altogether. Sometimes there are no physical symptoms, but that is unlikely.
What Are Some Causes of a P0606 Code?
The P0606 code isn’t necessarily always caused by a faulty PCM. One of the more common causes of this code is corroded, burned, or damaged wiring leading to and from the PCM. This is because the poor wiring can cause short-circuits in the system or bad electrical connections overall. Another common cause is a defective ground circuit or wiring associated with any of the sensors that the PCM oversees. There can also be an issue with the control area network (CAN) bus communication that causes the P0606 code to set. In these situations, it’s crucial to inspect your vehicle sooner than later so that you don’t risk permanent damage to your PCM. Finally, computer glitches are known to cause the software in the PCM to fail, thus causing the PCM to fail altogether.
How Serious Is the P0606 Code?
Since the PCM controls and oversees your car’s engine and entire electrical system, it’s a potentially severe code that can lead to costly damage. In addition, your vehicle may not operate altogether if the PCM cannot perform its duties and communicate with the various electrical systems. Because of this, you should have your car inspected at a certified service center as soon as you can. Doing so will ensure that you contain the issue before it causes permanent damage to critical vehicle components.
Can I Still Drive with a P0606 Code?
You may be able to drive your vehicle with a P0606 code, but it’s firmly not recommended. Driving your car when the PCM cannot operate to its intended capacity risks extensive damage to your engine, transmission, or other critical vehicle systems. In addition, the PCM needs to be able to communicate with various sensors throughout your car to ensure that your vehicle is working as it should. Therefore, you should not risk driving your vehicle for prolonged periods with the P0606 code.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0606 Code?
The first step in correctly diagnosing a P0606 code is to use an OBD scanner to gather information about when the code was set and what conditions were present at that time that led to the code. Following this, a qualified technician will perform a visual inspection of the associated wiring and connectors tied to the PCM. They will look for damaged wiring and corroded connectors, which are known to cause poor electrical connections. A technician will also assess the CAN bus to determine its condition as they’re usually exposed and a common source of wiring issues with the PCM. Finally, they will diagnose all of these related components before diagnosing the PCM as defective and needing replacing or reprogramming. Sometimes, a technician will call the manufacturer’s dealer in question to determine if there are any recalls associated with the PCM in that model vehicle.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0606 Code?
The P0606 code can be relatively straightforward to inspect if a defective PCM is in question. However, this isn’t always the case and requires a qualified technician to visually inspect and test wiring and connectors leading to the PCM. Because of the time and attention to detail needed to properly inspect issues with the PCM, it is best left to qualified technicians with prior experience working on PCM issues. It isn’t recommended to DIY PCM problems at home because you risk misdiagnosing the root of the issue and, thus, causing further damage to your car. Instead, a technician will look to replace or repair the associated PCM wiring and replace any damaged connectors causing a poor electrical connection. They will also attempt to replace PCM ground circuits since these are known to cause the PCM to fail. If reprogramming is required, then the technician will perform this task before determining that the PCM needs replacing.
Need Additional Help with Your P0606 Code?
As we have hopefully shown, the P0606 code can be straightforward to inspect and fix if you know what to look for and if you allow the right technicians to do that process. Following these guidelines will ensure that your PCM issue doesn’t become more severe than it needs to be, and your car can remain healthy for longer.
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