P06B3
Sensor Power Supply B Circuit/Open.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Medium severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- 6
- AreaComputer and output circuits
- B3
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P06B3 is a generic code meaning the engine or powertrain control module has detected an open circuit on Sensor Power Supply B, one of the regulated reference voltage outputs (usually 5 volts) that feeds a group of sensors. The control unit saw the supply voltage or current outside the expected range, consistent with a break in the circuit. Which sensors share supply B depends on the make, model and engine.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Poor or erratic throttle response
- Rough running or hesitation
- Hard starting or no start
- Other sensor fault codes stored at the same time
Possible causes
- Open circuit or damaged wiring between the control unit and one of the sensors on supply Blikely
- Corroded, loose or pushed-out pins in a sensor connector or control unit connectorlikely
- A faulty sensor on the shared supply that has failed internally and pulled the supply out of rangepossible
- Chafed or rodent-damaged loom, or poor repair of previous wiringpossible
- Poor power or earth supply to the control unit affecting its internal reference voltage outputpossible
- Internal fault in the control unit sensor supply driverrare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting any other sensor circuit codes that point to a shared supply
- Check the manufacturer wiring diagram to identify which sensors are fed by supply B on this model and engine
- Visually inspect the related wiring and connectors for chafing, heat damage, water ingress, corrosion and bent or loose pins
- With the ignition on, check the reference voltage at the affected sensor connectors against the specified value
- Unplug sensors on the shared supply one at a time to see whether the voltage or the fault returns to normal
- Carry out continuity and resistance checks on the supply wire from the control unit to each sensor, with the battery disconnected
- Check the control unit power feeds and earths for voltage drop
- Clear the code and road test to confirm whether it returns, rechecking live data
How to fix
- Repair or replace damaged wiring, using proper soldered or crimped and sealed joints
- Clean, re-seat or repair corroded or loose connector terminals
- Replace the faulty sensor if it is found to be disrupting the shared supply
- Restore good power and earth connections to the control unit
- Replace or repair the control unit only after all wiring and sensors are proven good, following the manufacturer procedure
Can I keep driving?
Medium severity
The car may be driveable, but it could enter limp mode or run poorly, and a lost sensor signal can cause stalling. Have it checked soon and avoid long journeys until it is fixed.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.
