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P06BA

Cylinder 2 Glow Plug Circuit Range/Performance.

  • Generic
  • Powertrain
  • Generic code
  • Low severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
0
Defined bySAE, the same on every car
6
AreaComputer and output circuits
BA
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P06BA is the generic code for a range or performance fault in the cylinder 2 glow plug circuit. The engine control unit (or glow plug control module) has judged that the current draw, voltage or resistance of the cylinder 2 glow plug is outside the expected range, although the circuit is not necessarily completely open or shorted. It applies to diesel engines, and the exact monitoring method varies by model and engine.

Symptoms

  • Hard starting or extended cranking on cold mornings
  • White smoke and rough running after a cold start
  • Glow plug warning light on or flashing
  • Engine management or check engine light on
  • Slightly higher emissions or noisy, uneven idle until the engine warms up
  • Reduced power if the engine enters a limp mode (model dependent)

Possible causes

  • Ageing or failing cylinder 2 glow plug with resistance outside its normal rangelikely
  • Corroded, loose or damaged connector or terminal at the cylinder 2 glow pluglikely
  • Damaged, chafed or high-resistance wiring between the glow plug control module and cylinder 2possible
  • Poor power or earth supply to the glow plug control module, including a weak battery or corroded connectionspossible
  • Fault within the glow plug control module output stage for cylinder 2possible
  • Outdated control unit software where the manufacturer has issued a known correction (model dependent)rare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting engine temperature, battery voltage and whether other glow plug codes are present
  2. Check battery condition and charging voltage, as low voltage can cause range or performance faults
  3. Visually inspect the cylinder 2 glow plug connector, terminal and wiring for corrosion, heat damage, chafing or looseness
  4. Inspect the glow plug control module connectors, power feeds and earths for corrosion and security
  5. Measure the cylinder 2 glow plug resistance and compare it with the other cylinders and the manufacturer specification
  6. Check the glow plug current draw or live data, if available, and compare cylinder 2 with the others during a glow cycle
  7. Check wiring continuity and voltage drop between the control module and the glow plug, repairing any high-resistance section
  8. Check for applicable service bulletins or software updates for your model and engine before replacing the control module

How to fix

  • Replace the cylinder 2 glow plug if its resistance or current draw is out of specification, and consider replacing the set if they are all of similar age
  • Clean or replace the corroded or damaged connector and terminal at the glow plug
  • Repair or replace damaged or high-resistance wiring between the module and the glow plug
  • Restore proper power and earth supply to the glow plug control module and replace a weak battery
  • Replace the glow plug control module only if testing confirms a fault in its cylinder 2 output
  • Apply a manufacturer software update where a known fault with the calibration is confirmed

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car can usually be driven, but cold starting may be poor and the fault should be fixed before winter. Take care when removing glow plugs, as they can seize or break in the cylinder head, so arrange repair promptly rather than leaving it.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

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