Cylinder 6 glow plug has failed or drifted out of specification (open circuit, high or low resistance); Corroded, loose or damaged connector or terminal at the cylinder 6 glow plug; Damaged, chafed or high-resistance wiring between the glow plug module and cylinder 6; Incorrect glow plug type fitted after a previous repair; Fault in the glow plug control module or its output stage for cylinder 6; Low battery voltage or a poor supply, earth or fuse connection to the glow plug system.

P06CA

Cylinder 6 Glow Plug Incorrect.

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
CA: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P06CA is the generic code for an incorrect glow plug signal on cylinder 6 in a diesel engine. The control unit or glow plug module monitors the heater circuit for that cylinder, usually by current draw, resistance or feedback. It set the code because the reading was outside the expected range for that plug.

Symptoms

Engine management light on, possibly with a glow plug warning light
Harder or longer cold starting, especially in cold weather
White smoke or rough running for the first minute after a cold start
Slightly higher emissions or a lumpy idle on cylinder 6 until warm
Other glow plug circuit codes stored alongside it

Possible causes

Cylinder 6 glow plug has failed or drifted out of specification (open circuit, high or low resistance)likely
Corroded, loose or damaged connector or terminal at the cylinder 6 glow pluglikely
Damaged, chafed or high-resistance wiring between the glow plug module and cylinder 6possible
Incorrect glow plug type fitted after a previous repairpossible
Fault in the glow plug control module or its output stage for cylinder 6possible
Low battery voltage or a poor supply, earth or fuse connection to the glow plug systemrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting engine temperature and battery voltage when the fault set
Check for other glow plug codes: if several cylinders are affected, suspect the module, supply or earth rather than one plug
Inspect the cylinder 6 glow plug connector and wiring for corrosion, heat damage, chafing or a loose fit
Check battery condition and charging voltage, then check the glow plug system fuses and supply and earth connections
Measure the cylinder 6 glow plug resistance or current draw and compare it with the manufacturer's specification, as values vary by engine
Check the wiring continuity and voltage drop between the module and the plug, wiggling the harness to reveal intermittent faults
Where the system supports it, use live data or an actuator test to see whether the module reports the correct output and current for cylinder 6
Confirm the fitted glow plug matches the correct part specification for the engine

How to fix

Replace the cylinder 6 glow plug with the correct specification part, taking care when removing it so the tip does not break off
Clean or replace the corroded or damaged connector and terminals
Repair or replace the damaged wiring section between the module and the plug
Replace any incorrect plugs with the correct specification and make sure all plugs are suitable as a set
Replace the glow plug control module if the plug and wiring test good and the fault stays, following any model-specific coding requirements
Restore a healthy battery, supply, earth or fuse where those are found faulty

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car can normally be driven, but cold starting may become harder and a failing plug can add to rough running until warm. Book it in soon, particularly before winter, and avoid repeated long cranking.

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