P06E9

What it means

P06E9 is the generic code for Engine Starter Performance. The engine control unit (or the module that controls the starter) has seen that the starter did not behave as expected during cranking, such as cranking speed, starter circuit feedback or the time taken to start being outside the expected range. The exact monitoring method and set conditions vary by manufacturer and engine, so check the model-specific information.

Symptoms

• Slow or laboured cranking
• Engine cranks for longer than normal before starting
• Intermittent no-crank or a single click when turning the key or pressing start
• Starter keeps running or whirrs after the engine has started
• Starting problems that are worse when hot or after a short stop
• Warning light on and a stored fault in the engine control unit

Possible causes

• Weak or discharged battery, or poor battery condition causing low voltage during crankinglikely
• Corroded, loose or high-resistance battery terminals, earth straps or starter cableslikely
• Worn starter motor, brushes or solenoid drawing excess current or turning too slowlylikely
• Faulty starter relay, wiring fault or poor connector contact in the starter control circuitpossible
• Crankshaft position sensor signal problem giving incorrect cranking speed readingspossible
• Mechanical resistance in the engine or flywheel and starter pinion engagement problemsrare
• Fault in the engine control unit or body control module that operates the starter, or a software issue where the manufacturer has a known updaterare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting battery voltage, engine temperature and whether other starting or charging codes are present
2. Test the battery state of health and check voltage while cranking, then check the charging system output
3. Inspect battery terminals, earth straps and starter cables for corrosion, looseness, heat damage or chafing
4. Carry out voltage drop tests on the starter positive feed and earth path during cranking
5. Check the starter relay, fuses and the starter control wiring and connectors for damage or poor contact
6. Measure starter current draw and compare it with the manufacturer's specification for the engine
7. Check the crankshaft position sensor signal and live cranking speed data for dropouts or implausible values
8. Check for mechanical causes such as a damaged flywheel ring gear or an engine that is stiff to turn, following model-specific procedures

How to fix

• Recharge and retest the battery, or replace it if it fails the health test
• Clean and tighten terminals, earth connections and cables, replacing any that are corroded or damaged
• Repair or replace the starter motor or solenoid if current draw or operation is out of specification
• Replace a faulty starter relay and repair damaged wiring or connectors in the starter circuit
• Replace a faulty crankshaft position sensor or repair its wiring
• Apply a manufacturer software update only if one is published for this fault, after the electrical and mechanical causes are ruled out

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P06E8GenericSensor Power Supply C Circuit High
• P06EAGenericNOx Sensor Processor Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1