Guide To P06BA OBD Error Code Solutions

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Diesel run vehicles possess a glow plus, which is responsible for preheating the cylinder before the engine is started. The Powertrain Control Module or PCM sets the error code P06BA when it notices that the glow plugs for cylinder 2 is not functioning as required.

It is during the cold temperatures that the glow plug system is required the most, that is so, because it helps in providing the heat needed to begin combustion. The process is rather simple, during and prior to cranking and during initial engine operation the glow plugs starts to heat up. The Engine Control Module or ECM monitors the coolant temperature and glow plug voltage in order to control the on times of the glow plug. This system contains eight separate glow plug supply circuits, between the controller and the glow plugs. When the ECM receives feedback voltage which is not within the range expected it will simply set the OBD code P06BA.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 2 Glow Plug Circuit Range/Performance

• Improper glow plug(s)
• Glow plug control circuit is open or shorted
• Glow plug connector is loose or faulty
• Defect in the glow plug timer

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10. Engine Wiring - Faulty wiring is not good, repair if possible, otherwise replace by ordering online with Parts Avatar today.
11. Drive belt - Repair the drive belt, or replace it if necessary.

We have listed down some common symptoms so that you are educated on them, and take the necessary actions for recognising and diagnosing the P06BA error in your vehicle.

Common Symptoms

• High level of black smoke emitted from exhaust
• Issues with engine drivability
• Delay in engine starting
• Reduction in fuel efficiency
• Engine misfires and new codes may be stored

One main way to correct this OBD error code is:

• Glow Plug Replacement

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Following are some simple steps to follow in diagnosing your P06BA code:

• Step one is to procure few tools and information needed to diagnose your vehicle. Look for your vehicle specific information source, and service bulletins (TSB). In terms of tools you will require, a diagnostic scanner and a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM). From your vehicle information source, look out for diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, pinout charts, connector face views, component locations and component testing procedures/specifics, this information will be crucial in diagnosing P06BA correctly.
• Step two is a thorough visual inspection of glow plug system and the glow plug control wiring and connectors. To do this, start off by the basics, and retrieve all the codes stored in your vehicle and freeze frame the data. Use the diagnostic scanner for this, by simply connecting it to your vehicle's diagnostic port. Ensure you make note of all the codes in their order, these will serve as a reference point to rule out if the code is intermittent. After that, go for a test-drive and observe if the code resets immediately, or the PCM goes into readiness mode. If the latter happens, it would mean that the code was an intermittent one, unfortunately that means the situation will have to worsen before clear diagnosis can be made. If the code is reset however, continue on in diagnosing.
• It is time to test the glow plugs, do this by removing them and applying battery voltage, if they glow plug starts to glow bright red, it means that it’s in good condition. However, if it doesn’t heat up, you’re going to have to test with the DVOM. Check if it meets the manufacturers prescribed voltage resistance. In doing this, maintain safety as you could burn yourself or light a fire.
• If you found that the glow plug is working as needed, use the scanner for activating the timer and with the help of the DVOM, test for battery voltage and a ground at the glow plug connector. Observe the results, if no voltage is found, test power supply for the glow plug timer or controller. Also, test all the related relays and fuses as per the manufacturers recommendations and compare the findings. Some would suggest to test system fuses and fusible links with a loaded circuit, as the fuse or circuit which isn’t loaded may tend to appear functional when it’s not if the circuit isn’t loaded.
• If all the fuses and relays are functioning normally, it’s time to test the output voltage from wherever its origination (glow plug timer or PCM), use the DVOM for this too. If you are able to detect voltage at either of them, then suspect an open/shorted circuit. Repair and replace as per requirement.
• Since P06BA is a control circuit code, it is thought that it can’t be caused by a defect in the glow plug. Don’t be misguided, it is very much possible that the variation in control circuits is because of a poor glow plug trying to diagnose the wrong cylinder. Being mindful of this will enable you to fix the right cylinder and hence solve your problem correctly.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P06BA Code

• Failure of the glow plug control module
• Glow plug has failed
• Glow plug wiring harness fails to work