P06BB - OBD Trouble Code

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There is a part called glow plug in diesel engine cars, this part helps preheat the cylinder before the engine is started. Now, if the Powertrain Control Module or PCM detects an inoperative glow plug of cylinder three, then it will proceed to set the error code P06BB

It is important that combustion begins of engines, prior to starting of the car. This is especially true in cold regions such as Canada. The glow plugs hence, get heated before and during the ignition, they also get working during the initial engine operation. It is the ECM module or Engine Control Module that controls the Glow plug operations by switching it On. It does this by monitoring the coolant temperature and also voltage of the glow plug. Typically, the glow plug system will have sight individual glow plug supply circuits. These will be present between the controller and the glow plugs. The ECM will set the OBD error code P06BB when it notices that the voltage from the controller to the ECM is not in the required range.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 3 Glow Plug Circuit Range/Performance

• Poor glow plug(s)
• Open or shorted circuits of the glow plug control
• Glow plug connector is loose or improper
• Defect in the timer of the glow plug

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3. Glow Plug Timer - Find the discrepancy in the timer and fix it.

There are few symptoms that help one identify that the vehicle is showing error P06BB, here’s a small list of the most common symptoms to be mindful of:

Common Symptoms

• Excess of black smoke emitting from exhaust
• Engine drivability showing problem
• Delay in the starting of engine
• Drop in fuel efficiency
• Engine misfire codes are being stored

Have a look at some ways with which you can correct the P06BB code:

• Try to stay calm when the OBD code flashes, we are here to help you resolve this issue. Take a
• look at the range of superior variety of glow Glow Plug, Glow Plug Connector, Scanner that we have on our website, for you to order. You can simply relax and wait for all your products reach your home.

Follow these simple diagnostic steps to resolve P06BB fault code:

• Get hold of these for starters; A diagnostic scanner, a reliable source of vehicle information, and a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM). Find out if you can find the code and troubleshooting steps in it for your specific vehicle make and model. Also, match the symptoms exhibited by your vehicle. You may also require diagnostic guidance via flow charts, wiring diagrams, connector pinout charts etc, to help you find the location of various parts and their components. This is helpful when you have to run tests on them, or check them for damages or replacements. This information is crucial for correct diagnosis and finding proper solution for the OBD code.
• This step is about visual inspection, be careful and thorough while inspecting the glow plug, and glow plug control wiring, connectors and other associated parts. Now connect your scanner to the diagnostic port to retrieve all codes that have been saved and freeze frame the date. Ensure you record for future reference as well. Take your vehicle on a test-drive to see which one happens; the code resets or the PCM goes into readiness mode. If the former happens, then continue on with the diagnosis. If the latter happens, then it was most like an intermittent condition, the sad part about this is that condition will have to worsen so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.
• Test your glow plugs by removing them and applying battery voltage. Now observe if the glow plug glows red in colour or if it fails to heat up. If it’s red, then that means it is good, otherwise you will have to test it with the DVOM to discover if it meets the manufacturer's specifications for resistance. While doing this, be extra careful, as you may burn yourself accidently or start a fire.
• Once you have tested and found that the glow plug is working perfectly, use the scanner and activate the timer of the glow plug. Test for battery voltage and a ground at the connector of the glow plug. For this you will have to again use the DVOM. If you find no voltage present, then test the power supply for the plug timer or controller of the glow plug. All related fuses and relays will also have to be tested as advised by the manufacturer. A smart trick to apply here is to only test system fuses and the fusible links with the circuit loaded, as a fuse for a circuit that’s loaded prior to testing may appear falsely functional, and hence lead to wrong diagnostics.
• Now, if you are able to conclude that all the relays and fuses are functioning normal, use the DVOM again to test the output voltage at the glow plug timing or PCM (depending on where it originates from). Suspect an open or shorted circuit if you’re able to detect voltage at either of them. Now it’s up to you to either figure out where the issue is and repair it or opt for replacement of the circuit.
• Remember that a bad glow plug can very much cause variation in the control circuit that can cause this code to be set. There’s a wide misconception that since the code is a control circuit the glow plug can’t be the issue for error code P06BB.
• Be extra careful when picking the cylinder for diagnosis. Use your vehicle information source to help you out in this code.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P06BB Code

• Failed glow plug control module
• Malfunctioning of glow plug
• Glow plug wiring harness not working