P06AD

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor B Circuit Low

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 19 EN: 29 RU: 22

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Page language: EN

Causes

Short to ground on Temperature Sensor B circuit
Open or high-resistance connection to sensor (poor connector pin contact, broken wire)
Corroded or damaged connector or harness
Faulty temperature sensor (if remote) or failed internal temperature sensor inside control module
Faulty control module (internal circuit failure)
Software glitch or intermittent wiring issue (chafing, water intrusion)

Symptoms

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Check Engine Light illuminated
Stored P06AD code and possibly related temperature or diagnostics codes
Incorrect temperature reading shown in scan tool (very low or fixed value)
Cold-start enrichment or fuel trim abnormalities (possible drivability or fuel economy effects)
Possible intermittent faults or repeat codes after clearing

What to check

Read and record freeze frame and related DTCs with a scan tool
Monitor live PID(s) for Temperature Sensor B value and compare to other temperature-related PIDs (ECT, IAT)
Visually inspect wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion, water entry, or a pinched harness
Perform wiggle test of harness while monitoring live data to reproduce fault
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or software updates for ECM related to temperature sensor circuits

Signal parameters

Expected: temperature-sensor circuit produces a voltage or resistance proportional to temperature (varies by design). Typical controller thresholds: very low voltage or very low resistance indicates a short to ground; expected idle signal is usually between ~0.5–4.5 V for voltage-type circuits (manufacturer-specific)
Fault condition: voltage below expected threshold (example
Compare Sensor B PID to Sensor A/ECT/IAT PIDs — Sensor B should track similar trends (warmer as engine warms), not a fixed extreme low value

Diagnostic algorithm

Connect an appropriate scan tool and read all stored codes and freeze-frame data; note any related temperature codes (P0112/P0113/P0117/P0118)
With ignition ON (engine off) monitor the Temperature Sensor B PID and note value. Turn key off, disconnect battery if required by manufacturer safety procedures before accessing connectors
Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for Sensor B and the ECM connector for damage, corrosion, bent pins, or signs of overheating or water intrusion
Perform a wiggle test on the harness and connector while watching the live PID to try to reproduce the fault; repair any chafed or damaged wiring found
If wiring and connectors appear intact, back-probe the sensor circuit (or the ECM harness pin for internal sensors) and measure voltage (key ON) and signal behavior while varying temperature if possible (warm with heat gun or cool with freeze spray) — compare measured values to manufacturer specs
Check resistance where applicable between signal terminal and ground to detect shorts (with battery disconnected). If the circuit is shorted to ground, locate and repair the short in wiring or connectors
If wiring and external sensor checks pass and signals do not meet specification at the module connector, consult manufacturer service information — consider ECM bench testing or replacement. Reprogram or update ECM software if a relevant service update exists
After repairs clear codes and drive the vehicle to confirm the fault does not return; if intermittent, long-term monitoring may be required

Likely causes

Short to chassis ground at harness or connector on sensor B circuit
Corrosion or bent pins at ECM connector causing low reading
Broken/shorted wire between sensor and module
Failed internal thermistor or sensing element inside the control module
ECM internal electronic failure or degraded solder joint

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Controller detected low signal (low voltage/low resistance) on Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor B circuit; DTC P06AD stored. MIL may be illuminated.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours