P06DE: How to Diagnose & Fix — Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck On
4 vehicles · 3 makes · $50-$4,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P06DE: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Buick Envision · 2016–2020
On Gen1 Envisions the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve integrated into the cam cover sticks or fails, letting unburned fuel wash past the rings and accumulate in the crankcase. Owners find the oil level rising above the full mark, a strong gasoline smell in the oil, and a rich-running check engine light. GM addressed it with TSB 18-NA-246, which pairs a PCV valve replacement and oil change with an ECM recalibration. Left alone, the diluted oil loses viscosity and accelerates bearing and timing-chain wear.
Common Symptoms
- Engine oil level rises above the full mark between changes
- Strong gasoline odor in the engine oil
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or reduced fuel economy
- Thin, watery-looking oil on the dipstick
How to Fix
Follow GM TSB 18-NA-246: replace the PCV valve/cam cover assembly, perform an oil and filter change with the correct spec oil, and reprogram the ECM with the updated calibration. Re-check oil level after several hundred miles to confirm the level is no longer climbing. If dilution ran long, inspect the timing chain for stretch before returning the car to service.
Sources for this issue (2)
Cadillac XT4 · 2019–2025
The 2.0L turbocharged engine in the XT4 consumes oil at a higher-than-expected rate, with some owners reporting a quart consumed every 2,000-3,000 miles. The issue is related to the piston ring design and turbocharger oil scavenge system. GM has not issued a formal service bulletin addressing the root cause.
Common Symptoms
- Low oil level between changes
- Low oil pressure warning
- Oil smell from exhaust
- Blue haze on hard acceleration
How to Fix
Monitor oil level between changes and top off as needed. Use only Dexos1 Gen3 certified 0W-20 synthetic oil. Have the PCV system inspected for proper function. If consumption exceeds 1 quart per 2,000 miles, request a GM oil consumption test from the dealer. Document consumption for warranty purposes.
Sources for this issue (1)
Chevrolet Traverse · 2009–2023
The 3.6L V6 in the Traverse consumes oil at a rate that many owners find unacceptable, particularly on 2009-2017 models with the LLT engine. Owners report consuming 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles. The oil consumption is related to piston ring design and the PCV system routing oil vapor back into the intake. The issue is not accompanied by visible external leaks. GM has acknowledged elevated oil consumption on the 3.6L but considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles within their acceptable range.
Common Symptoms
- Oil level drops 1 quart every 2,000-3,000 miles
- Low oil pressure warning light
- No visible oil leaks
- Slight blue smoke on hard acceleration
- Fouled spark plugs from oil contamination
How to Fix
Check oil level at every fuel stop and top off as needed. Use the GM-specified dexos1 Gen 3 approved 5W-30 synthetic oil. An oil consumption test at the dealer involves measuring consumption over a set mileage interval — if it exceeds GM limits, warranty coverage may apply. For out-of-warranty vehicles, using a slightly heavier 5W-40 European-spec oil can reduce burn-off. Severe cases may require piston ring replacement ($2,500-$4,000) or valve stem seal replacement ($1,000-$2,000).
Sources for this issue (1)
Chevrolet Trax · 2015–2022
Chevrolet Trax · 2024–2024
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P06DE code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P06DE mean?
P06DE stands for "Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck On." P06DE is a generic OBD-II code indicating the engine computer detected that the engine oil pressure control circuit, typically an oil control solenoid or actuator, is stuck on (energized) and not regulating oil pressure properly. Modern engines vary oil pressure for efficiency and to feed systems like variable valve timing, so a stuck circuit prevents proper control. This can lead to abnormal oil pressure, noisy valvetrain, rough idle, and reduced performance. Because oil pressure problems can quickly cause severe engine damage, this should be treated as urgent.
What are the most common causes of P06DE?
The most common causes of P06DE are: Oil control solenoid stuck on or clogged with sludge/debris, Short to power keeping the solenoid energized, Low oil level or contaminated/degraded oil, Damaged wiring or connector in the control circuit, Failed oil pressure control solenoid/actuator, Faulty oil pressure sensor giving bad feedback, PCM/ECM fault (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P06DE?
Repair costs for P06DE range from $50 to $4,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P06DE?
Au7o has documented P06DE across 4 vehicle models from 3 manufacturers: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.