P06C3 Cylinder 11 Glow Plug Circuit Range/Performance
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Cylinder 11 Glow Plug Circuit Range/Performance
What does that mean?
This is a generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and typically applies to OBD-II vehicles. That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Ford, Toyota, Dodge, Ram, Chevy, GMC, VW Audi, Peugeot, Citroen, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
When a code P06C3 is stored, it means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a discrepancy in the glow plug control circuit for cylinder #11. Consult a source of reliable vehicle information to determine the location of the #11 cylinder for your year / make / model / powertrain configuration.
Diesel engines use high compression instead of spark to initiate piston movement. Since there is no spark involved, cylinder temperature must be increased to maximize compression. Glow plugs are used in each cylinder to accomplish this increase.
Often confused with spark plugs, a glow plug for each individual cylinder is threaded into the cylinder head. Battery voltage is applied to the glow plug element via a glow plug timer (sometimes called a glow plug controller or glow plug module) and/or the PCM. When voltage is correctly applied to the glow plug, it will literally glow red hot and aid in increasing cylinder temperature. Once cylinder temperature reaches the desired level, voltage is restricted by the control unit and the glow plug returns to it's normal state.
If the PCM detects a level of voltage, for the cylinder #11 glow plug control circuit that is outside the expected range, a code P06C3 will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated.
Photo of a typical glow plug:
What is the severity of this DTC?
Any glow plug related code will likely be accompanied by drivability issues. A stored code P06C3 should be addressed with urgency.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P06C3 trouble code may include:
Excessive black smoke from exhaust Engine drivability issues Delayed engine start up Reduced fuel efficiency Engine misfire codes may be storedWhat are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P06C3 fuel injector code may include:
Bad glow plug(s) Open or shorted glow plug control circuit Loose or faulty glow plug connector Defective glow plug timerWhat are some P06C3 troubleshooting steps?
A diagnostic scanner, a reliable source of vehicle information, and a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM) will be required in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of a code P06C3. Use the vehicle information source to search for applicable technical service bulletins (TSB). If you locate a TSB that matches the vehicle make and model, symptoms exhibited, and the code stored, it will help you to arrive at a diagnosis.
You may also need to obtain diagnostic flow charts, wiring diagrams, connector face views, connector pin out charts, component locations, and component testing procedures/specifications from the vehicle information source. All this information will be needed to correctly diagnose the stored code P06C3.
After performing a careful visual inspection of all glow plug and glow plug control wiring and connectors, connect the diagnostic scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port. Now, retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data and record it for later (just in case you need it). Next, I would test drive the vehicle to see if the code P06C3 is reset. Drive until one of two things happens: Either the PCM enters readiness mode or the code is reset. If the code is reset, continue with the diagnosis. If it is not, you are dealing with an intermittent condition which may have to worsen before an accurate diagnosis may
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