P0006 – Fuel shut -off valve -circuit low

By Mia (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2016-06-02
ASE Master Tech

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P0006 Mean?
2. What are the common causes of code P0006 ?
3. What are the symptoms of code P0006 ?
4. How do you troubleshoot code P0006 ?
5. Codes Related to P0006
6. Get Help with P0006

What Does Code P0006 Mean?

The fuel shut off solenoid is used to shut off the fuel supply to the fuel pump. It is typically controlled by the starter via a relay. When the ignition is off, the spring loaded plunger is in the down position, blocking fuel flow to the pump. When the starter is cranked, power is applied to the solenoid from the shut off relay. The plunger is then moved to up position, allowing fuel delivery to the pump. When the ignition switch is released and the engine is running, low amperage current is applied to another winding on the solenoid to keep it in the up position.

An example of a fuel shutoff valve control circuit

(Courtesy: cumminsforum.com)

Code P0006 stands for fuel shutoff valve control circuit low and indicates a problem with the shut off solenoid or its circuit.

Note: Circuit Low Input codes are often the result of low battery voltages (that can have many possible causes), bad connections across electrical connectors or previously repaired wiring, as well as corrosion in electrical connectors. Other possible causes of low input voltages include poor installation of aftermarket components, poor quality aftermarket components like fuses, relays, and switches, and modification of the electrical system that could include the use of conductors that are not rated for use in a particular application.  However, poor connections often result in high resistances in some parts of the circuit, which is why it is important to perform resistance and continuity checks during the diagnostic procedure.

What are the common causes of code P0006 ?

To sum things up, the common causes for code P0006 are as follows:

• A faulty fuel shut off solenoid
• A faulty fuel shut off solenoid relay
• A problem in the fuel shut off solenoid circuit
• A problem with the PCM

What are the symptoms of code P0006 ?

Code P0006 may be accompanied by several different symptoms. These including: an engine that runs poorly, an engine that cranks but will not start and an illuminated check engine light.

How do you troubleshoot code P0006 ?

• Clear the code

This code is often set in error. The first thing to do is clear the code, drive the vehicle and see if it returns. If it does not, the problem is solved.

• Perform a visual inspection of the shut off solenoid and connector

Many problems can easily be found in the harness and connectors. So, begin your diagnosis by visually inspecting the solenoid and its connection.

• Check solenoid operation

Consult the vehicle repair manual to determine which pin on solenoid connector is the power “pull” wire and which is ground. Then, remove the solenoid and check for proper operation by jumping it. This can be done by attaching jumper wires to the battery or by using a Power Probe (http://www.powerprobe.com/IV/). The plunger should pull up when power is applied. If it does not, the solenoid is faulty and should be replaced.

• Check the circuit

If the fuel shut off solenoid checks out OK, but you still have P0006 code illuminated, you’ll need to check the circuit.

An example of a fuel shut off solenoid wiring diagram

(Courtesy: ALLDATA)

The fuel shut off solenoid should have two or three wires going to it: pull, hold and ground. Consult the repair manual for your vehicle to determine which wire is which.

Disconnect the fuel shut off solenoid connector and touch one end of a test light to the “pull” wire pin. Connect the test light clamp to the battery negative post. Crank the engine; the test light should illuminate. If it does not, there is problem in the power supply and you will need to consult the factory wiring diagram.

Next, check the “hold” side of the power circuit. Power should only be supplied through this portion of the circuit when the key is in the run position. With the engine running, check for power at the “hold” pin of the fuel shut off solenoid connector. To do this, touch one end of a test light to the “hold” wire pin. Connect the test light clamp to the battery negative post; the test light should illuminate. If it does not, there is problem in the power supply and you will need to consult the factory wiring diagram.

To check for ground, disconnect the solenoid connector and touch one end of a test light to the B- pin. Connect the test light clamp to the battery positive post. The test light should illuminate. If it does not, there is problem in the ground circuit and you will need to consult the factory wiring diagram.

• Check the relay

If power is not getting to the fuel shut off solenoid, you’ll want to check the relay. The easiest way to do this is by swapping the relay with another under the hood. Usually the same relay design will be used on multiple circuits, making the swap possible. If the fuel shut off solenoid works with the alternate relay installed, you know the original relay was bad.

If you are unable to swap relays you can use a jumper wire to test the relay. Connect a jumper wire or paperclip between the battery feed to the fuel shut off solenoid and power. If the solenoid works, the relay is defective.

Codes Related to P0006

DTC: P0005 fuel shutoff valve control circuit open
DTC: P0007 fuel shutoff valve control circuit high

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