P0606 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

What Does Code P0606 Mean?

• P0606 definition: The processor in the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Power Control Module (PCM) has a fault.
• Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately.
• Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same day if possible) to avoid being stranded because the engine won’t start or run.
• Diagnosis: This trouble code can cause the vehicle not to start, but in some cases, the check engine light may be the only thing different from vehicle operation. However, this could leave you stranded and should be fixed sooner than later.

Code P0606 is triggered when there is a fault found in the processor internal to the Engine Control Module (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Based on your manufacturer, it will either be an ECM or PCM. In most cases, it is a faulty ECM/PCM but you should always check powers and grounds to verify there isn’t a wiring problem before replacement of the control module.

P0606 Causes

There are many potential causes of code P0606.

• Faulty ECM/PCM
• Faulty power to ECM/PCM
• Faulty ground to ECM/PCM

P0606 Symptoms

• Check Engine Light
• Engine fans running when the ignition is on
• Engine cranks but doesn’t start
• Engine doesn’t crank and doesn’t start
• No noticeable drivability issues

How Do I Fix Code P0606?

With an ECM/PCM fault, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem. 

If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs. 

These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.

> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0606?

P0606 can be caused by anything from a faulty ECM/PCM to faulty wiring to a bad ground connection. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first. 

If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0606 code.

Possible Repair Costs for P0606

For error code P0606, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.

• ECM $1000-$1200
• Wiring repair/replacement $100-$1000

DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0606

Engine code P0606 could be caused by a number of things, including damaged wiring, a bad ground connection, or a faulty ECM/PCM. If you’d like to try to fix code P0606 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind that this is an intermediate-level diagnosis and repair and is not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.

DIY difficulty level: Intermediate

This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.

Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):

• FIXD
• Basic Hand Tools
• Vehicle Specific Service Manual
• Multimeter

STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT

Use FIXD to scan your vehicle to verify P0606 is the only code present. If not, make a note of the additional codes, as they help diagnose the problem.

STEP 2: CHECK POWER CONNECTIONS

Using a multimeter, check the battery power and ignition power connections at ECM/PCM. If you don’t find power at one of these, check the fuse for that circuit and check the integrity of the circuit by performing a resistance check.

STEP 3: CHECK GROUND CONNECTIONS

Check the ECM/PCM ground connections.. If you don’t find a ground where you should have a ground, perform a resistance check of the circuit to see if you have an open. Repair wiring as needed.

If all of the ECM/PCM power and ground connections are good, consider replacing the ECM/PCM itself.

Common P0606 Diagnosis Mistakes

Not checking power and ground connections before replacing the ECM/PCM.

Still Need Help Fixing Code P0606?

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0606, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.

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Fixed It But The Check Engine Light Is Still On?

Check engine light sometimes need to be reset manually, check out our article:

How to Reset Your Check Engine Light | 4 Ways To Clear It (With or Without a Scanner)