AutoCodes – GMC – P06A3 GMC

P06A3 GMC Code - 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) has four (4) internal 5 Volt reference circuits (Some models have two (2) internal 5 Volt reference circuits). Common causes include Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit, Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted, Sensor on 5 Volt circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P06A3 GMC indicates 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit, Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted, Sensor on 5 Volt circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 1,163

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 17, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P06A3 GMC Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) has four (4) internal 5 Volt reference circuits (Some models have two (2) internal 5 Volt reference circuits). Each internal reference circuit provides external 5 Volt reference circuits for more than one sensor. A short to ground or short to voltage on one external 5 Volt reference circuit can affect all the components connected to the same internal 5 Volt reference circuit. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects a short to voltage or ground on any of the 5 Volt reference circuits for greater than 0.5 s.

OBDII Code P06A3 GMC - 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P06A3 GMC Code - 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P06A3 GMC?

Faulty Sensor on 5 Volt circuit
Sensor on 5 Volt circuit harness is open or shorted
Sensor on 5 Volt circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P06A3 GMC?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Disconnecting one component at a time from the affected 5 Volt reference circuit while observing the scan tool 5 Volt Reference Circuit Status parameter may help locate the fault. The scan tool parameter will change from Malfunction to OK when the source of the fault is disconnected. If all 5 Volt reference components have been disconnected and a fault is still indicated, the fault may exist in the wiring harness.

The 5 Volt reference 4 circuit provides 5 Volt to the following sensors: (Some models may have different sensors, please consult the factory service manual for the list of sensors for your model and year)

- Accelerator pedal position sensor 1
- Throttle position sensor

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P06A3 GMC code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P06A3 GMC code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific GMC Models

P06A3 2014 GMC Sierra — 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit
P06A3 2015 GMC Sierra — 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit
P06A3 2016 GMC Sierra — 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit
P06A3 2017 GMC Sierra — 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit
P06A3 2018 GMC Sierra — 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P06A3 GMC Code

What does the OBDII code P06A3 mean on a GMC vehicle?

1. P06A3 indicates an issue with the 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit, which provides a stable 5-volt supply to specific sensors in the vehicle. 2.

What are the common symptoms of the P06A3 code in a GMC?

Symptoms may include a check engine light, erratic sensor readings, poor engine performance, or issues with systems relying on the 5-volt reference. 3.

What causes the P06A3 code to appear?

Common causes include a short or open in the 5-volt reference circuit, a faulty sensor connected to the circuit, damaged wiring, or a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM). 4.

How do I diagnose the P06A3 code on my GMC?

Start by checking the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, test the sensors on the circuit, and use a multimeter to verify the 5-volt supply from the PCM. 5.

What sensors are typically affected by the 5 Volt Reference 4 Circuit?

The affected sensors vary by model, but they may include throttle position sensors, manifold pressure sensors, or other engine-related sensors. 6.

Can I drive my GMC with the P06A3 code?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can lead to poor engine performance or further damage to components relying on the 5-volt reference. 7.

How can I fix the P06A3 code on my GMC?

Repairs may involve replacing damaged wiring, repairing connectors, replacing a faulty sensor, or replacing the PCM if it is determined to be the root cause. 8.

Is the P06A3 code specific to GMC vehicles?

No, P06A3 is a generic OBDII code, but the affected components and troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the make and model. 9.

How much does it cost to repair a P06A3 code on a GMC?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, ranging from $50 for simple wiring repairs to $500 or more if a PCM replacement is required. 10.

Can a weak battery cause the P06A3 code?

A weak or failing battery can cause voltage irregularities, but it is not a common cause of the P06A3 code. Always ensure the battery is in good condition before diagnosing further.