P06DE on Buick: How to Diagnose & Fix
Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Stuck On
1 Buick model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $180-$650 repair
P06DE on Buick by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
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)
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 on a Buick?
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. On Buick it is documented across 1 model: Envision.
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 on a Buick?
Published repair estimates on Buick range from $180 to $650 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P06DE on a different make?
View P06DE across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.