What P06A3 means
The engine module feeds sensors from several regulated 5 V reference circuits; a short at one sensor pulls the whole circuit down, so all its sensors report at once – unplug them one by one to find the culprit.
How the engine computer detects it
On GM engines (2016–2025) circuit D feeds pedal sensor 1 and both throttle position sensors, on the Saab 9-4X the throttle and pedal sensor 1 – a fault therefore usually means electronic throttle limp mode. P06A3 is the general code for circuit D. GM's gasoline engines (2016–2025) and 2018 diesels use it as the only code for this circuit (4.875–5.125 V, lamp in the first trip); the 2014 6.6 L LML used 4.6 V or less for 1 s with two trips. Saab's 9-3 (2012) also reports it.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Several sensor codes at once (pedal, throttle, pressure)
- Electronic throttle limp mode, reduced power
- Possibly starting problems
Common causes
- Short in the wire or sensor of a connected sensor Most likely
- Chafing or water in harness or connector Possible
- A connected sensor faulty internally Possible
- Module internal voltage regulator Less likely
How to diagnose P06A3
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: sensor reference voltage circuit, sensor wiring, engine control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 6
- Computer and output circuits
- A3
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P06A3?
Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P06A3?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.