P06EC: Fuel Injector Control Module Requested MIL Illumination

What it means

The fuel injector control module has reported a fault to the ECM and requested MIL illumination. Read the FICM-side code for the actual fault.

At a glance

• Usually lights the check-engine light
• Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test

How it works

The fuel injector control module (FICM) drives or manages injector operation and reports its own faults to the engine control module. P06EC means the FICM has requested the check-engine light; it is a report of a FICM-side fault, so the stored FICM code is needed to identify the underlying problem.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Fuel injector control module fault
2. Module power, ground, or wiring problem
3. Injector circuit fault
4. Fuel injector fault

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Misfire or rough idle on the affected cylinder
• Increased fuel consumption
• Possible fuel smell or smoke from exhaust

How to diagnose it

1. Read and record all FICM codes, along with engine-module codes and freeze-frame data, before clearing the requested warning.
2. Note any misfire or rough running and identify the affected cylinder from the scan data; check for fuel smell or exhaust smoke without touching hot components.
3. Inspect FICM power, ground, connectors, and harness for loose pins, corrosion, water, or damage.
4. Use the FICM-side fault information to test the named injector circuit and injector according to the wiring diagram and manufacturer's specification.
5. If injector circuits and module power and ground pass, follow the manufacturer's procedure to assess FICM operation before condemning the module.
6. After repair, clear the codes and confirm the FICM no longer requests MIL illumination and that the affected cylinder runs normally.

Common fixes

• Repair loose, corroded, or damaged FICM power, ground, connector, or wiring connections.
• Repair a confirmed injector wiring or control-circuit fault.
• Replace a faulty injector if testing identifies it as the cause of the FICM report.
• Replace or repair the FICM if its power, ground, wiring, and injector circuits pass but module testing confirms failure.
• Clear the codes and complete any required relearn after the repair.

Can I keep driving?

Avoid extended driving if the engine is misfiring, running roughly, producing smoke, or smelling strongly of fuel; unburned fuel can damage the exhaust aftertreatment system. Stop if the engine runs severely unevenly or the warning flashes, and arrange prompt diagnosis.