P06B8

Internal Control Module Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) Error

Q: Is it safe to drive with P06B8?

Be cautious. A failing computer memory can cause stalling or a no-start without warning. If the car is running normally it may be a voltage glitch, but have it diagnosed.

Q: Can I just clear P06B8?

You can, and it may stay gone if it was caused by a weak battery or bad ground. If it returns, the ECM has an internal fault that clearing won't fix.

ECM / internal memory Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P06B8 means the engine/powertrain control module ran a self-check and found a fault in its NVRAM — the memory that holds learned settings and data when the ignition is off. It is often triggered by low battery voltage, a poor ground, or an interrupted software update rather than a truly bad computer. Effects range from none to stalling or a no-start, so check power and grounds first before condemning the module.

High

Can I keep driving? Varies — a memory fault in the engine computer can be harmless or can cause stalling, hard starting, or a no-start, so have it checked before relying on the car.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Stalling, hard starting, or a no-start in severe cases
Rough or inconsistent running as adaptive settings are lost
Module may fail to retain learned data or communicate reliably

Common causes

Most likely first

Low or unstable battery voltage, or a poor battery groundLikely
Corroded or loose ECM/PCM connectorsCommon
Interrupted or failed software reflash / programmingCommon
Internal ECM/PCM memory faultLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Test the battery and charging system, and clean the main grounds and ECM connectors.
Confirm the module has the correct, up-to-date software; reflash if a programming error is suspected.
Clear the code and re-test to see whether it was a one-time glitch from a voltage event.
If it returns with power and grounds verified good, the module's memory has failed and it must be reprogrammed or replaced.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P06B8?+

Be cautious. A failing computer memory can cause stalling or a no-start without warning. If the car is running normally it may be a voltage glitch, but have it diagnosed.

Can I just clear P06B8?+

You can, and it may stay gone if it was caused by a weak battery or bad ground. If it returns, the ECM has an internal fault that clearing won't fix.

Read & clear P06B8 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX