Diagnostic article Generic OBD-II
P06A0: Ford variable-displacement A/C diagnosis before compressor replacement
Ford identifies a dedicated EVDC control-valve tester to reduce misdiagnosis of certain A/C performance and P06A0 complaints.
Read before applying this article
Documented application
Ford SSM 47967, 2019: applicable 2013–2019 vehicles equipped with an external variable displacement control A/C compressor; exact model fitment must be established separately.
The code alone does not identify a failed part or establish that a vehicle is safe to drive. Confirm the vehicle, reporting module and applicable service procedure.
P06A0 can accompany poor air-conditioning performance on Ford vehicles equipped with an external variable displacement control compressor, abbreviated EVDC. Ford SSM 47967 focuses on improving diagnosis of that configuration before a compressor is replaced. It does not establish that every 2013–2019 Ford uses this compressor design.
Confirm the hardware before choosing the test
The service message is equipment-specific. A technician should identify the installed compressor and applicable service information before using an EVDC procedure. The model-year range alone is insufficient, and the bulletin does not provide a model-by-model fitment list.
Poor cooling and a PCM code are also different observations. The bulletin covers improper climate performance with or without P06A0, so neither symptom should be treated as a complete diagnosis of internal compressor damage. The relevant question is whether the control system and compressor respond as expected under the appropriate test.
A dedicated control-valve test adds evidence
Ford identifies the EVDC control-valve tester, tool reference 339-EVDC100, and directs its use to reduce misdiagnosis and unnecessary compressor replacement. It asks technicians to document the results. The message itself does not publish a numerical pass/fail limit or the tester’s operating sequence; those belong to the tool instructions and vehicle procedure.
Ask the workshop to record the exact compressor configuration, complaint and test result supporting its repair recommendation. This source cannot justify condemning the whole compressor from P06A0 alone, nor does it support adjusting refrigerant charge as a substitute for diagnosis. Refrigerant-system work and powered component tests should use the required professional equipment and procedures.
Source and applicability
Ford SSM 47967, 2019: applicable 2013–2019 vehicles equipped with an external variable displacement control A/C compressor; exact model fitment must be established separately.
SSM 47967 — NHTSA manufacturer communication 10160880, physical PDF page 1.
Article source documents
Source checks describe how the text was prepared; they do not certify a diagnosis or confirm compatibility with every vehicle using this code.
Original code reference
Dictionary definition
Variable A/C Compressor Control Circuit
This definition retains its original catalog scope. The article above is limited to its explicitly documented application.
Reference scope
Generic OBD-II definition.
A manufacturer label does not establish the model, year, engine or module to which a diagnosis applies. Read the safety and diagnostic limits.
Definition source
- DTC Database: pinned community code definitions
Source checked · MIT