P36F6

Reductant Dosing Module Temperature Sensor Circuit

P36F6 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Reductant Dosing Module Temperature Sensor Circuit. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P36F6
Group
Powertrain
System
Powertrain
Severity
Warning (MIL on)
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What P36F6 means

DTC P36F6 is stored when the ECM detects a fault in the circuit connected to the temperature sensor integrated within the reductant dosing module. The dosing module (also referred to as the DEF metering unit) contains a temperature sensor used to monitor fluid temperature, manage heating elements to prevent freezing, and protect the module from overtemperature conditions during high-load operation.

Circuit faults for this sensor typically manifest as an open circuit, short to ground, or short to voltage within the sensor wiring or the sensor element itself. Because the dosing module is mounted in a thermally demanding location near the exhaust, wiring insulation damage is a common physical cause. Connector corrosion at the module multi-pin harness connector is also frequently encountered.

Loss of the temperature signal may cause the ECM to disable dosing module heating or alter dosing strategy as a protective measure, which in cold climates can lead to DEF freezing within the module and subsequent system shutdown. Prompt diagnosis is recommended to avoid secondary damage to the dosing module from thermal stress.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P36F6 is logged.

  • 1
    Open circuit in the temperature sensor wiring due to heat damage near the exhaust.
  • 2
    Short to ground or short to voltage in the sensor signal or reference circuit.
  • 3
    Corroded or damaged connector at the dosing module harness.
  • 4
    Failed temperature sensor element within the dosing module.
  • 5
    Chafed wiring contacting the exhaust or chassis ground.
  • 6
    Internal dosing module failure affecting the sensor signal output.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL illuminated.
Reductant dosing module heater may be disabled or behave erratically.
Risk of DEF freezing within the module in cold conditions.
Possible SCR system warnings or dosing inhibition.
No reductant temperature reading visible in live data.

How to diagnose P36F6

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Read all DTCs to identify any companion dosing or SCR codes.
  2. 2
    Inspect the dosing module harness and connector for heat damage, chafing, or corrosion.
  3. 3
    Measure reference voltage and signal voltage at the temperature sensor pins.
  4. 4
    Check sensor resistance across the temperature range against manufacturer specification.
  5. 5
    Perform a circuit continuity and insulation test on the signal wire from module to ECM.
  6. 6
    Attempt to command the dosing module heater via scan tool and monitor response.
  7. 7
    Replace the dosing module if internal sensor failure is confirmed and wiring checks out.

Vehicles where we've handled P36F6

Platforms in our catalogue with confirmed P36F6 coverage.

BMW 320D
2016

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

What does the dosing module temperature sensor do?

It monitors the fluid temperature inside the dosing module to manage the internal heater and protect the module from thermal damage.

Can P36F6 cause DEF to freeze?

Yes. Without a valid temperature signal, the ECM may not activate the module heater, allowing DEF to freeze inside the module in cold conditions.

Is P36F6 always a dosing module replacement?

Not necessarily. Wiring and connector faults are common causes. Inspect the harness and connector thoroughly before replacing the module.

Where is the dosing module located?

The dosing module is typically mounted on the exhaust system near the SCR catalyst, which makes its wiring susceptible to heat damage over time.

Disabling P36F6 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P36F6 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

ECUs with a P36F6 disable in our catalogue

Confirmed coverage from our recipe database — we support many more families. Upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.

  • Bosch EDC17C50 verified 1 software version

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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