What Codes Will This Page Cover?
This page will cover the following two codes:
- P0685 ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit/Open
- P068A ECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance – Too Early
These codes are heavily related and issues with one are often tied to issues with the other.
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What Is the P068A Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0685 and P068A codes indicate issues with the power relay that delivers power to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM). The P0685 code, a generic trouble code, indicates that the power relay control circuit is open when it shouldn’t be, which can lead to concerns with the PCM’s functioning. The P068A code, which is a less common code and isn’t present in many vehicles, indicates an issue with the Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) right after the ignition key was turned off. The exact definition of code P068A can vary depending on the vehicle, as this isn’t a generic trouble code and is only present in some vehicles.
More About the P068A
P0685 and P068A fault codes are often connected. Both of them have to do with issues relating to the PCM relay control circuit being open when it’s not supposed to be, which causes the power relay connector to have too low of a voltage. It generally indicates that the PCM or ECM power relay control circuit has a low voltage or no voltage at all, which can reduce the ability of the vehicle to run and work properly. This can be due to issues with the relay output voltage signal, the relay output circuits, various PCM circuits, battery cables, battery voltage, and many other parts of your vehicle
What Are the Symptoms of a P068A Code?
The P0685 and P068A codes most common symptoms are a no-start condition and, in some cases, even a no-crank condition, with a lack of power much like a dead battery. In a few cases, your vehicle may be able to start but will be stuck in “Limp Mode,” also called “Limp Home Mode.” This is a condition in which the vehicle may be unable to go above a specific speed, and other extraneous features like air conditioning may be disabled, causing severe drivability symptoms. Your check engine light or other warning light will also illuminate if the vehicle can turn on.
What Are Some Causes of a P068A Code?
There is a wide range of potential causes of the P0685 and P068A codes. A defective PCM power relay can cause these codes to occur, so it may just be that the power relay needs to be replaced. However, other issues can result in a loss of power: blown fuses or defective fuses, a shorted circuit, problems with connector pins, wiring issues, various battery problems, including problems with cables, and even an issue within the PCM or ECM, although this is very rare.
How Serious Is the P068A Code?
The P0685 and P068A codes should be considered very serious. Even if you can technically run your car with these fault codes active, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to run the vehicle efficiently. Plus, the longer you let these codes stay active, the more likely it will be that your vehicle will experience a critical failure, potentially leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
Can I Still Drive with a P068A Code?
No. It’s usually impossible to drive with these codes active, as it frequently results in a no-start or no-crank condition. And it’s also not safe to drive when they’re active for the reasons mentioned above. If your code reader returns these diagnostic codes, you should stop driving and contact an expert as soon as possible.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P068A Code?
The diagnosis steps for P0685 and P068A codes can be fairly easy, or it can be frustratingly difficult, depending on what’s going on. The most common and simplest answer for what’s happening is usually a defective relay. If that’s the problem, the electrical relay will likely be the first thing you check, making for an easy fix. If it’s not a faulty relay, you may need to spend many painstaking hours checking electric connections, battery connectors, battery current, inline fuses, and other components in the engine to figure out what’s wrong. That’s why an expert can be so helpful here.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P068A Code?
The inspection process, as with the diagnostic process, can be difficult. This is especially true because the exact repair steps may vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Inspecting the power relay may be completely within your abilities as a DIYer, but the more sources you look into, the more difficult this will be. The inspection process for P0685 and P068A codes is not meant for a beginner DIYer.
Need Additional Help with Your P068A Code?
Many people will end up needing help with the P0685 and P068A codes. If this is something that you’re looking for, don’t delay. You can get help with these codes that will get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible, ensuring that the problems you’re experiencing don’t create an even bigger problem later.
The first step is to find a repair shop in your area. Because the P0685 and P068A diagnostic trouble codes often come with no-start conditions, you’ll probably need a tow truck to get your vehicle in, which can be more frustrating if your vehicle is far from the repair shop.
Additionally, you probably won’t see this code all by itself. It’s common to see the code in conjunction with additional codes that indicate a problem around your PCM or ECM. The KBB.com OBD-II database will give you plenty of insight into those other codes to understand what’s happening in your vehicle.
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