P068A: ECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance - Too Early

Is your scanner showing P068A?
No worries. We'll show you what it means and how to deal with it.

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Randy Worner

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P068A: ECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance - Too Early

OVERVIEW

Severity

High

DIY Difficulty Level

Advanced

Repair Cost

$50-$150

Can I Still Drive?

What Does The P068A Code Mean?

When a code P068A is stored, it means that the engine/powertrain control module (ECM/PCM), has detected a defect in the de-energizing procedure for the relay which supplies it with voltage. In this case the relay has de-energized too soon.

The PCM power relay is used to apply battery voltage safely to the appropriate PCM circuits. It is a contact type relay that is activated with a signal wire from the ignition switch. This relay must be gradually de-energized in a controlled manner to avoid voltage spikes and possible controller damage. This type of relay typically uses a five-wire design. Constant battery voltage is applied on one wire; ground on another. A third circuit carries a signal from the ignition switch and a fourth supplies voltage to the PCM. The fifth wire is the power relay sense circuit. It is used by the PCM to monitor power relay voltage.

If the PCM detects a malfunction in de-energizing the ECM/PCM power relay, a code P068A will be stored and a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated.

A typical PCM powertrain control module, opened up:

What Are The Symptoms Of The P068A Code?

Symptoms of a P068A trouble code may include:

Delayed or no start
Engine drivability issues

What Are The Potential Causes Of The P068A Code?

Causes for this code may include:

Defective PCM power relay
Blown fuse or fusible link
Open or shorted circuit between the power relay and the PCM

How Serious Is This P068A Code?

A P068A should be categorized as severe and addressed accordingly. It may result in a no start condition and/or a variety of drivability issues.

How Can You Fix The P068A Code?

Diagnose A Code P068A

A diagnostic scanner and a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM) will be required to diagnose a code P068A.

A source of reliable vehicle information will also be necessary. From it you will glean diagnostic flow charts, wiring diagrams, connector face views, connector pin-out charts, and component locators. You will also find component and circuit testing procedures and specifications. All this information will be needed to successfully diagnose a code P068A.

Connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data. Make a note of this information as it may prove useful if the code proves to be an intermittent one.

After recording all pertinent information, clear the codes and test drive the vehicle (if possible) until the code is reset or the PCM enters readiness mode.

If the PCM enters readiness mode, the code is intermittent and will be even more difficult to diagnose. The condition, which caused the P068A to be stored, may need to worsen before an accurate diagnosis can be reached. On the other hand, if the code fails to reset and there are no drivability symptoms exhibited, the vehicle can be operated normally.

Consult your vehicle information source for technical service bulletins (TSB) that replicate the code stored, vehicle (year, make, model, and engine), and symptoms exhibited. If you find the appropriate TSB, it may yield helpful diagnostic information.

Visually Inspect The System Related Wiring And Connectors

If the P068A code is immediately reset, proceed with a visual inspection of system related wiring and connectors. Harnesses that have been broken of unplugged should be repaired or replaced as required.

If wiring and connectors appear functional, use your source of vehicle information to obtain the appropriate wiring diagrams, connector face views, connector pin-out charts, and diagnostic flow charts.

Once you have the relevant information, test all system fuses and relays to make sure the PCM power supply relay is being supplied with battery voltage.

Obtain PCM power relay de-energizing parameters and apply them to the following diagnostic steps.

If constant (or switched) voltage is not present at the power relay connector, trace the appropriate circuit back to the fuse or relay from which it originates. Repair or replace defective fuses or fusible links as required.

If power relay supply input voltage and ground are present (on all appropriate terminals), use your DVOM to test relay output performance at the appropriate connector pins. If power supply relay output circuit voltage is not adequate, suspect that the relay is defective.

If PCM power supply relay output voltage is within specifications (on all terminals), test the corresponding relay output circuits at the PCM.

If a relay output voltage signal is discovered at the PCM connector, suspect a defective PCM or a PCM programming error.

If there is not an appropriate PCM power relay output voltage signal discovered at the PCM connector, suspect an open or shorted circuit between the PCM power relay and the PCM.