P0068 The airflow measured by the MAF or MAP sensor doesn't match the airflow the computer expects for the current throttle opening

MAP/MAF to throttle position correlation

P0068 in short

P0068 means the airflow reported by the MAF or MAP sensor doesn't agree with what the throttle opening says it should be. Vacuum leaks, a dirty MAF sensor, a dirty or faulty throttle body and software are common causes. The engine may lose power or limit speed; get it diagnosed soon.

The engine computer has three ways to estimate how much air is going in: the mass airflow (MAF) sensor, the manifold pressure (MAP) sensor, and the throttle position. GM-era service information describes comparing airflow predicted from the throttle with airflow calculated from MAP and MAF.

When those disagree for long enough, P0068 sets. Unmetered air from a leak, a contaminated MAF, or carbon on the throttle all skew one estimate against the others.

Several makers fixed false P0068 codes with software: Mitsubishi for turbo operation, Ford at altitude, and Hyundai and Kia with logic updates plus throttle cleaning.

Most likely causes

  1. Vacuum or intake air leak after the MAF sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Ross-Tech lists unmetered air and checks for leaks including the intake runners; GM-era service information compares measured and calculated airflow.
    What would change this
    Likelier with a hissing sound, high fuel trims or a cracked intake boot.
    How to test the vacuum hoses and intake leaks

  2. Contaminated or faulty MAF or MAP sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Ross-Tech lists faulty MAF and MAP sensors, and GM's PIP5529 groups P0068 with MAF and MAP codes.
    What would change this
    Likelier if P0101 or P0106 is stored with it.
    How to test the mass airflow (maf) sensor

  3. Dirty or faulty throttle body

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ross-Tech recommends cleaning and re-adapting the throttle body, and Kia's bulletin includes throttle cleaning.
    What would change this
    Likelier with carbon build-up or an unsteady idle.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  4. Engine computer software (bulletin fix)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Mitsubishi, Ford, Kia and Hyundai bulletins correct P0068 detection with software.
    What would change this
    Likelier on a covered model, especially if it sets only at altitude or under boost.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes and freeze-frame data and check for bulletins covering your vehicle

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. Inspect the intake ducting and vacuum hoses, then smoke-test the intake

    Use cautionTool: Smoke machine

    Warning:Work on a cool engine and keep clear of the fan and belts if the engine is running.

  3. Inspect the throttle body for carbon and clean it, run the throttle adaptation, then compare MAF and MAP readings against specification

    Best left to a shopTool: Scan tool, throttle cleaner

    Warning:Keep fingers out of the throttle bore with the ignition on; the motor can snap the plate shut.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Reduced power or limited top speed
  • Rough or unsteady idle
  • Sudden loss of power or stalling while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer to check your VIN for software bulletins; Mitsubishi, Ford, Kia and Hyundai have published fixes for P0068.

  2. Check that the air filter box and intake duct are closed and clamped properly; a loose duct lets in unmeasured air.

Parts and cost context

  • Mass airflow (MAF) sensor:Cleaning with MAF-safe cleaner sometimes helps; replace only after testing. Labour varies; get a quote.
  • Electronic throttle body:Cleaning needs a throttle adaptation afterwards on many engines.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Mitsubishi

  • 2018 · Eclipse Cross

    Supported by vehicle data

    ECU reprogram for P0068 with speed restricted to 62 mph. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-18-13-001Status unverified

    P0068 with speed limited to about 62 mph; ECU reprogram

    2018eclipse-cross · issued · NHTSA 10142733

    P0068 can set with vehicle speed restricted to 62 mph because airflow plausibility monitoring did not recognise turbo operation; the engine computer is reprogrammed.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2018–2019 · Mustang

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL with only P0068 when driven at altitude on the 2.3L EcoBoost. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 18-2370Status unverified

    MIL with only P0068 at altitude, 2.3L EcoBoost

    2018–2019mustang · issued · NHTSA 10153934

    Some vehicles show a MIL with only P0068 when driven above about 3,500 ft.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Kia

  • 2019–2020 · Forte

    Supported by vehicle data

    ECM logic improvement and throttle cleaning for P0068 on the 2.0L MPI. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • TSB_FUE047Status unverified

    ECM logic improvement for P0101/P0106/P0068 and throttle cleaning

    2019–2020forte · issued · NHTSA 10179236

    ECM software logic improvement and electronic throttle cleaning for 2019-2020 Forte 2.0L MPI that may show a MIL with P0101, P0106 and/or P0068.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Hyundai

  • 2020 · Elantra

    Supported by vehicle data

    ECM update revising P0068 logic on the 2.0L. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 21-01-041HStatus unverified

    ECM update revising P0068/P0101/P0106 logic

    2020elantra · issued · NHTSA 10196482

    ECM software update revising detection logic for P0068 (MAP/MAF to throttle position correlation), P0101 and P0106 on 2020 Elantra 2.0L.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2013–2017 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    Extra diagnostics for P0068 with MAF, MAP and lean codes; also Buick, Cadillac and GMC. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5529Status unverified

    Additional diagnostics for P0068 with P0101/P0106/P0171

    2013–2017malibu, impala, camaro, colorado · issued · NHTSA 10123274

    Preliminary information with additional diagnosis and repair for a MIL from any combination of P0068, P0101, P0106, P0171, P0131, P0137, P0324, P0326, P0331 and P0506. Also covers Buick, Cadillac and GMC models.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0101Airflow sensor reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects for the throttle opening

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Kia and Hyundai bulletins cover P0101 with P0068.

  • P0106Manifold pressure (MAP) sensor reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Kia and Hyundai bulletins cover P0106 with P0068.

  • P0171Engine computer has reached its limit adding fuel on bank 1: the mixture is lean

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's PIP5529 groups P0171 with P0068; an air leak can set both.

  • P1101On GM and GM-era Saab engines, the airflow worked out from throttle position doesn't match the airflow measured by the MAF and MAP sensors

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    On GM engines, P1101 runs the same airflow comparison as P0068.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

Sources and review

  1. P0068 MAP/MAF - Throttle Position Correlation — Ross-Tech
  2. DTC P0068 or P1101 (2011 Saab 9-4X, V6 engine management) — Saab Automobile / General Motors service information (Saab WIS)
  3. Mitsubishi TSB-18-13-001: P0068 with vehicle speed limited (Eclipse Cross) — Mitsubishi Motors North America / NHTSA ,
  4. Electronic Throttle Control (Throttle-By-Wire) — AA1Car (Larry Carley)
  5. NHTSA recall 26V081: Electronic throttle body gears may break (2024-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L VC-Turbo) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  6. GM PIP5529: MIL with combinations of P0068, P0101, P0106, P0171 and other DTCs — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  7. Kia TSB FUE047: P0101/P0106/P0068 ECM logic improvement and throttle cleaning (Forte 2.0L MPI) — Kia America / NHTSA ,
  8. Ford TSB 18-2370: MIL with P0068 at altitude (Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  9. Hyundai 21-01-041H: ECM update for P0068/P0101/P0106 (Elantra 2.0L) — Hyundai Motor America / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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