P061A: Engine computer internal fault: torque monitoring performance

Internal control module torque performance

Severity: Inspect soon

P061A means the engine computer's own torque cross-check failed, and it often limits engine power to protect itself. Most fixes in bulletins are software updates or a wiring repair, but the car can go into reduced power, so get it checked soon.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: The car goes into reduced power or limp mode (for example held to about 25 mph), stalls, or will not start. Get off the road safely and have it towed or diagnosed rather than driving in traffic.

Source: how we rate severity

P061A in short

P061A means the engine computer's internal check on requested versus delivered engine torque failed. It often puts the car in reduced power. Bulletins mostly fix it with a software update; on 2017-2020 Ford F-150 Ford points to an unsecured transmission wiring harness. Get it checked soon, sooner if power drops.

Modern engine computers run a second, independent calculation of how much torque the engine should be making and compare it with what the main calculation is asking for. If the two disagree beyond a limit, the computer sets P061A and usually cuts power as a safety measure.

Because the check runs inside the computer, P061A is often caused by software rather than a broken part. Mitsubishi, Ford and Lincoln have each issued bulletins that fix P061A by reprogramming the engine computer, for example on the Eclipse Cross during boost, the Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Mustang Mach-E.

Bad input signals can also trip the check. On 2017-2020 F-150s, Ford special service message 48563 says a transmission wiring harness that is not secured can cause P061A together with network (U) codes and a no-crank or no-start. F-150 owners also report P061A alongside transmission speed sensor codes P0720 and P0722.

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Engine computer software needs an update
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Mitsubishi, Ford and Lincoln bulletins name P061A and fix it by reprogramming the engine computer on specific models.
What would change this
Rises if a bulletin covers your VIN and the update has not been done; falls once the latest software is installed.
How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)
Cause 2: Transmission wiring harness not secured (2017-2020 F-150)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Ford SSM 48563 ties P061A with U-codes and a no-crank or no-start on 2017-2020 F-150 to a transmission harness that is not secured.
What would change this
Rises on an F-150 with U-codes or intermittent no-start; falls on other vehicles.
Cause 3: Faulty transmission speed signal feeding the torque check
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
F-150 owners report P061A stored with P0720 and P0722, and one dealer pointed to the transmission's molded leadframe, which carries the speed sensors. No bulletin we found ties these together, so it needs testing.
What would change this
Rises if P0720 or P0722 are stored with P061A, or there are shifting problems.
Cause 4: Failed engine computer
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
General references list an internal computer failure as a cause once software, power, ground and input faults are ruled out. It is the last thing to replace.
What would change this
Rises only if the code returns after updates and wiring checks pass.
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.

Step 1: Read all stored codes with a scan tool and note any others stored with P061A.
Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool
- IfU-codes are stored on a 2017-2020 F-150
  It meansFord's harness message likely applies.
  Points to: Transmission wiring harness not secured (2017-2020 F-150)
- IfP0720 or P0722 are also stored
  It meansThe torque check may be reacting to a bad speed signal.
  Points to: Faulty transmission speed signal feeding the torque check
- IfP061A alone
  It meansCheck for a software update.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: Ask a dealer to check your VIN for bulletins and engine computer software updates covering P061A.
Low risk
- IfAn update applies
  It meansReprogram the engine computer and clear codes.
  Points to: Engine computer software needs an update
- IfNo update, or the code returns
  It meansHave the power, grounds and inputs checked.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Have a shop check the engine computer's power and ground circuits and the wiring harnesses, following the service information, before replacing the computer.
Best left to a shopTool: scan tool, multimeter, wiring diagram
Warning:Disconnecting or replacing an engine computer may need programming to the vehicle. Leave it to a shop.
- IfLoose or damaged harness
  It meansSecure or repair the harness.
  Points to: Transmission wiring harness not secured (2017-2020 F-150)
- IfPower, ground and inputs all good
  It meansThe computer itself may have failed.
  Points to: Failed engine computer

Symptoms

Check engine light or wrench light
Other codes stored at the same time, such as U-codes or P0720/P0722
Reduced power or limp mode, for example held to about 25 mph Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
No crank or no start (2017-2020 F-150) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Step 1: Ask a dealer whether a bulletin or software update covers P061A on your VIN.

Parts and cost context

Engine control module (ECM / PCM):Most bulletins fix P061A with a software update, not a new computer. Replacement needs programming; labor varies, get a quote.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

2016–2020 · F-150
Supported by vehicle data
Ford SSM 48563 (2017-2020) links P061A with U-codes and no-start to an unsecured transmission harness. Owners also report P061A with P0720/P0722 and a wrench light.
2020–2021 · Mustang
Supported by vehicle data
Shelby GT500: P1601/P061A when using SelectShift; reprogram (TSB 22-2280).

SSM 48563Status unverified
Ford SSM 48563: no crank/no start, P061A and U-codes
2017–2020f-150 · issued February 19, 2020 · NHTSA 10172021
Transmission wiring harness (15525) may not be secured, causing P061A, U-codes and no crank or no start. Supersedes SSM 47097.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
TSB 22-2280Status unverified
Ford TSB 22-2280: Shelby GT500 P1601/P061A in SelectShift
2020–2021mustang · issued July 13, 2022 · NHTSA 10215717
P1601 and/or P061A while using SelectShift; reprogram the engine computer.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
TSB 21-2244Status unverified
Ford TSB 21-2244: Mustang Mach-E P061A/P1A1E/P2533
2021mustang-mach-e · issued August 3, 2021 · NHTSA 10200735
Reprogram to address P061A with P1A1E and P2533.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Mitsubishi

2018 · Eclipse Cross
Supported by vehicle data
P061A during boost with a 25 mph fail-safe; fixed by reprogramming (TSB-18-13-002).

TSB-18-13-002Status unverified
Mitsubishi TSB-18-13-002: P061A during boost
2018eclipse-cross · issued June 7, 2018 · NHTSA 10142734
Torque monitoring may set P061A during boost and limit speed to about 25 mph; reprogram the engine computer.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Engine computer (ECM/PCM) codes

P061A questions

Does P061A mean my engine computer is bad?

Not usually at first. Many bulletins fix P061A with a software update, and on some F-150s it comes from a loose transmission harness. Replace the computer only after updates and wiring checks.

Why is my car stuck in reduced power with P061A?

When the torque cross-check fails, the computer limits power as a safety measure. Clearing the code may restore power briefly, but have the cause fixed.

Sources and review

P061A: Internal Control Module Torque Performance — Kelley Blue Book
TAT Scandata: P061A ECM torque performance error — Technical Assistance Team (TAT), Australia
Ford SSM 48563: 2017-2020 F-150 no crank/no start, multiple warnings, P061A and U-codes — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA , February 19, 2020
Mitsubishi TSB-18-13-002: 2018 Eclipse Cross, P061A torque monitoring, ECU reprogram — Mitsubishi Motors North America / NHTSA , June 7, 2018
Ford TSB 22-2280: 2020-2021 Mustang GT500, harsh shifting with P1601/P061A in SelectShift — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA , July 13, 2022
Ford TSB 21-2244: 2021 Mustang Mach-E, MIL with P061A, P1A1E and/or P2533 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA , August 3, 2021
Lincoln TSB 13-12-16: 2013-2014 MKS, P061A at low speed with metric cluster — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA , December 1, 2013
NHTSA complaint ODI 11675766: 2017 Ford F-150, P061A with P0722 and wrench light — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (complaint flat file) , July 23, 2025
NHTSA complaint ODI 11761206: 2016 Ford F-150, P061A-00 with P0720-00 and P0722-00 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (complaint flat file) , September 1, 2026

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Engine computer software needs an update

Cause 2: Transmission wiring harness not secured (2017-2020 F-150)

Cause 3: Faulty transmission speed signal feeding the torque check

Cause 4: Failed engine computer

What to test first

Step 1: Read all stored codes with a scan tool and note any others stored with P061A.

Step 2: Ask a dealer to check your VIN for bulletins and engine computer software updates covering P061A.

Step 3: Have a shop check the engine computer's power and ground circuits and the wiring harnesses, following the service information, before replacing the computer.