P061C Engine computer reports a fault in its own engine speed check

P061C internal control module engine RPM performance

Monitor

The reference page rates this as serious for drivability, but the code is a computer self-check and the car usually keeps running, so it is a monitor item unless drivability is affected.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine stalls, will not start, or loses power. The Ford bulletin lists rough running, crank no-start and loss of power with this code.

Source: how we rate severity

P061C in short

P061C means the engine computer found a problem in its own check of engine speed. The usual suspects are the crankshaft or camshaft sensors, their wiring and connectors, or rarely the computer. The car often drives, but stalling, rough running or power loss means get it checked soon.

The engine computer works out engine speed from the crankshaft and camshaft sensors and compares it with its own limits. If the check fails, it sets P061C.

The reference page points to the crankshaft and camshaft sensors, their wiring and connectors, the throttle position sensor and, last, the computer. Check those before replacing the computer.

Ford bulletin TSB18-2062 lists P061C among many codes on 2012-2014 Focus models with the 2.0L GDI engine and rough running, crank no-start and loss of power. Only the NHTSA summary was read, so the repair is not stated here.

Most likely causes

  1. Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, or their wiring

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The reference page lists these sensors and their wiring first, since engine speed is calculated from them.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor signal drops out or other crank or cam codes are stored. Falls if the signals are clean.
    How to test the crankshaft position sensor

  2. Ford 2.0L GDI service procedure (2012-2014 Focus)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford TSB18-2062 lists P061C with many other codes on 2012-2014 Focus with the 2.0L GDI engine. Summary only.
    What would change this
    Rises on an affected Focus with rough running or no-start. Falls on other vehicles.

  3. Throttle position sensor or poor electrical connections

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The reference page lists these as contributors, but they rank below the speed sensors.
    What would change this
    Rises if throttle codes are stored or grounds look poor. Falls if throttle and grounds test fine.

  4. Faulty engine computer

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The reference page lists a defective computer, but only after the sensors and wiring.
    What would change this
    Rises only after sensors, wiring and bulletins are ruled out. Falls if any earlier cause is found.
    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 stored codes and freeze-frame data, clear them and drive to see if P061C returns.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

    • IfCrank, cam or throttle codes are stored too

      It meansDiagnose those first.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP061C is alone and does not return

      It meansMonitor it.

      Go to step 2

  2. Inspect the crankshaft and camshaft sensor wiring and connectors and watch RPM and cam signals on a scan tool or scope.

    Use cautionTool: scan tool, multimeter, oscilloscope

    Warning:Work with the engine off and cool. Keep hands and tools clear of belts and moving parts.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Delayed acceleration or unresponsive throttle
  • Rough running, stalling or no-start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer whether the vehicle has an open bulletin or software update for P061C.

Parts and cost context

  • Crankshaft position sensor:Test the sensor and wiring before replacing it. 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

  • 2012–2014 · Focus

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB18-2062 lists P061C among many codes on the 2.0L GDI Focus. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB18-2062Status unverified

    2.0L GDI rough running, crank no-start and loss of power with a long code list including P061C

    2012–2014focus · issued · NHTSA 10136582

    Follow the service procedure for concerns listed with many codes including P061C. The summary does not give the repair.

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

  • P0335Crankshaft position sensor A circuit fault

    Shares causes Common general cause

    P0335 is the crankshaft position sensor circuit code; the speed check behind P061C uses that sensor.

  • P0340Camshaft position sensor circuit fault (bank 1 or single sensor)

    Shares causes Common general cause

    P0340 is the camshaft position sensor circuit code, also used in the engine speed check.

All Engine computer (ECM/PCM) codes

P061C questions

Is it safe to drive with P061C?

Often, but if the engine stalls, runs rough or loses power get it checked soon.

Sources and review

  1. Guide to P061C OBD error code — PartsAvatar
  2. Ford bulletin TSB18-2062: 2012-2014 Focus 2.0L GDI runs rough, crank no-start, loss of power, MIL with a long list of codes including P061C — Ford (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file) ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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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

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