P068A Engine computer power relay switched off too early

ECM/PCM power relay de-energized too early

P068A in short

P068A means the relay that powers the engine computer shut off sooner than expected after the ignition was turned off. A bad relay, fuse, wiring fault or weak battery are the usual causes. It can lead to hard starting or no-start, so get it checked soon.

A relay feeds the engine computer its main power. After you switch the ignition off, the computer keeps that relay on briefly to save its learned data, then turns it off. If the relay drops out before the computer is ready, it sets P068A.

PartsAvatar and KBB list a defective relay, blown fuse or fusible link, an open or shorted circuit, connector pin problems and a weak battery, with the computer itself rarely at fault.

Effects include hard starting, no-start or no-crank, and limp mode with some features off.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Defective computer power relay, or a blown fuse or fusible link

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both sources put the relay and fuse first.
    What would change this
    Rises if the relay clicks erratically, the fuse is blown or power is missing at the module. Falls if relay and fuse test good.

  2. Open or shorted wiring, or a bad connector pin between the relay and the computer

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Both sources list open or shorted circuits and connector pin faults.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiggling the harness changes symptoms or a pin is loose or corroded. Falls if circuit tests are good.

  3. Weak battery, alternator or ignition switch fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    PartsAvatar mentions repairs involving the alternator and ignition switch, and KBB lists battery problems.
    What would change this
    Rises if the battery tests weak or charging voltage is off. Falls if both test normal.

  4. Engine computer fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    KBB says the computer is rarely the cause.
    What would change this
    Rises only after relay, wiring, fuse and battery are cleared.
    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 note whether P0685 (relay control circuit) or battery and charging codes are stored.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfP0685 is stored too

      It meansThe relay circuit is the focus.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP068A is alone

      It meansStart with the battery and relay.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have the battery and charging voltage tested, then the computer power relay, fuse, wiring and connector checked.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter

    Warning:Testing live power circuits can short wiring and damage the computer. Let a shop do it.

Symptoms

  • Hard starting or no-start in cold weather
  • No-crank with a feel like a dead battery
  • Limp mode with some features such as air conditioning off Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Check engine light on

How to fix

  1. Have the battery tested; a weak battery is a cheap thing to rule out.

Parts and cost context

  • Engine control module (ECM / PCM):A relay is usually the inexpensive part; the computer itself is rarely the cause. Labour 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

  • 2017–2018 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB 17-2215 reprograms the PCM for P068A (with P0071) on 2017-2018 Fusion 2.5L. Only the NHTSA summary was read; whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2017 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 46511 says P068A on 2017 Fusion and MKZ can follow low battery voltage or a battery drain; fix that first. Only the NHTSA summary was read; whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • TSB17-2215Status unverified

    MIL with P0071 and/or P068A (2.5L)

    2017–2018fusion · NHTSA 10125070

    2017-2018 Fusion with the 2.5L engine built on or before 18 Aug 2017: reprogram the PCM with the current Ford software.

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

  • SSM 46511Status unverified

    MIL with P068A on Fusion and MKZ

    2017fusion · NHTSA 10109008

    Address other codes first. P068A can set when battery voltage is low or a battery drain exists; find and correct the root cause of the low battery before treating P068A.

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

Jaguar

  • 2015–2016 · XF

    Supported by vehicle data

    Jaguar bulletin JTB00471NAS1 attributes P068A-00 to a PCM software error during vehicle shutdown. Only the NHTSA summary was read; whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • JTB00471NAS1Status unverified

    MIL with P068A-00, DTC index actions do not resolve it

    2015–2016xf, xj, f-type · NHTSA 10096957

    Possible PCM software error causing a CPU response time error during shutdown.

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

Land Rover

  • 2015–2016 · Discovery Sport

    Supported by vehicle data

    Land Rover bulletin LTB00883NAS1 attributes P068A-00 to a PCM software issue during shutdown. Only the NHTSA summary was read; whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • LTB00883NAS1Status unverified

    MIL with P068A-00 stored in the PCM

    2015–2016discovery-sport, range-rover, lr4 · NHTSA 10106016

    Possible PCM software issue (CPU response time error during the vehicle shutdown procedure).

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

No curated relationships for P068A yet.

All Engine computer (ECM/PCM) codes

P068A questions

Is P068A serious?

KBB treats it as serious because it can cause no-start. Have the battery and relay checked soon.

Sources and review

  1. P068A Code: ECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance - Too Early — Kelley Blue Book
  2. P068A ECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance - Too Early — PartsAvatar
  3. Ford bulletin TSB17-2215: MIL with P0071 and/or P068A (2.5L) — Ford (via NHTSA flat file)
  4. Ford bulletin SSM 46511: MIL with P068A on Fusion and MKZ — Ford (via NHTSA flat file)
  5. Jaguar bulletin JTB00471NAS1: MIL with P068A-00, DTC index actions do not resolve it — Jaguar (via NHTSA flat file)
  6. Land-Rover bulletin LTB00883NAS1: MIL with P068A-00 stored in the PCM — Land-Rover (via NHTSA flat file)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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