P2610: The engine computer internal engine-off timer is not performing as expected
ECM/PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance
Severity: Monitor
The timer is used for emissions self-tests after the engine is switched off, so the code mostly means a check engine light and failed readiness. Sources give no sign of drivability problems.
It gets more serious if:
- Inspect soon: Have it checked soon if the vehicle starts hard, stalls or runs poorly along with the code.
P2610 in short
P2610 means the engine computer's internal timer that tracks how long the engine has been off is not working as expected. Weak battery connections or a computer or software fault are typical causes, and Toyota, Ford and GM have issued bulletins. It mostly affects emissions testing and the check engine light.
The engine computer keeps an internal clock to measure how long the engine has been off. Some emissions self-tests, such as the evaporative system check, depend on it.
P2610 sets when that timer does not behave as expected. Typical causes are a weak or poorly connected battery, a computer or software fault, or a faulty sensor or wiring feeding the computer. Toyota bulletins on the 2014-16 Prius V and 2014-15 Highlander modify the ECM logic, a Ford bulletin on the 2014 Fiesta links it to slow communication with the cluster, and GM has ECM reprogramming bulletins.
Check the battery and connections first, then ask a dealer about software updates.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Engine computer software or logic issue
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Toyota T-SB-0087-16 and T-SB-0074-16 modify ECM logic for P2610, and GM bulletins reprogram the ECM for it.
- What would change this
- Rises on a covered vehicle with no battery issue. Falls if the software is current and the code returns.
Cause 2: Weak battery or poor battery connection
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- KBB lists a weak battery or poor battery connection as a cause.
- What would change this
- Rises if the battery is weak or the terminals are loose or corroded. Falls if the battery tests good.
Cause 3: Slow network communication with another module
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Ford ASI 44197 links P2610 on the 2014 Fiesta to slow network communication with the instrument cluster.
- What would change this
- Rises on a covered Fiesta with other communication codes. Falls without them.
Cause 4: Faulty camshaft position sensor, fuel pressure sensor or damaged wiring
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- PartsAvatar lists these inputs and harness damage as possible causes when the computer cannot tell when the engine stopped.
- What would change this
- Rises if related sensor codes are stored or wiring is damaged. Falls if inputs test fine.
Cause 5: Engine computer fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- KBB and PartsAvatar list the computer as a cause only after software, battery and inputs are ruled out.
- What would change this
- Rises only after the others are ruled out.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Test the battery and inspect the terminals and ground connections for looseness or corrosion.
IfThe battery is weak or the connections are poor
It meansRepair them, clear the code and retest.
IfBattery and connections are good
It meansCheck for software updates.
Step 2: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an ECM software update or bulletin for P2610, and whether communication codes are stored too.
IfA software bulletin applies
It meansSoftware is the likely fix.
IfCommunication codes are stored on a Fiesta
It meansNetwork communication is suspect.
IfNeither applies
It meansHave the camshaft sensor, fuel pressure sensor and wiring checked, then the computer.
Points to: Faulty camshaft position sensor, fuel pressure sensor or damaged wiring
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Emissions readiness monitors not complete
- Hard starting or stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean, then ask a dealer about an engine computer software update for your VIN.
Parts and cost context
- Engine control module (ECM / PCM):Software and battery come first; the computer itself is rarely replaced. Labor varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
ToyotaYour car
2014–2016 · Prius V
Supported by vehicle dataToyota bulletins modify the ECM logic for P2610 on the 2014-16 Prius V and cover the 2014-15 Highlander. Whether they are current is not verified.
T-SB-0087-16Status unverified
ECM logic modified for P2610
2014–2016prius-v · NHTSA 10084375
Toyota modified ECM logic for P2610. The NHTSA summary is short.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
T-SB-0074-16Status unverified
P2610 on Highlander
2014–2015highlander · NHTSA 10086307
Toyota bulletin for P2610. The NHTSA summary is short.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
FordYour car
2014 · Fiesta
Supported by vehicle dataFord ASI 44197 links P2610 on the 2014 Fiesta to slow network communication with the cluster. Whether it is current is not verified.
ASI 44197Status unverified
P2610 from slow network communication with the cluster
2014fiesta · NHTSA 10054358
Ford links P2610 to slow network communication with the instrument cluster.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
ChevroletYour car
2008 · Cobalt
Supported by vehicle dataGM SB-08-06-04-035A reprograms the ECM for several codes including P2610 on 2008 Cobalt SS. Whether it is current is not verified.
SB-08-06-04-035AStatus unverified
ECM reprogramming for several codes including P2610
2008cobalt · NHTSA 10030647
GM reprograms the ECM for several codes including P2610 on 2008 Cobalt SS, Solstice and Sky.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P2610 yet.
P2610 questions
Will P2610 stop me from passing an emissions test?
The check engine light being on will fail most tests. Fix the cause and complete the drive cycle so the readiness monitors set before retesting.
Sources and review
- P2610 Code: ECM/PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance
- P2610 OBD Code: ECM/PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance
- Toyota T-SB-0087-16: ECM logic modified for P2610 on 2014-16 Prius V
- Toyota T-SB-0074-16: P2610 on 2014-15 Highlander
- GM SB-08-06-04-035A: ECM reprogramming for several codes including P2610 on 2008 Cobalt SS, Solstice, Sky
- Ford ASI 44197: P2610 on 2014 Fiesta (slow network communication with the cluster)
- Last reviewed
- 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