{"id":67013,"date":"2022-02-28T01:20:03","date_gmt":"2022-02-28T09:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=67013"},"modified":"2025-05-24T11:20:09","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T18:20:09","slug":"p068a-code-ecm-pcm-power-relay-de-energized-performance-too-early","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p068a-code-ecm-pcm-power-relay-de-energized-performance-too-early\/","title":{"rendered":"P068A Code: ECM \/ PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance &#8211; Too Early"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column67013_3cd6b9-4e inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-1ffb85  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-37d5a3\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading67013_194fb9-ca\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The P068A trouble code stands for &ldquo;ECM\/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance &ndash; Too Early.&rdquo; This is an uncommon code, and it doesn&rsquo;t appear on many vehicle code lists.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Causes for the P2098 code include power control module (PCM) failure, a bad PCM power relay, or faulty PCM electrical wiring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Common symptoms of the P2098 include your engine failing to start up, an illuminated check engine light, or your engine having hard starts or not starting in cold weather.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>The engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) oversees the proper operation of the engine and (in the case of the PCM) powertrain. To run properly, the computer draws battery positive voltage from a power relay and uses the electricity to function properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The PCM keeps track of how long it&rsquo;s power relay takes to de-energize after the driver turns off the ignition. It will log a P068A fault code if the process goes too quickly because fast de-energization can damage the module.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/car-hood-showing-various-car-parts-including-control-modules-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"car hood showing various car parts including control modules\" class=\"wp-image-67015\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/car-hood-showing-various-car-parts-including-control-modules-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/car-hood-showing-various-car-parts-including-control-modules-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/car-hood-showing-various-car-parts-including-control-modules-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/car-hood-showing-various-car-parts-including-control-modules-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/car-hood-showing-various-car-parts-including-control-modules-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/car-hood-showing-various-car-parts-including-control-modules-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/car-hood-showing-various-car-parts-including-control-modules.jpg 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The P068A code stands for &ldquo;ECM\/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance &ndash; Too Early.&rdquo;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does the P068A Code Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/search-obd2-codes-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"diagnostic trouble code\">diagnostic trouble code<\/a> (DTC) P068A stands for &ldquo;ECM\/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance &ndash; Too Early.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that this code does not appear on many vehicle code lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However,<strong> <\/strong>Ford describes code P068A as the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>P068A is set when the non volatile random access memory (NVRAM) write did not complete successfully after the ignition key was turned OFF, prior to PCM shutdown. This DTC also sets when the PCM power relay is de-energized too early.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Possible causes are:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>PCM Relay Control circuit open<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>PCM power relay<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Low battery voltage<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pcm-power-relay-diagram-1024x816.jpg\" alt=\" diagram of a pcm power relay\" class=\"wp-image-81005\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pcm-power-relay-diagram-1024x816.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pcm-power-relay-diagram-300x239.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pcm-power-relay-diagram-768x612.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pcm-power-relay-diagram-150x120.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pcm-power-relay-diagram.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Diagram showing PCM power relay, BCM, and PCM | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Be it an ECM or a PCM, control modules have capacitors that perform different roles. Capacitors are like small, short-life batteries. The condenser in a points type ignition distributor is a capacitor. Capacitors filter currents, store energy, or continue providing power to circuits for a few seconds after the control module stops receiving power from the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On some platforms (not all of them), turning off the ignition causes the PCM&rsquo;s capacitors to release their remaining energy into the power relay. The sudden discharge of power can corrupt the module&rsquo;s software, damage electrical components, and even completely erase the affected module&rsquo;s programming. Typically, a relay will have a &ldquo;clamping&rdquo; diode or resistor wired in parallel with the relay coil to prevent a voltage spike from the coil itself. But as the points in the relay separate, breaking the circuit causes a secondary voltage spike that can be damaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Typically, a relay will have a &ldquo;clamping&rdquo; diode or resistor wired in parallel with the relay coil to prevent a voltage spike from the coil itself. But as the points in the relay separate, breaking the circuit causes a secondary voltage spike that can be damaging.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, on some platforms, the PCM puts its power relay through a de-energizing process where the relay discharges energy at a slow and controlled rate. This minimizes the risk of voltage spikes that can damage the controller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some PCM power relays follow a five-wire design. The control module may use one of these wires to keep track of power relay voltage, especially in the crucial seconds after the ignition turns off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The PCM keeps track of the rate at which it de-energizes after the driver turns off the ignition. When it detects something wrong with its de-energizing process, it will set code P068A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"ai-summary-widget\">\n\n        <div class=\"ai-summary-grid\">\n\n            <div>\n                <div class=\"ai-avatar\">\n                    <figure>\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/q_auto,dpr_auto,f_auto\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/ai-summary\/ai-bot\" alt=\"AI robot\">\n                    <\/figure>\n                    <span>ELI5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n                <p>Imagine your car has a tiny computer brain that needs to shut down properly when you turn off the key, like when you go to sleep. This computer brain has little helpers that store extra power for a little while, like tiny batteries. The P068A code means the computer brain didn't go to sleep nicely; it turned off too fast. Maybe a helper didn't work right or the power went away too quickly. It's like if you tried to unplug a toy before it was fully turned off, and it got a little confused. The car's computer brain is telling the grown-up (mechanic) that it had a messy bedtime and needs to be checked so it can wake up happy next time!<\/p>    \n            <\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"ai-summary-tooltip\">   \n            <p>Not everyone is an auto repair expert. <strong>ELI5 (&ldquo;Explain Like I&rsquo;m Five&rdquo;)<\/strong> provides layperson-friendly explanations of complex automotive concepts, systems, &amp; parts, so you can fully understand their importance. Great for casual car owners and DIY beginners! Powered by AI.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">P068A on Some Ford Vehicles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Code P068A may appear on some Ford vehicles. On a 2015 Ford Focus ST 2.0L, for example, this DTC is described as, &ldquo;The non volatile random access memory (NVRAM) write did not complete successfully after the ignition key was turned OFF, prior to PCM shutdown. This DTC also sets when the PCM power relay is de-energized too early.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The code appears in a 2015 Ford Focus ST 2.0L because of the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PCMRC circuit open<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PCM power relay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low battery voltage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Note:<\/strong> The definition of code P068A can differ according to the vehicle manufacturer. Check the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"article-search-widget\">\n<div class=\"cp-search\">\n<div align=\"center\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/w_auto,dpr_auto\/carparts\/logos\/badge_wordmark\/full_color\/CP_LOGO_COLOUR_RGB\" alt=\"CarParts.com\" width=\"300\" height=\"56\">\n<\/div>\n<form id=\"cpsearchform\" name=\"cpsearchform\" action=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/search\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\" accept-charset=\"character_set\" aria-label=\"search CarParts.com\">\n    <input type=\"text\" class=\"keyword\" name=\"q\" placeholder=\"Search for parts on CarParts.com\" value=\"\" aria-label=\"Search CarParts.com\"><input type=\"submit\" class=\"btn-search\" value=\"Search\" aria-label=\"Search\">\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the Common Causes of the P068A Code?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/engine-control-module\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PCM\">PCM<\/a> failure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bad <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/engine-control-module-relay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"PCM power relay\">PCM power relay<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faulty PCM electrical wiring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the Common Symptoms of the P068A Code?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/my-car-wont-start-what-should-i-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Engine fails to start up\">Engine fails to start up<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/check-engine-light-flashing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Illuminated check engine light\">Illuminated check engine light<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engine goes through hard starts or doesn&rsquo;t start at all in cold weather<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Diagnose the P068A Code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/male-mechanic-using-special-tools-to-do-diagnostic-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"male mechanic using special tools to do diagnostics\" class=\"wp-image-67016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/male-mechanic-using-special-tools-to-do-diagnostic-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/male-mechanic-using-special-tools-to-do-diagnostic-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/male-mechanic-using-special-tools-to-do-diagnostic-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/male-mechanic-using-special-tools-to-do-diagnostic-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/male-mechanic-using-special-tools-to-do-diagnostic-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/male-mechanic-using-special-tools-to-do-diagnostic-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/male-mechanic-using-special-tools-to-do-diagnostic.jpg 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you&rsquo;re not confident about conducting diagnostic tests on your vehicle, it&rsquo;s a good idea to let a certified mechanic check it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The P068A code is a powertrain code, and it applies to all OBD II-compatible vehicles fitted with an ECM or PCM. If you&rsquo;re not confident about conducting diagnostic tests on your vehicle, it&rsquo;s a good idea to let a certified mechanic check it. Otherwise, you can go ahead and diagnose the issue yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Fix the P068A Code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Attempting to fix a P068A code can be a frustrating task if you don&rsquo;t have the right tools and know-how to test the ECM or PCM. In most cases, it&rsquo;s best to leave the job to professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you a DIYer with advanced technical knowledge and hands-on experience? If you want to test and replace your vehicle&rsquo;s ECM or PCM on your own, it will be helpful to rely on the appropriate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-you-should-always-consult-a-repair-manual\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"repair manual or refer to an online repair database\">repair manual or refer to an online repair database<\/a> for the task.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>The engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) oversees the proper operation of the engine and (in the&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p068a-code-ecm-pcm-power-relay-de-energized-performance-too-early\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":67014,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1314],"tags":[1323,3208],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-67013","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-obd-ii-trouble-codes","8":"tag-engine-control-module-2","9":"tag-engine-control-module-relay","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>P068A Code: ECM \/ PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance - Too Early - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what the P068A code means, its possible causes, common symptoms, as well as the best approach to fixing this issue. 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