What P068A means
The engine module switches its main relay coil to ground (control circuit), reads the switched voltage back on a sense line and keeps the relay on briefly after ignition off to save learned values.
How the engine computer detects it
P068A means the relay dropped out before the module released it. Ford explains it as the non-volatile memory write after ignition off not being completed before the module lost power; the 2023 diesel checks continuously within 0.5 s. GM Europe's 2.0 diesel checks with the engine running for an unexpected loss of relay voltage (no MIL). VW (2017–18 Jetta 1.4 T) and Stellantis (2026 Dodge Charger 3.0 twin turbo) fixed false reports by software updates. Real triggers include disconnecting the battery right after switch-off and loose contacts in the relay supply; learned values may be lost.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light (Ford, VW, Stellantis)
- Often no noticeable symptoms
- Lost learned values, rough idle after restart
- With a contact fault: stalling or no start
Common causes
- Engine module software (false report) Most likely
- Battery disconnected during or right after switch-off, or severe voltage dip Possible
- Open, high resistance or short to ground in the relay coil or contact supply Possible
- Relay faulty (drops out with vibration or heat) Less likely
How to diagnose P068A
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: ecm power relay, relay control circuit, engine control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Vehicles that report P068A most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape | 2013–2022 | 3 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P068A (9 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 6
- Computer and output circuits
- 8A
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P068A?
Usually yes for a short time, if the car drives normally, the temperature gauge reads normal and the check engine light is steady. If the light flashes, the engine loses power or overheats, or other warning lights come on, pull over and have it checked.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P068A?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.