What Does P068A Mean?
The PCM has detected that the ECM/PCM power relay de-energized too early during or after the key-off sequence. The power relay is supposed to remain energized for a brief period after key-off to allow the PCM to complete shutdown tasks such as saving adaptive values, resetting idle positions, and logging data. Premature relay dropout means these procedures may not complete, leading to driveability issues on the next start.
Common Causes
30%
ECM/PCM power relay dropping out prematurely due to weak coil hold-in
25%
Ignition switch or key-off signal reaching PCM too early
20%
Low voltage supply to relay coil during shutdown sequence
15%
PCM keep-alive circuit fault preventing proper hold-on timing
10%
Intermittent connection in relay control circuit during shutdown
Diagnostic Steps
1
Monitor the PCM power relay behavior with a test light or voltmeter on the relay output during key-off; note how long the relay remains engaged (should be 5-15 seconds depending on manufacturer).
2
Check battery voltage during the shutdown sequence; voltage below 11.5V can cause early relay dropout. Test the battery under load.
3
Inspect the relay coil hold-in voltage during the PCM shutdown sequence using a voltmeter; it should maintain at least 10V until the PCM releases it.
4
Verify the ignition switch timing by monitoring the IGN and ACC circuits during key-off; premature signal loss to the PCM triggers early shutdown.
5
Check the PCM keep-alive power circuit, which maintains the relay during shutdown, for proper voltage and connection integrity.
Estimated Repair Cost
$75 - $600
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The PCM has detected that the ECM/PCM power relay de-energized too early during or after the key-off sequence. The power relay is supposed to remain energized for a brief period after key-off to allow the PCM to complete shutdown tasks such as saving adaptive values, resetting idle positions, and lo...
The most common cause of P068A (ECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance - Too Early) is: ECM/PCM power relay dropping out prematurely due to weak coil hold-in
Typical repair costs for P068A range from $75 to $600, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle is safe to drive, but may exhibit driveability issues such as rough idle on restart, incorrect idle speed, or loss of adaptive fuel trim values. Repeated occurrences can prevent the PCM from properly saving learned values, leading to degraded long-term performance.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P068A to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Engine Control Module Power Supply
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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