P068AECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance Too Early
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- How the car detects it
- 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. 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.
- What you may notice
- 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
- Likely causes
- LikelyEngine module software (false report)
- PossibleBattery disconnected during or right after switch-off, or severe voltage dip
- PossibleOpen, high resistance or short to ground in the relay coil or contact supply
- RareRelay faulty (drops out with vibration or heat)
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €0 – €300
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.