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P068A: ECM/PCM Power Relay De-Energized Performance/Too Early

Quick Answer

Safe to drive (short-term)

P068A means the engine computer saw its main power relay switch off sooner than it should before the computer had finished its shutdown. The computer holds this relay closed until it finishes saving data after the ignition is turned off. A weak or low-voltage battery is a common reason, but a worn relay, bad wiring or the computer can also be the cause.

Severity
Moderate · Electrical
Estimated repair cost
From €15 to €1200+, varies by vehicle

€15 or €1200, depending on your car.

  • Clean and tighten battery terminals and earth points€15–€55
  • Replace ECM/PCM with programming€350–€1200

A scan shows whether P068A is really stored on your car, which codes sit next to it and how urgent each one is.

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What does P068A mean?

P068A is a electrical-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity.

What are the symptoms of P068A?

  • Check engine light on with no other obvious symptom
  • Hard starting or a slow start after sitting
  • Occasional stalling or a brief engine cut-out
  • Dash lights dimming or resetting during cranking
  • Radio, clock or trip computer resetting after a start
  • Code returns after clearing, mostly after a cold start or on a short trip

What causes P068A?

  • Weak or failing battery, or low voltage at the engine computer power relay

    : high

  • Worn power relay or a relay that drops out under load

    : medium

  • Loose or corroded battery terminals, fuse box contacts or earth points

    : medium

  • Wiring fault or high resistance in the relay circuit

    : medium

  • Alternator or charging system giving unstable voltage

    : medium

  • Software fault or internal failure in the engine computer

    : low

Is it safe to drive with P068A?

Generally yes, for short-term driving. The car often runs normally with this code, but the power relay is dropping out earlier than the computer expects, usually from low voltage. Test the battery soon. If the car stalls or struggles to start, stop driving and have it checked, because a failing supply can leave you stranded.

How do you diagnose P068A?

  1. Test the battery with a conductance tester or load test, not just a voltage reading. A battery can show 12V and still fail to deliver current.
  2. Check battery terminals and the main earth cables for corrosion, looseness and heat marks.
  3. Measure charging voltage with the engine running. Typical readings sit around 13.5 to 14.5V.
  4. Find the engine computer relay in the wiring diagram, inspect its socket, and check the supply voltage at the relay with the ignition on.
  5. Swap in a known-good relay of the same type to see if the code stays away.
  6. Check the wires between the relay and the engine computer for damage or high resistance, and the engine computer's power and ground pins.
  7. Check whether a software update exists for the engine computer, particularly if no wiring or voltage fault is found.
  8. Replace the computer only after battery, charging, relay and wiring all pass.

How much does P068A cost to fix?

Repair Parts Cost Labor Cost Total Estimate DIY Difficulty
Battery replacement €60–€200 €20–€60 €80–€260 Easy
Clean and tighten battery terminals and earth points €0–€15 €15–€40 €15–€55 Easy
Replace ECM/PCM power relay €30–€100 €10–€40 €40–€140 Easy
Repair relay circuit wiring or connector €10–€60 €80–€250 €90–€310 Moderate
Replace alternator €120–€500 €80–€200 €200–€700 Professional
Replace ECM/PCM with programming €250–€900 €100–€300 €350–€1200 Professional

Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

P068A on specific vehicles

P068A on Ford

Ford Fusion Hybrid (2.5L, first generation)

See Ford-specific causes & cost

Common questions about P068A

What does P068A mean in plain words?
The engine computer expected its power relay to stay on and it switched off earlier than expected. The usual cause is low voltage somewhere in the supply, but the relay, wiring or the computer can also be at fault.
Can a weak battery cause P068A?
Yes. A published shop case on a 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid found the relay itself tested fine, but the 12V starting battery could not deliver the required current. Replacing the battery cleared the code and it stayed away.
Is P068A serious?
On its own it is often not urgent, and the car may drive normally. It still deserves a check soon because the same causes, a weak battery or a failing relay, can leave you with a car that will not start.
What is the difference between P068A and P0685?
P0685 means the relay circuit did not switch on as commanded. P068A means the relay switched off too early. Both involve the engine computer's power relay, so a weak battery or bad relay socket can set either.
Do I need a new engine computer for P068A?
Rarely. Battery, charging, the relay and its wiring are far more common and much cheaper to fix. Replace the computer only when all of those have been proven good and the code keeps returning.

Read our detailed guides

Sources

  1. mitchell1.com mitchell1.com/shopconnection/suretrack-real-fix-hybrid-needs-a-battery/

Before you pay up to €1200, check P068A on your own car

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