[SOLVED] P0686 Code: Fix Engine Control Module Power Relay Circuit Low!

The automobile fault code P0686 indicates a problem with the Engine Control Module (ECM) power relay. This can result in the engine light being illuminated or the service engine soon warning light appearing.

The most common causes of this fault code are a weak battery with low voltage while cranking, a faulty ECM power relay, an open or shorted ECM power relay harness, poor electrical connection in the ECM power relay circuit, a blown ECM fuse, or a faulty ECM. To fix this issue, you should visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors, checking for any damage or corrosion. Additionally, look for any broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded pins in the connectors.

The repair time for this issue is estimated to be around 1.0 hour.

Repair Importance Level10.0 (Out of 10)
Estimated Repair TimeApproximately 1.0 hour
Repair Difficulty Level10.0 (Out of 10)

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When the engine light is on or the service engine soon warning light is illuminated, it could be a sign of the p0686 fault code.

  • The symptoms of the automobile fault code P0686 include the Engine Light being ON or the Service Engine Soon Warning Light being illuminated.

The automobile fault code p0686 can be caused by a weak battery, faulty ECM power relay, open or shorted harness, poor electrical connection, blown ECM fuse, or a faulty ECM.

  • The fault code P0686 can be caused by: weak battery with low voltage while cranking, faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) power relay, open or shorted ECM power relay harness, poor electrical connection in the ECM power relay circuit, blown ECM fuse, and a faulty ECM.

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To fix the automobile fault code p0686, start by visually inspecting the wiring harness, connectors, and components for any damage or corrosion.

  • To fix the automobile fault code p0686, start by checking the possible causes mentioned above.
  • Then, visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors related to the issue.
  • Look for any damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.
  • This fix typically takes around 1.0 hour to complete.

The automobile fault code P0686 can be diagnosed and fixed within an estimated repair time of 1.0 hour.

The cost of the repair will depend on the hourly rate charged by the auto repair shop, which typically ranges between $75 and $150 per hour.

The P0686 fault code refers to a problem with the Engine Control Module (ECM) power relay control circuit. This circuit controls the power relay, which is responsible for supplying battery positive voltage to various components. The ECM supplies the ground path to the relay coil control circuit through an internal integrated circuit called the Output Driver Module (ODM).

The ODM also includes a fault detection circuit that is continuously monitored by the ECM.

When the ECM commands the powertrain relay to turn on, it supplies ignition 1 voltage to the ECM and other circuits.

The P0686 code indicates that there is a low voltage condition in the power relay control circuit.

What are the possible causes of the automobile fault code p0686?

If you’re seeing the fault code P0686 and your engine light is on, it could be due to a weak battery or low voltage while cranking. Other possible causes include a faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) power relay, an open or shorted ECM power relay harness, poor electrical connection in the ECM power relay circuit, a blown ECM fuse, or a faulty ECM. To fix this issue, visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors, checking for any damage or broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded pins in the connectors.

How can I visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors to fix the p0686 fault code?

If you’re dealing with the p0686 fault code and your engine light is on, it’s time to take action. The cause could be a weak battery, a faulty ECM power relay, an open or shorted ECM power relay harness, a poor electrical connection in the ECM power relay circuit, a blown ECM fuse, or a faulty ECM. To fix it, start by visually inspecting the wiring harness and connectors. Look for any damaged components and check for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins. Don’t delay, get to the bottom of this issue and get your engine running smoothly again.

What should I look for when checking for damaged components and connector’s pins to resolve the p0686 fault code?

If you’re dealing with the p0686 fault code and your engine light is on, there are a few things you should check. Start by inspecting the wiring harness and connectors for any damage. Look out for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded pins in the connectors. These could be causing the issue. Additionally, make sure to check the possible causes listed, such as a weak battery, low voltage while cranking, a faulty ECM power relay, or a blown ECM fuse. By visually inspecting and addressing these potential issues, you can resolve the p0686 fault code.

p0686 error fault code explained

If you’re experiencing the Engine Light ON or Service Engine Soon Warning Light, it could be due to a weak battery or low voltage while cranking, a faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) power relay, an open or shorted ECM power relay harness, poor electrical connection in the ECM power relay circuit, a blown ECM fuse, or a faulty ECM. To fix this issue, visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors, check for damaged components, and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector pins.

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