[SOLVED] P0688 Code: Fixing Electronic Control Module Power Relay Sense Circuit/Open

The automobile fault code P0688 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.

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 p0688 fault code.

  • The symptoms of the automobile fault code P0688 include the Engine Light being ON or the Service Engine Soon Warning Light being illuminated.

The automobile fault code p0688 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.

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  • The fault code P0688 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.

To fix the automobile fault code p0688, start by visually inspecting the wiring harness and connectors for any damage or corrosion.

  • To fix the automobile fault code p0688, first, check 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.
  • The estimated repair time for this fix is 1.0 hour.

The automobile fault code P0688 diagnosis and fixing cost is influenced by the estimated repair time of 1.0 hour.

Most auto repair shops typically charge between $75 and $150 per hour for their services.

The P0688 fault code refers to a problem with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) Power Relay Sense CircuitO.

This code indicates that there is an issue with the circuit that senses the power relay for the ECM.

The powertrain relay is normally open and is held in the open position by a spring. Battery positive voltage is supplied directly to the relay coil and the armature contact at all times. The ECM supplies the ground path to the relay coil control circuit through an internal integrated circuit called an Output Driver Module (ODM).

The ODM operates as a low side driver for the powertrain relay and also includes a fault detection circuit that is continuously monitored by the ECM. When the ECM commands the powertrain relay to turn on, ignition 1 voltage is supplied to the ECM and several other circuits.

In summary, the P0688 fault code indicates a problem with the circuit that senses the power relay for the ECM. This can affect the operation of the ECM and other related circuits in the vehicle.

It is important to diagnose and repair this issue to ensure proper functioning of the vehicle’s electronic control system.

What are the possible causes of the automobile fault code P0688?

If you see the engine light on or the service engine soon warning light, the fault code P0688 could be the culprit. This code can be caused by a weak battery with 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, check the possible causes mentioned above. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors visually, looking 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 P0688 fault code?

If you’re dealing with the P0688 fault code and your engine light is on, it’s time to take action. The cause could be a weak battery, low voltage while cranking, 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 now!

What should I look for when checking for damaged components or corroded connector pins to resolve the P0688 fault code?

When resolving the P0688 fault code, start by checking for damaged components or corroded connector pins. This can be done by visually inspecting the related wiring harness and connectors. Look for any broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded pins in the connectors. By doing this, you can identify any issues that may be causing the fault code and take the necessary steps to fix them.

p0688 error fault code explained

If you’re experiencing the Engine Light ON or Service Engine Soon Warning Light, the P0688 fault code could be the culprit. This code is typically caused by a weak battery, 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, checking for any damage or broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded pins.

Don’t forget to address the possible causes mentioned above.

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