What Is the P0068 Code?
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The P0068 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stands for “Air Assisted Injector Control Circuit High” and is a generic powertrain code. This trouble code applies to all OBD-II vehicles equipped with air assisted fuel injectors. Given that it is a generic powertrain code, this trouble code may apply to various manufacturers, such as Ford, Jaguar, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Chevy, etc., but most commonly is triggered in Jaguar, Chevy, Ford, and Subaru vehicles. Therefore, despite being a generic code, the particular repair procedure may vary with each manufacturer.
The P0068 code is triggered when a vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects an inaccurate signal coming from the air assisted fuel injector. A vehicle’s PCM is a computer (module) that is directly responsible for a vehicle’s engine management to ensure optimal performance. The trouble code is also triggered when the PCM perceives a higher-than-normal voltage within the air assisted injector control circuit.
Air-assisted fuel injectors function similarly to traditional fuel injectors. The difference is that, as the name implies, the fuel injector relies on air to assist in atomizing the fuel being injected into the engine. Fuel atomization is an essential aspect of internal combustion engines featured in nearly all vehicles and directly impacts the operational efficiency of such engines. Air-assisted fuel injectors feature a solenoid that administers a controlled amount of air to the fuel injectors to improve the atomization of fuel and thus improve the vehicle’s fuel economy. By administering air into the fuel injection process, air assisted fuel injectors enable better fuel atomization and contribute to a more evenly distributed fuel injection. In addition, a considerable advantage of air assisted fuel injectors is that it improves the “cold starts” of vehicles, as cold engines require a better air/fuel ratio in order to start the engine. By administering a more significant amount of air during the cold start process, air assisted fuel injectors improve the overall air/fuel ratio and enable cold engines to turn on more efficiently.
You may also be interested in P0846 – Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0068 Code?
The most common symptom of a P0068 trouble code is that your vehicle may experience difficulties with cold starts when your engine is cold. Moreover, your vehicle may encounter poor performance while driving when cold, engine misfires, and poor fuel economy. Your vehicle’s Check Engine Light will often turn on when a P0068 code is stored. If you notice your Check Engine Light displayed on your vehicle’s dashboard, or your car is experiencing difficulties with cold starts or poor performance when cold, you should take your vehicle in to your closest certified mechanic as soon as possible.
What Are Some Causes of a P0068 Code?
Given that it is a generic powertrain code, there can be a variety of causes of a P0068 trouble code. Often, a faulty air assisted injector, air assisted injector solenoid, or PCM can cause a P0068 to be triggered in a vehicle. Circuit problems within the air assisted injector control circuit can also cause a P0068 code to be stored. Vacuum leaks within the air assisted injector, problems with connectors due to corrosion or overheating, faulty fuses, relays, or wiring harnesses can also trigger a P0068 code in a vehicle.
How Serious Is the P0068 Code?
The severity of a P0067 code is low to moderate, as overall engine performance at normal operating temperature is usually not negatively affected and primarily affects cold engine starts and performance. However, with that said, the issue should still be addressed sooner rather than later, as consistent cold starts that use a poor air/fuel mixture can result in potentially serious engine problems down the road. Therefore, a P0068 code should be addressed in a timely manner by a certified technician for your car’s manufacturer.
Can I Still Drive with a P0068 Code?
Because most vehicles with a P0068 code experience difficulties with cold starts and poor performance when the engine is cold, this does make them drivable, for the most part. But, because consistent driving of a vehicle with cold start difficulties can result in potentially serious engine problems in the long-run, it’s not recommended for such vehicles to be driven for extended periods of time. If your vehicle’s Check Engine Light has turned on and you are experiencing difficulties with cold starts and poor engine performance when cold, you should take your vehicle to your nearest certified mechanic at your earliest convenience.
For a more detailed list of service centers near you, visit KBB’s service center list.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0068 Code?
Because different causes can trigger a P0068 code depending on the vehicle in question, a correct diagnosis of a P0068 code can prove to be tricky. For example, the diagnostic steps required to diagnose a P0068 code in a Ford correctly may vary considerably from the diagnostic steps for a Subaru. Moreover, because various diagnostic tools are needed to correctly diagnose a P0068 issue, such as an OBD code reader or multimeter, certified technicians are better equipped to take on a P0068 code diagnosis. Finally, certified technicians should perform the diagnostic procedure because the specific diagnostic equipment and knowledge necessary for a proper diagnosis vary with each car manufacturer.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0068 Code?
A P0068 code issue requires a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s air assisted injector system and control circuit, consisting of various hoses, wires, connectors, and other related components. Because of the sheer depth and complexity of such systems, certified technicians are better equipped to properly inspect and pinpoint the issues causing the P0068 code to be triggered.
Need Additional Help with Your P0068 Code?
Because of the complexity of the diagnostic process and inspection needed to identify the root cause of a P0068 code issue properly, a DIY approach is not recommended with this trouble code issue.
For more information on the P0068 and other diagnostic codes, visit KBB’s vast library of OBD-II codes.
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