What Is the P0605 Code?
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Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
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This page will discuss diagnostic error code P0605, its meaning, common symptoms, causes, and the severity of the underlying issues for a car’s performance. The P0605 error code refers to a fault in the ECM/ICM ROM in the following vehicles:
- Ford
- Lincoln
- Mazda
- Mercury
- Subaru
What You Need to Know About the P0605 Code
If your car activates a P0605 diagnostic error code, then this is a sign that there is an issue with the engine or ignition control module (ECM/ICM), in particular, its ROM or read-only memory bank. The read-only memory within a car is a non-volatile memory bank that cannot be modified after manufacture. This memory bank houses information about core vehicle functions such as ignition timing, fuel injection, electronic power steering, window operation, and even pre-set radio stations. As such, faults in the ROM bank can cause a range of issues within a vehicle, ranging from minor to major in severity.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0605 Code?
If your car has experienced errors within its non-volatile ROM bank and activated the P0605 diagnostic error code, then one of the first symptoms you are likely to notice is the illumination of the check engine light. There are other, more specific symptoms that you can be aware of, however. These include:
- Engine misfire
- Engine stalling or hesitating
- Engine failing to start
- Disruption of internal electronic components, e.g., radio, Bluetooth capabilities, dashboard display
- Ignition inconsistencies or hesitancy
What Are Some Causes of a P0605 Code?
Because of its non-volatile, fixed nature, the read-only memory inside a car’s engine or ignition control module rarely faces issues. Despite this, there are factors that can impact a vehicle’s ROM. Common causes of an active P0605 code include:
- Out-of-date ECM in need of updating or re-flashing
- Broken circuitry solder points as a result of wear and tear, heat, or strong vibrations
- Loss of memory within the ECM
- Faults or interruptions in the engine control module (ECM) grounding or power supply
How Serious Is the P0605 Code?
The activation of a P0605 diagnostic error code, or any error code indicating damage to the engine control module or its read-only memory bank, should be considered severe and a high priority for repair. After all, the ECM is essentially the brain of a car; if it begins to malfunction or break down, the body is sure to follow. If this issue is allowed to progress, then you may find that you lose power, consistency, and control; this presents real safety risks to you and other road users.
Can I Still Drive with a P0605 Code?
You may find that it is possible to drive a car that has activated the P0605 code, but it is not advisable to do so unless you are driving to an auto repair center. While errors within the ECM/ICM ROM bank may cause very small issues with dashboard display, they can also cause widespread functional issues that impact engine function and steering control. There is no way to tell if or how the issues will progress, which can present safety risks at unexpected times.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0605 Code?
Because the P0605 code indicates a specific and localized issue, the process of diagnosis is fairly straightforward and simple. There are only a few underlying forms of damage and fault that can cause this particular issue, so a mechanic will check the physical wiring, circuits, and connectors that make up the ECM and then test the ECMs grounding points and power supplies. If this doesn’t work, then they will also check the technical service bulletins (TSBs) and recalls to determine if the ECM needs to be updated or reprogrammed.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0605 Code?
Inspecting and repairing (or replacing) damaged elements of the ECM is a technical and specialist job that can be tricky, but it is not something that you should attempt alone. The most common repairs applied in the event of a P0605 code include:
- Repairing or replacing faulty grinding or power supply components that are corroded or damaged
- Replacing the ECM
- Reprogramming, re-flashing, or updating the ECM
Need Additional Help with Your P0605 Code?
If your car’s check engine light illuminates and diagnostic error code P0605 activates, then you could find that your car’s performance starts to suffer surprisingly quickly. The best thing you can do in this situation is to act quickly and seek repairs; if you need help finding a local service center, the Kelley Blue Book auto repair center locator will create a list of reputable local businesses.
If you want to know more about diagnostic error codes as a whole, however, then KBB also has an OBD-II database that includes information about all currently used diagnostic codes. This is a free, informative resource that can help you to make informed decisions.
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