Generic fault code
P0690 — ECM/PCM power relay, sense circuit: signal high
The control unit stores code P0690 when it detects this fault: “ECM/PCM power relay, sense circuit: signal high”.
Indicative severity: MediumElectrical system (12 V, starting and charging)
Reviewed by Daniel Morales, founder of Reprorace SL, on
What does code P0690 mean?
The battery, charging and the 12 V system and, on diesels, the glow plugs that help the engine start from cold.
- System
- P · Powertrain
- Area
- Electrical system (12 V, starting and charging) · Car system: Electrical system and battery
- Type
- Generic (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6): the same meaning on every make
- Indicative severity
- Medium. Diagnose soon: it may raise emissions or consumption, or trigger limp-home mode.
What usually causes code P0690?
- Short circuit to battery or another voltage
- Loose or corroded connector, backed-out terminals
- Poor module supply or ground (fuse, relay, battery)
The most likely causes come first. Only a check on the car confirms which one is yours.
What are the symptoms of code P0690?
- Battery or charging light on
- Lights that dim or slow starting
- Several odd faults at once in other control units
These are the usual symptoms of this kind of fault: not all of them always appear, and sometimes you notice nothing.
Can I keep driving with code P0690?
With care, and not for long. You can take the car to a workshop, ideally without long trips or heavy loads, and without putting it off: fuel use or emissions may rise and the car may go into limp-home mode (less power). If the light flashes, a red warning light comes on, the temperature rises or you notice a loss of power, noises or smoke, stop as soon as it is safe.
This is guidance only: only someone who checks the car can say whether it is safe to drive.
An indicative description of the code's generic meaning. Each manufacturer may give it a different meaning, conditions or tests: always follow its service information and your workshop's advice.
What you can do yourself
For this kind of fault
Check that the battery terminals are clean and tight. A weak battery or an alternator that does not charge leaves codes in many systems: have the battery and charging tested.
Read the code and keep the report: with an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see it on your phone or computer, with the data captured when the fault happened.
Look for anything obvious: a loose connector, a disconnected hose, a fuel cap not closed properly or a low fluid level. Do not take apart anything you do not know.
Clear the code only after writing it down or after the repair. Clearing turns the light off, but it also deletes the freeze-frame data and the readiness monitors used at the inspection.
Drive normally for a few days and read the codes again. If the code comes back, the fault is still there: book the workshop and bring the report.
Read your car's fault codes on your phone
With an ECO-LITE in the OBD socket you see the codes in your account, with the data captured when the fault happened, and your workshop can check them remotely, always with your permission.
Related codes
- P0686ECM/PCM power relay, control circuit: signal low
- P0687ECM/PCM power relay, control circuit: signal high
- P0688ECM/PCM power relay, sense circuit open
- P0689ECM/PCM power relay, sense circuit: signal low
- P068AECM/PCM power relay: de-energizing behavior incorrect - too early
- P068BECM/PCM power relay: de-energizing behavior incorrect - too late
P06xx codes: computer and output circuits
In the glossary
Read more: Remote OBD diagnostics: what it is, how it works and what it can't do