P0068 code meaning
MAP/MAF - Throttle Position Correlation
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P0068 means
The engine control module compares the air quantity measured by the manifold pressure and/or mass air flow sensor with the quantity the throttle position leads it to expect. P0068 is set when they do not match, typically because more air arrives than the nearly closed throttle allows, i.e. an air leak behind the throttle, or because the throttle body is dirty or a sensor reads wrong. On engines with electronic throttle this check protects throttle control, so the engine often goes into reduced power. Each sensor can be electrically fine on its own; regulations require such plausibility checks for input sensors with a code of their own.
P0068 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0068
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power mode
- Rough or unstable idle
- Jerking
Common causes of P0068
- Most likelyAir leak behind the throttle: intake manifold, vacuum or MAP hoses
- Most likelyThrottle body dirty
- PossibleMass air flow or manifold pressure sensor faulty
- PossibleEngine control software (manufacturer updates exist)
- Less likelyCamshaft timing out of position
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Throttle bodyMass air flow sensorManifold absolute pressure sensorThrottle position sensorIntake manifold
What each part of P0068 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| 68 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0068 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0068
What does P0068 mean?
P0068 means "MAP/MAF - Throttle Position Correlation". The engine control module compares the air quantity measured by the manifold pressure and/or mass air flow sensor with the quantity the throttle position leads it to expect. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0068?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0068 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0068 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0068 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0068 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0068 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.