P0681 code meaning
Cylinder 11 Glow Plug Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P0681 means
Modern diesel glow systems switch each glow plug through its own power semiconductor (in a glow plug module or the engine module), so current and faults can be measured per plug. CARB requires glow plugs to be checked for current and voltage drop and, since model year 2010, a single faulty plug to be detected and named. P0681 means the load circuit of the cylinder 11 glow plug is open while glowing. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code – the only diesel with more than eight cylinders sold under OBD II in the US, VW's Touareg V10 TDI (2006–07) with ten cylinders, is documented only with a general glow plug tip naming no codes. The description therefore follows cylinders 1–8 (GM 200 kΩ, Ford below 1 A). A weak battery strains the glow system on such engines.
P0681 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0681
- Check engine light (GM also glow plug lamp)
- Harder cold start in low temperatures
- Rough idle and white smoke after a cold start
- Often no symptoms when warm
Common causes of P0681
- Most likelyGlow plug cylinder 11 burnt out (element open)
- PossiblePlug connector loose or corroded, terminal nut loose, wire broken
- PossibleGlow module supply or ground (several cylinder codes at once)
- Less likelyGlow module or driver faulty, or software (GM bulletins)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Glow plugGlow plug wiringGlow plug control module
What each part of P0681 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 6 | Area: computer (engine control module) and output circuits. |
| 81 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0681 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 P0681
What does P0681 mean?
P0681 means "Cylinder 11 Glow Plug Circuit/Open". Modern diesel glow systems switch each glow plug through its own power semiconductor (in a glow plug module or the engine module), so current and faults can be measured per plug. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0681?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0681 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0681 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 P0681 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0681 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.