P061B – Internal Control Module Torque Calculation Performance
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P061B | Internal Control Module Torque Calculation Performance (Buy Part On Amazon) | - |
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Table of Contents
- What Does Code P061B Mean?
- Where is the P061B sensor located?
- What are the common causes of code P061B?
- What are the symptoms of code P061B?
- Get Help with P061B
What Does Code P061B Mean?
OBD II fault code P061B is a generic trouble code that is defined as “Internal Control Module Torque Calculation Performance”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) and/or one of several other control modules detects a difference between the actual and desired engine torque value. Note that the engine torque value is a critically important parameter that affects not only the transmission control system but also safety systems like traction and stability control, among others.
All modern vehicles use a sophisticated system to control, monitor and manage the amount of power an engine develops throughout its operating range. This process runs continuously, and while the PCM represents the pinnacle of the control/management hierarchy, all control modules that either assist in monitoring engine torque, or whose correct functioning depends on engine torque being reported accurately, can set both this particular code, and several other, closely related codes.
As a practical matter, torque control is important to a) make gearshifts both comfortable and predictable, b), to ensure the correct functioning of stability and traction control systems, and c), to protect driveline components against damage caused by excessive torque being developed at inappropriate times.
Nonetheless, The PCM and other implicated control modules monitor input data from engine sensors such as the Mass Airflow Sensor, Absolute Manifold Pressure Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor, Throttle Pedal Position Sensor, Intake Air Temperature Sensor, and others that may include the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor and Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor. This information is shared among all implicated control modules via the CAN (Controller Area Network) serial communications system during both normal vehicle operation, and when the ignition is turned on.
When the ignition is turned on, all implicated control modules are forced to perform a series of self-diagnostic tests, and to communicate their status (healthy, or otherwise) to all other control modules to confirm the integrity of the larger torque control system. However, when the vehicle starts to move, the PCM and various other control modules monitor the actual torque value being developed.
While the code setting parameters differ between applications, code P061B will typically set when the actual and desired torque values differ by more than about 50 Newton meters for longer than 1 second at engine speeds above 5000 RPM, or when the engine’s volumetric efficiency is higher than about 16%.
When one or sometimes both enabling conditions are met, the PCM and/or another control module will recognize that the engine’s torque cannot be controlled or managed effectively, and one or more control modules will set code P061B and illuminate a warning light as result. Note that depending on the application and the exact nature or severity of the problem, the PCM may also initiate a fail-safe or limp mode as a safety precaution.
Note also that depending on the application, code P061B may not set on the first failure; in some cases, as many as eight consecutive failures need to be recorded before this code will set.
Where is the P061B sensor located?
The simplified diagram explains the basic principle of torque control, and why it is required. This example shows how two control modules, the PCM and the TCM (Transmission Control Module) communicate to make gearshifts smooth and predictable.
However, it should be noted that there is no single control module that manages torque control functions on any vehicle. This function is dependent on many control modules working together as designed, and while most of these functions are performed by the PCM, how well (or otherwise) the PCM does this is entirely dependent on all other implicated control modules working correctly.
What are the common causes of code P061B?
Typical causes of code P061B are not only many and varied; some typical causes are also a) specific to some makes and models, and b), more common or prevalent on some makes and models than on others. Therefore, it is recommended that reliable service information on the affected vehicle be consulted before some seemingly improbable causes are ignored or interpreted incorrectly. Nonetheless, some typical causes of code P061B could include one or more of the following-
- Damaged, burnt, shorted, disconnected, or corroded wiring and/or connectors almost anywhere in the CAN bus, or another serial communications system
- Abnormally high or low system voltages
- Poor ground connections- particularly control module ground connections
- Dirty, or defective Mass Airflow Sensor
- Clogged or dirty air filter element
- Intake system leaks after the Mass Airflow Sensor
- Defective throttle position sensor
- Defective throttle pedal position sensor
- Corrupted software in the PCM and/or another implicated control module
- Defective electronic throttle control system
What are the symptoms of code P061B?
Typical symptoms of code P061B are largely similar across all applications, but note that the severity of one or more symptoms could vary between applications-
- Stored trouble code and illuminated MIL (CHECK ENGINE) light
- In some cases, and depending on the nature of the problem, multiple other codes, including UXXXX (Communication) codes could be present along with P061B
- Engine may run roughly, or it may stall frequently and/or unpredictably
- Fuel consumption may increase noticeably
- Varying degrees of power loss may be present
- Vehicle may be in a fail-safe or limp mode that will persist until the fault is corrected
- Gearshifts may be harsh, erratic, or unpredictable
- Some gears on automatic transmissions may be unavailable, or the transmission may not select any gear(s)
- Some safety systems, most notably traction and stability control may not be available
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Good day. Please help. For a year now, the codes P061B, U415, U402 have been activated on the Ford S-max 2.0TDCi AWD, AT6, 2015+. An ABS, ESP, Park pilot, Hill holder fault is signaled on the instrument panel. Can you please advise the cause? Thank you
Rostislav,
Check all powers and grounds to the ABS module. Check fuses and relays. If you suspect one is bad, replace it.
If all else fails, this may need to have the ABS module replaced and reprogrammed. A qualified technician should be consulted before going any further at that point.
I hope this was of some help.
Rendy, thanks for the advice. I have already checked the power, ground, fuses and relays. However, the fault is still signaled. I will try another authorized service to see if they can find the cause
how serious is a p061b code.? Is it something you have to worry about
How can I determine if it needs reflashing or replacement? Alway afraid of being scammed. Should I be?
JayDee-
I’d check with your dealer for TSBs or recalls for this DTC and your YMM/Production Date. Torque Calculation sounds like an internal fault or software issue, something a reflash would likely be available to address.
-Ben
This fault was I coming from the control module if sowpuld there a need for the module to be replaced?
W-
I’d definitely head to the dealer for a final diagnosis, but it sounds like an internal controller problem. May require reflashing or replacement.
-Ben
How could i fix this code p061b