P0681 – BMW DTC

BMW DTC P0681 – Cylinder 11 Glow Plug Circuit/Open

DTC P0681 meaning on BMW

DTC P0681 for BMW indicates a fault in the cylinder 11 glow plug circuit, specifically an open circuit. This means that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a lack of continuity in the circuit that controls the glow plug for cylinder 11.

BMW DTC P0681 symptoms

Symptoms of DTC P0681 on a BMW may include:

• Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated
• Engine misfires
• Hard starting or extended cranking time
• Reduced engine performance

BMW DTC P0681 causes

The common causes of DTC P0681 on a BMW include:

• Faulty glow plug for cylinder 11
• Wiring or connector issues in the glow plug circuit
• Defective Engine Control Module (ECM)

BMW DTC P0681 seriousness

While DTC P0681 may not cause immediate drivability issues, it is important to address this fault promptly to prevent potential engine damage or performance issues.

How to diagnose DTC P0681 on BMW

To diagnose DTC P0681 on a BMW, you can follow these steps:

1. Use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the fault code and freeze frame data
2. Inspect the glow plug for cylinder 11 and its wiring for any visible damage
3. Check the continuity of the glow plug circuit using a multimeter
4. Inspect the ECM for any signs of damage or water intrusion

How to fix DTC P0681 on BMW

To fix DTC P0681 on a BMW, you can perform the following steps:

1. Replace the faulty glow plug for cylinder 11
2. Repair any damaged wiring or connectors in the glow plug circuit
3. If necessary, replace the Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to erase DTC P0681 on BMW

To erase DTC P0681 on a BMW, you can use a diagnostic scanner to clear the fault code from the ECM’s memory. After fixing the underlying issue, you can reset the code to turn off the Check Engine Light.

Recommended tools & DTC Scanners for BMW

Best Diagnostic App for modern BMWs: BimmerLink

Recommended Bluetooth adapter for Bimmerlink: OBDLink CX

Cable adapter for Bimmerlink: Enet Cable USB Type C

For older BMWs we recommend: Autel AutoLink AL319 (2024 version)

Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter

Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.