P0685 on HONDA ACCORD — ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit/Open

Q: "What does P0685 mean on a HONDA ACCORD?"

"P0685 indicates: ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit/Open. This is a computer and output circuits code. 2 HONDA ACCORD owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0685 on HONDA ACCORD?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0685 serious on my HONDA ACCORD?"

"Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA ACCORD, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my HONDA ACCORD shows P0685?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0685 Means on Your HONDA ACCORD

P0685 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit/Open. This code relates to the computer and output circuits system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 HONDA ACCORD owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2007. Most reports come from the 2007 model year. The most commonly reported component is Electrical System (50.0% of reports).

Real HONDA ACCORD Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"First of all i'm really surprised to find out that honda does not have a recall for the a pcm - ecm power relay. this should be a safety issue. basically while driving my car if i have the heat on the vehicle will turn off when i slow down or come to a stop."

— 2007 HONDA ACCORD owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · Filed 11/19/2020

"Check engine light went on and off a few times, took it to autocheck and found a code. took it to dealer, they could not locate the code and claimed there is no issue they can find, come back when it happens again."

— 2007 HONDA ACCORD owner · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE · Filed 02/25/2013

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

2

'07

Common Causes on HONDA ACCORD

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 50%

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE 50%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0685 mean on a HONDA ACCORD? ▾

P0685 indicates: ECM/PCM Power Relay Control Circuit/Open. This is a computer and output circuits code. 2 HONDA ACCORD owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0685 on HONDA ACCORD? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Electrical System,Electronic Stability Control (Esc),Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0685 serious on my HONDA ACCORD? ▾

Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA ACCORD, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my HONDA ACCORD shows P0685? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0685 on Other Vehicles

FORD ESCAPE

3 reports

→ All codes reported on HONDA ACCORD