What does it mean?
OBD II fault code P060A is a generic trouble code that is defined as P060A – “Internal Control Module Monitoring Processor Performance”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects a defect, failure, or malfunction in one or more monitoring microprocessors in the PCM. While all PCMs manage the engine and fuel management systems, they also contain several microprocessors that monitor various aspects of the operation of the PCM.
In practice, monitoring microprocessors are not directly involved in managing tasks like calculating appropriate ignition timing, fuel delivery, and valve timing strategies; as their name suggests, monitoring microprocessors monitor the ability of the PCM to manage tasks like those previously mentioned among other critical engine management functions.
Additionally, one or more microprocessors monitor the PCM’s ability to detect faults and defects in systems and components directly implicated in emission control, such as EGR valves and Variable Valve/Camshaft Timing systems.
It should be noted that apart from monitoring the operation of the PCM, monitoring microprocessors also not only monitor all other control modules that are implicated in engine and fuel management but also the operation of the various serial communications systems that constantly carry data between the PCM and associated modules.
The most critically important communication systems on modern vehicles are the high and low-speed CAN (Controller Area Network) systems since defects and malfunctions in these systems typically affect communication between several control modules and the PCM. Given the above, it should be clear that failures of, and defects in, any monitoring microprocessor have a direct bearing on how inputs and outputs between control modules are monitored and managed in the larger OBD II system.
Depending on which microprocessors are affected by failures or malfunctions, large sections of one or more serial communication systems could be disrupted or impeded, which effectively “disconnects” one or more critical control modules, including the PCM, from each other, thus preventing the transmission of data between affected control modules.
In practice, the monitoring microprocessors conduct a large number of self-tests on various control modules when the ignition is in the ON position and the PCM is receiving electrical power. The purpose of these tests is to verify the integrity of all control modules implicated in the engine and fuel management systems but it should be noted that a specific monitoring microprocessor also monitors the temperature of the PCM, since this value is a good indicator of the overall health of the PCM.
Thus, in cases where the PCM, any monitoring microprocessor, or other control module detects a malfunctioning monitoring microprocessor, the PCM will recognize that it cannot control the engine or fuel management systems effectively, and it will set fault code P060A as a result.
Note, though, that depending on the nature of the problem and the specific monitoring microprocessor(s) involved, the fault may have to be present over several or multiple drive cycles before the PCM will set code P060A or illuminate a warning light.