What Is P0683 Code On 6.0 Powerstroke & How To Fix?

The Ford 6.0L engine offers many DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) to let the user know about the engine’s difficulties. The P0683 is one of these diagnostic trouble codes. 

If you’re getting P0683 & don’t know what it is, follow this article. In this article, I’ll be explaining this error code from top to bottom. I’ll make sure that you’ll know everything from symptoms to the solution of this code. 

What Does P0683 Code Means On 6.0L Powerstroke? 

P0683 is one of the error codes of Ford 6.0L Powerstroke. By definition, the P0683 code means Glow Plug Control Module To ECM/PCM Communication Circuit Error. 

Diesel engines depend on extreme high compression to create heat to ignite the fuel. Sometimes in cold weather, the engine block faces difficulties producing enough heat for ignition. 

The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) senses the lack of heat through transmission and oil temperature sensors & turns on the glow plugs. Later on, glow plugs produce extreme heat for a few seconds & help the engine to start. 

When the PCM fails to communicate with GPCM (Glow Plug Control Module) to turn the glow plugs on, it generates the error code P0683. 

Symptoms Of Getting The P0683 Code On A 6.0

Like every other DTCs of Ford 6.0L engine, P0683 also comes with some visible symptoms. Expect to have the error code if you’re noticing these symptoms mentioned below:

  1. Check Engine Light (CEL) is Turned On
  2. White Smoke From Engine Exhaust 
  3. The engine is Hard To Start
  4. Poor Fuel Economy & Consumes More Fuel Than Usual 
  5. Poor Acceleration & Feels Sluggish
  6. Engine Stalling Issue 

You may not get all the symptoms while having this code. CEL & several other symptoms are enough to guess the error code P0683. 

The Causing Factors Of The Error Code P0683

Several factors can cause the error code P0683. To name a few, I’ve listed some of the most common causing factors of the error code P0683 below:

  1. Damaged (Open or shorted) Wirings From The Powertrain Control Module to the Glow Plug Control Module. 
  2. Damaged Glow Plug Modules 
  3. Damaged Glow Plug Control Modules
  4. Corroded or Loose Connections 
  5. Insufficient Battery Power Supply to The Solenoid 
  6. Defective Control Area Network (CAN) Bus Circuits 

Other factors can also contribute to the error code appearing in your PCM. However, the glow plug & glow plug control module causes the error code most of the time. 

How Serious Is Code P0683 On 6.0L Powerstroke 

As mentioned earlier, sometimes your engine won’t get the support (heat) needed to start if your glow plugs are faulty. This can cause great harm to your journey & your engine after a certain period. 

With that said, it’s always your best bet if you’re spending your time & money fixing error codes like P0683. By solving these error codes, you’ll stay safe from even bigger potential engine damages. 

How to Solve P0683 Error Code On 6.0L Powerstroke?

You can solve P0683 on your own with proper caution & knowledge. Besides, make sure to have these equipment mentioned below before starting:

  • Technical Service Bulletin(TSB) of Your Model 
  • A Scanner (Autohex or Tech II is Recommended)
  • A Digital Volt/Ohm Meter
  • A Screwdriver Kit According to The TSB

Considering you’re ready with the proper equipment mentioned above, let’s get started with the troubleshooting methods: 

Check & Replace Wirings

Inspect the wires starting from the PCM to the GPCM & from the Glow Plug to the Bus Bar. Check for obvious damages such as – burnt wires, corroded or discoloured wires. If you find anything like that, replace the entire wiring setup. 

If you’re unable to find any visible damages, it’s time to check their resistances. Take your DVOM (Digital Volt/Ohm Meter) & check their resistance. If you’re getting a resistance amount of anything other than 0.5 to 2.0ohm, your wirings need to be replaced. 

Check Glow Plug Modules 

After checking & replacing the wires, it’s time for checking the glow plugs. Locate the glow plug modules first; they should be located on the top of the cylinders. Carefully remove all of them. 

Now check their resistance as well, just like you did with the wirings. Use your volt/ohmmeter or multimeter to measure the resistance. If you’re getting resistance lower or higher than the 0.5 to 2.0ohm, replace the entire set of glow plugs. 

Why the entire set? If one plug is faulty, chances are other plugs are on the way to death. If you want to reduce your future hassle with the glow plugs, replace the entire set. Otherwise, replace the faulty one only. 

Check Glow Plug Control Module 

If you’re getting the error code P0683 even after replacing the glow plugs, it’s time for checking the GPCM itself. Locate the glow plug control module first, it should be located on the engine & it has a direct connection to the PCM. 

Carefully remove the GPCM & inspect it thoroughly. Check for any visible damages to it & see if any leaks occurred by other engine components. Don’t forget to check the electrical connections as well. Finally, replace it with a new one if needed.

Note: Experts recommend replacing the GPCM after every 60,000 miles or 95,000 kilometres of use. Yes, replace it even if you’re not ‘seeing’ any issues. 

Replace The PCM

If the previous works mentioned above couldn’t fix the error code P0683, suspect the PCM. Before replacing the PCM, check the GPCM again while connected to the PCM.

Is the GPCM getting power from the PCM? If the answer is ‘No’, your PCM is faulty & it has failed to do its job. Replace the PCM & the error code should be solved. 

How Much Does It Cost To Solve The Error Code P0683?

Depending on the replacement parts, the cost of solving the error code P0683 varies from engine to engine. For your simpler understanding, here is the approximate price of the replacement parts: 

  • Only Glow Plug Module Set costs $70 to $90
  • Only Glow Plug Control Module costs $120 to $130
  • Full Glow Plug Kit (Harness, Control Module & Glow Plugs) costs $230 to $250
  • Wirings costs from $100 to $500

If you’re not willing to work, you can pay $75 to $150 to any auto shop to do the work for you. 

Common Mistakes While Solving The P0683 Code

If you’re getting this work done on your own, avoid committing these common mistakes mentioned below:

  • Not Reading The TSB Thoroughly Before Proceeding To Fix the Error Code
  • Not Checking The Glow Plugs & GPCM Before Replacing The PCM

Additional Comments To Consider Regarding The P0683 Code 

You should try fixing this code (or the glow plugs) even if you’re not living in a cold region. Sometimes (rarely), the error code P0683 can help reveal more sensor problems other than the glow plugs. 

Conclusion 

I hope this article was helpful enough to know the DTC P0683 properly. Now you know how to inspect & hopefully fix this code on your own. 

Fixing this code won’t be a hassle unless you have more issues other than faulty glow plugs & GPCM. If that’s the case, consider getting expert help.

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