Hello all,

I have no spark and the only code I'm getting is the "17069/P0685 - ECM Power Relay Control Circuit (J271): Open Circuit" code.

To be clear: I had a crank sensor code as well, but I have replaced that sensor. I'm guessing I have more drivability issues, but as of now, this is all I'm getting from VCDS.

I've checked all of my wiring and relays (under the hood and under the dash). The following pictures illustrate what I have found.
There is a series of four pictures. The purpose of using four pics is so the last picture makes more sense (it's just a "DIY style" format). If anyone can help with this, I would greatly appreciate it.

As you can see from the pictures: The slot for #85 (half of the switching mechanism in the relay) is completely empty - and I can't figure out why. I don't see any loose wiring in the area, but when I plug the relay into the socket and activate #85 with 12 volts, you can hear the relay switch on and the code goes away. Has anyone seen that before? Any known solutions?

Something else that struck me as odd/interesting, is the "???" slot (in the top right corner of the harness). Obviously the "373" ECM relay does not have a prong for that slot, but there is a connector in there and it is getting power. Does anyone have any idea what that's for? Could it have something to do with the 15A mini fuse that is behind the relay?

Any and all help is appreciated. I am trying to be as thorough as possible for anyone who has to deal with this in the future, so please feel free to elaborate if you have an idea as to what the problem(s) and/or solution(s) are.

My info is in my sig, but this is a 2001.5 (8D) Audi A4 1.8 TQM (facelift). It's a full AWM car, but I have an AEB head and manifolds on it, with AWM cams and VVT tensioner and a tuned (AWM) ECM. I have tried multiple ECMs and I have checked everything else possible. This is by far the #1 issue. I can't find any other problems yet.

Thanks again!

ECM box.

Wiring, fuses and relays.

"373" is the ECM relay.

Where is "85" and what is "???" supposed to be for?

 

Can you show the back of the relay with the pins?

 

I can do you one better than that. Check out what I found while I was testing my extra relays. The "429" relay has the "86a" terminal on it, which explains the "???" spot in the harness. I don't know how the relays got mixed up in the first place, but "429" is definitely the ECM relay (in my case). Now I have to figure out if "85" should have a connection or not. It's too cold to try anything right now, but I'll update as soon as possible.

 

Does that mean that #85 should be grounded?

 

So I went to LKQ and checked out another AWM and it looks like #85 is supposed to be empty. All relays are where they should be and all fuses are good.

Any ideas?

Thanks!