P2610: ECM/PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance

Several emission monitors need to know how long the engine was off, for example to judge a cold start or an evaporative test after a soak. P2610 reports that the module's engine-off timer gives implausible values. Ford's 2020–2023 gasoline summary flags an engine-off time under 30 s after an inferred soak, an error above 15 s or a missing CAN timer message at start; its 2023 diesel compares 30 degrees of coolant cooling with at least 1200 s counted and checks an 8 s afterrun window (7.52–8.48 s). GM's 2013 tables test the initial value (below 0 or above 10 s) and tick spacing (0.8–1.2 s), Type B. Toyota and Lexus fixed false sets on 2014–2018 models by ECM reprogramming (T-SB-0146-16, T-SB-0336-17); Mazda keeps the timer in the cluster and logs P2610 with P2507 after short restarts in transport mode.

Symptoms

• MIL on, usually without drivability change
• Cold-start and EVAP monitors may not run

Most likely causes

• Engine module software prone to false timer faults (update available)
• Battery disconnect, transport fuse removed or supply dropout during soak
• Timer message from another module (e.g. cluster) missing on CAN
• Internal timer fault in the control module

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Check the battery and grounds
2. Compare the reading with other engine data while varying the engine speed.
3. Clear the code and see if it returns
4. If it is a reference voltage code, disconnect sensors one at a time and see if the voltage recovers
5. Check whether a software update is available
6. Do not replace the control module without a full diagnosis

Good to know

• It affects emissions.

What each character of P2610 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 6: Control modules and outputs
• 10: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P2610?

It depends on the symptoms. If the car is running normally you can go to a repair shop; if it goes into limp mode, drive as little as possible.

What causes code P2610?

The most common causes are: engine module software prone to false timer faults (update available); battery disconnect, transport fuse removed or supply dropout during soak; timer message from another module (e.g. cluster) missing on CAN.

Related codes

• P262BControl Module Power Off Timer Performance
• P2507ECM/PCM Power Input Signal Low
• P0603Internal Control Module Keep Alive Memory (KAM) Error
• P0606Control Module Processor

Sources

• fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
• fordservicecontent.com: obd summary diesel 2023
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 13OBDG06 Hybrid Diagnostics
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10132856 9999

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.