OBD-I Codes List

Ford 68 Idle tracking switch closed or transmission fluid over temperature

Make
Ford (1981-1995)
Category
Powertrain - Computer and Auxiliary Controls
Severity
Check Engine Light

How to read it

Code 68 reads as 6 flashes, pause, 8 flashes on the check-engine light. Jumper the self-test input to signal return at the test connector, then run the key on engine off self test and the running self test, counting the check-engine flashes each time.

New to flash codes? The How to Read Ford EEC-IV Self-Test Codes walks through the test and what the numbers mean. The general OBD-I guide covers the rest.

What does Ford code 68 mean?

Idle tracking switch closed or transmission fluid over temperature

Common causes of 68

  • Faulty idle tracking switch
  • Misadjusted throttle linkage holding the switch closed
  • Low or dirty transmission fluid
  • Transmission overheating from towing or a restricted cooler
  • Faulty transmission fluid temperature sensor

How to fix 68

  1. Confirm the code and check the throttle linkage adjustment
  2. Test the idle tracking switch through the throttle range
  3. Check transmission fluid level and condition if the code is heat related
  4. Inspect the transmission cooler for a restriction
  5. Repair wiring or replace the switch or sensor only after the tests

Source

Source review recorded

Sources and review

Review: checked against the recorded source material.

  • EEC-IV Ford trouble code table (MIL, description, type)

    archived reference page (troublecodes.net via Wayback Machine)

    Supports: code identity and meaning

    Fetched directly. Code row matches the description used in the data file.

    https://web.archive.org/web/20030720231430id_/http://www.troublecodes.net:80/Ford/eec-iv.shtml

  • Ford EEC-IV trouble codes, Crown Victoria, Mustang, Taurus, Thunderbird 1992-1995 (code, fault location, probable cause)

    archived reference page (troublecodes.net via Wayback Machine)

    Supports: code identity and probable causes

    Independent table on the same archive site with matching code identity and additional probable causes.

    https://web.archive.org/web/20160502051413id_/http://www.troublecodes.net:80/ford/crown-victoria-mustang-cobralxgt-taurus-thunderbird-1992-1995/

Last updated 2026-09-25.

Report a correction for 68. Include your vehicle, the issue and a source if you have one.

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