Code
P1699
SUBARU
P — Powertrain
Engine Torque Control Cut Signal Circuit High Input
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Short to battery voltage on the torque cut signal circuit
- Open or damaged wiring (intermittent/high resistance)
- Corroded or poorly seated connector at the ECM or inline connector
- Faulty switch/sensor that drives the torque cut signal
- Poor or missing ground related to the circuit
- Faulty ECM/PCM or internal input driver failure
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination (check engine light)
- Reduced engine performance or limp mode depending on vehicle strategy
- Loss of torque cut functionality (cruise control or decel torque management may be affected)
- Intermittent or persistent fault memory for torque control circuit
- Related drivability issues during acceleration or deceleration in some cases
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame data and all stored trouble codes with a scan tool
- Visually inspect wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion, melted insulation or repair splices along the torque cut circuit path
- Back-probe the signal wire at the connector with ignition ON and engine OFF to measure static voltage
- Wiggle wiring while monitoring voltage and scan data to reproduce the fault
- Inspect and clean ECM connector pins; check for pushed-out or bent pins
- Verify grounds associated with engine/ECM using a wiring diagram and measure for low impedance
Signal parameters
- Normal (expected) signal: low voltage near 0–1 V when inactive (varies by design)
- High input condition: voltage near battery voltage (~12 V) or above expected sensor threshold
- Intermittent spikes: transient rises toward battery voltage during movement or when harness is flexed
- ECM input tolerant range shown in factory data — a sustained voltage above the specified maximum is considered a 'high' input
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect an OBD-II scan tool; record P1699 and any related codes and freeze frame data. Note engine conditions when code set.
- Obtain the vehicle wiring diagram and identify the torque cut signal wire, associated connectors, grounds, and any intermediate modules or switches.
- Visually inspect the entire harness run for physical damage, pinch points, aftermarket splices, or corrosion; repair obvious issues.
- With ignition ON (engine off), back-probe the torque cut signal wire at the connector and measure voltage. Expected: low. If voltage is high (~battery voltage), proceed to isolate upstream/downstream.
- Disconnect connectors downstream (sensor/switch) and re-measure the circuit at the ECM side to determine whether the short is upstream or at the ECM. If voltage falls to expected with connector disconnected, the short is in the harness or component.
- Perform continuity and resistance checks between the signal pin and ECM; check for short to battery by measuring resistance to B+ and to ground with battery disconnected.
- Wiggle test wiring and connectors while monitoring voltage/scan data to find intermittent shorts. Repair damaged wire or connector as found.
- Verify and clean ground points; measure voltage drop on grounds under load where applicable.
- After repairing wiring/connectors, clear codes and perform a road or function test to confirm repair. Re-scan to verify P1699 does not return.
- If wiring and components test good and the circuit still reports high at the ECM input, consider ECM input driver failure and follow manufacturer procedures for ECM bench testing or replacement as last resort.
Likely causes
- Damaged harness insulation with contact to a 12V source near throttle/body control area
- Pin pushed out or bent at the ECM connector causing high resistance or contact with power pin
- Corroded connector terminals allowing voltage leakage
- Failed torque-cut switch (if vehicle uses a dedicated switch input) or related sensor shorted to battery
- ECM input driver fault after all wiring checks pass
Fault status
Status
High voltage detected on Engine Torque Control Cut signal circuit — possible short to battery, wiring/connector fault, or ECM input failure.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
Similar codes
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email