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P1681

No Instrument Panel Cluster CCD/J1850 Messages Received.

  • Dodge
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
6
AreaComputer and output circuits
81
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On Dodge vehicles, P1681 means the powertrain control module has stopped receiving any CCD or J1850 bus messages from the instrument panel cluster. The PCM expects regular messages from the cluster on the data bus, and when none arrive within the set time it logs the fault. The cause may be in the cluster, its power and ground supply, or the bus wiring, and the exact bus type depends on model and year.

Symptoms

  • Instrument cluster dead, partly working or gauges stuck at zero
  • Check engine light on, or warning lamps behaving oddly
  • Speedometer, tachometer or fuel gauge not working
  • Other communication fault codes stored in other modules
  • Intermittent gauge dropouts, possibly linked to bumps or electrical load
  • Occasional starting or running complaints on some models

Possible causes

  • Faulty instrument panel cluster or its internal bus circuitrylikely
  • Open circuit, short or poor connection in the CCD or J1850 bus wiring between the cluster and PCMlikely
  • Loss of power or ground supply to the cluster, such as a blown fuse or corroded earthlikely
  • Damaged or corroded connector at the cluster or PCMpossible
  • Another module on the bus pulling the network down or corrupting messagespossible
  • Faulty PCM receiving circuit or outdated softwarerare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored and pending codes from every module and note any other bus or communication faults, then check freeze frame data
  2. Check whether the cluster is working at all: gauges, warning lamp bulb check at ignition on, and display
  3. Check the fuses and relays that supply the cluster and inspect its power and ground feeds under load
  4. Inspect the cluster, PCM and nearby connectors and harness for corrosion, loose pins, water ingress or chafing
  5. Check the bus circuit for continuity, short to ground and short to voltage using the wiring diagram for the exact model and year
  6. Use a scan tool to see which modules respond on the bus, and unplug non-essential modules one at a time to see whether communication returns
  7. Monitor the bus with an oscilloscope or suitable tester to confirm whether the cluster is transmitting
  8. Check for applicable software updates or service bulletins for the model before replacing a module

How to fix

  • Repair or replace any damaged bus wiring and clean or replace corroded connectors
  • Restore power and ground supply to the cluster, replacing any failed fuse only after finding why it blew
  • Repair or replace the instrument cluster, then carry out any required programming or mileage and configuration setup
  • Replace any faulty module that is loading the bus
  • Update the PCM software only if a known update applies, or replace the PCM if testing proves it faulty
  • Clear the codes and road test to confirm that communication stays stable

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car may still run, but a dead cluster can mean no speedometer or warning lights, and it can hide other faults. Get it fixed soon, and avoid long journeys until the cluster works reliably.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

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