P0616 Starter Relay Circuit Low
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Starter Relay Circuit Low
What does that mean?
This is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer). That may include but is not limited to vehicles from Cadillac, Nissan, Chevy, Buick, Honda, Acura, Infiniti, Peugeot, Toyota, GMC, Chevrolet, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, etc. Although generic, the exact repair steps may vary depending on year, make, model and powertrain configuration.
The P0616 trouble code is associated with the Starter Relay Circuit and in most circumstances the vehicle will not start. When the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a malfunction within the starter relay circuit, also known as the ignition switch circuit. Several codes can be set when the PCM detects improper signals within the starter relay circuit based on the specific malfunction. This most common codes associated with this circuit are P0615, P0616 and P0617.
The purpose of the Starter Relay Circuit is to provide a power source to the starter to crank the engine and start the vehicle. Based on the specific vehicle and the drivetrain configuration several components are involved in this process. This circuit starts at the battery and includes the ignition switch, fuses, starter solenoid, starter relay and various safety devices such as clutch position sensors and neutral safety switches.
Code P0616 is set by the PCM when it detects a low voltage condition within the starter relay circuit.
Starter relay in a Ford:
What is the severity of this DTC?
The severity of this code can vary tremendously from just an illuminated check engine light on a vehicle that starts and runs to an automobile that will not start at all.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P0616 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P0616 code may include:
What are some P0616 troubleshooting steps?
The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) for the specific vehicle by year, model and power plant. In some circumstances this can save a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.
The second step is to consult the specific tech data for the vehicle to see if a fuse is incorporated into the starter relay circuit and see if it is blown if applicable. If the fuse is good you should locate all of the components associated with the starter relay circuit and check for obvious damage. Perform a thorough visual inspection to check the associated wiring for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots. Next is to check the connectors and connections for security, corrosion and damaged pins. This process must include all wiring connectors and connections to the battery, ignition switch, PCM, starter, starter relay and the starter solenoid.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps become very vehicle specific and require the appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately. These procedures require a digital multi meter and the specific technical references for the vehicle. Voltage requirements will very based on the specific year and model of the vehicle.
Voltage Checks
The battery voltage should be appropriately 12 volts and the starter should have battery voltage with the ignition switch in the start position. The presents of voltage with the starter not engaging is an indication of a defective starter or starter solenoid. The lack of voltage indicates a faulty ignition switch or a wiring issue.
If this process identifies the absence of a power source or ground, continuity testing may be required to check the integrity of the wiring, ignition switch and other components. Continuity tests should always be performed with the power removed from the circuit and the normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance unless otherwise specified by the technical data. Resistance or no continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that is open or shorted and must be repaired or replaced.
What are some common repairs for this code?
Common mistakes may include:
Hopefully, the information in this article has been helpful to point you in the right direction to correct the problem with your starter relay circuit fault code. This article is strictly informational and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.
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Let us fix your problem. You are most welcome our diagnosis experts have in most cases the knowledge and skills to find the cause of the error code p0616 and to solve the problems.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p0616 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p0616 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p0616.
