Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The starter relay circuit is experiencing low voltage.
What does that mean?
This is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that can apply to various OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer), including but not limited to Cadillac, Nissan, Chevy, Buick, Honda, Acura, Infiniti, Peugeot, Toyota, GMC, Chevrolet, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, etc. While the code is generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and powertrain configuration of the vehicle.
The P0616 trouble code is associated with the Starter Relay Circuit, and in most cases, the vehicle will not start. When the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a malfunction in the starter relay circuit, also known as the ignition switch circuit, it can set several codes based on the specific malfunction. The most common codes associated with this circuit are P0615, P0616, and P0617.
The purpose of the Starter Relay Circuit is to provide power to the starter in order to crank the engine and start the vehicle. This circuit involves several components, depending on the specific vehicle and drivetrain configuration. It 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 greatly, 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 cases, this can save a lot of time 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 check 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, 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 multimeter and the specific technical references for the vehicle. Voltage requirements will vary based on the specific year and model of the vehicle.
Voltage Checks
The battery voltage should be around 12 volts, and the starter should have battery voltage with the ignition switch in the start position. The presence of voltage with the starter not engaging indicates 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 in pointing 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.
