Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The starter relay circuit is experiencing high voltage.
What does that mean?
This is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that can be found in many OBD-II vehicles (1996-newer), including Cadillac, Nissan, Chevy, Buick, Honda, Acura, Infiniti, Peugeot, Toyota, GMC, Chevrolet, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, and more. While the code is generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and powertrain configuration of the vehicle.
The P0617 trouble code is associated with the Starter Relay Circuit. In most cases, 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. The PCM may set several codes when it detects improper signals within the starter relay circuit, including 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 various components, such as the battery, ignition switch, fuses, starter solenoid, starter relay, clutch position sensors, and neutral safety switches, depending on the specific vehicle and drivetrain configuration.
Code P0617 is set by the PCM when it detects a high voltage situation 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. It can range from simply illuminating the check engine light on a vehicle that starts and runs, to causing a vehicle to not start at all.
What are some of the symptoms of the code?
Symptoms of a P0617 trouble code may include:
What are some of the common causes of the code?
Causes for this P0617 code may include:
What are some P0617 troubleshooting steps?
The first step in troubleshooting any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) for the specific vehicle based on its year, model, and power plant. This can save a lot of time by providing guidance in the right direction.
The second step is to consult the specific technical data for the vehicle to determine if a fuse is part of the starter relay circuit and if it is blown. If the fuse is intact, all components associated with the starter relay circuit should be inspected for any obvious damage. A thorough visual inspection should be performed on the wiring for any defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, or burn spots. Additionally, connectors and connections should be checked for security, corrosion, and damaged pins. This inspection should include all wiring connectors and connections to the battery, ignition switch, PCM, starter, starter relay, and starter solenoid.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps are specific to each vehicle and require advanced equipment for accurate performance. These procedures involve using a digital multimeter and referencing the specific technical data for the vehicle. Voltage requirements will vary depending 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 when the ignition switch is in the start position. The presence of voltage without the starter engaging indicates a defective starter or starter solenoid. The absence of voltage indicates a faulty ignition switch or a wiring issue.
If this process reveals a lack of power source or ground, continuity testing may be necessary 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 indicates faulty wiring that is either open or shorted and must be repaired or replaced.
What are some common repairs for this code?
Common mistakes may include:
We always recommend seeking professional service to address this issue. However, if that is not possible, we offer the option to permanently delete this specific DTC while keeping all other codes intact. If you are interested in this option, please upload your ECU file to our portal.
