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StartingSeverity Medium: diagnose soon

P0616Starter Relay Circuit Low

What it means

The starter relay control circuit reads too low a voltage.

Symptoms

  • Engine doesn't crank

Common causes

  • Control wire shorted to ground
  • Faulty relay coil
  • ECU driver fault

What to check first

  1. Check the relay coil resistance
  2. Check the control wire for shorts
  3. Check the relay supply
Can I drive with P0616? Usually yes for a short distance, but performance or economy may suffer and the fault can get worse. Diagnose it soon.

Generic OBD-II meaning. Manufacturer-specific meanings and checks can differ; always check the service information for the car.

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P0616: questions and answers

What does P0616 mean?

P0616: Starter Relay Circuit Low. The starter relay control circuit reads too low a voltage.

What are the symptoms of P0616?

Engine doesn't crank.

What causes P0616?

Control wire shorted to ground. Faulty relay coil. ECU driver fault.

How do you diagnose P0616?

1. Check the relay coil resistance 2. Check the control wire for shorts 3. Check the relay supply

Can I drive with P0616?

Usually yes for a short distance, but performance or economy may suffer and the fault can get worse. Diagnose it soon.