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StartingSeverity Medium: diagnose soon

P0617Starter Relay Circuit High

What it means

The starter relay control circuit reads too high a voltage (open or shorted to voltage).

Symptoms

  • Engine doesn't crank
  • Starter may engage when it shouldn't

Common causes

  • Open relay coil or control wire
  • Control wire shorted to battery voltage
  • Relay stuck

What to check first

  1. Check the relay coil and control wire
  2. Check for a short to voltage
  3. Test the relay
Can I drive with P0617? 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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P0617: questions and answers

What does P0617 mean?

P0617: Starter Relay Circuit High. The starter relay control circuit reads too high a voltage (open or shorted to voltage).

What are the symptoms of P0617?

Engine doesn't crank. Starter may engage when it shouldn't.

What causes P0617?

Open relay coil or control wire. Control wire shorted to battery voltage. Relay stuck.

How do you diagnose P0617?

1. Check the relay coil and control wire 2. Check for a short to voltage 3. Test the relay

Can I drive with P0617?

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