Engine Management – V6 – Diagnostics Page 6C1-2–209

5.45 DTC P0615 to P0617 – Starter Relay

Control Circuit

DTC Description
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTCs:

DTC P0615 – Starter Relay Circuit Malfunction

DTC P0616 – Starter Relay Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0617 – Starter Relay Circuit High Voltage

Circuit Description
The engine control relay applies battery voltage to the coil circuit of the starter relay through the ignition circuit. When the
ignition switched is turned to the Start position and all the conditions required to enable an engine cranking is met, the
ECM grounds the starter relay control circuit to activate the starter relay. When active, the starter relay applies battery
voltage to the starter motor solenoid control circuit to operate the starter motor.
Refer to Section 6D1-2 Starting System – V6 for information on the cranking system operation.

The ECM monitors the control circuit of the starter relay for conditions that are incorrect for the commanded state. A
starter relay control circuit DTC sets if the ECM detects a fault condition in the starter relay control circuit.

Figure 6C1-2 – 46

To aid diagnosis, refer to 2 Wiring Diagrams and Connector Charts for the system wiring diagram and connector charts.

Additional Information
Refer to Section 6D1-2 Starting System – V6 for information on the cranking system operation.

For an intermittent fault condition, refer to 4.2 Intermittent Fault Conditions.

Since fault condition in a wiring connector may trigger DTCs, always test the connectors related to this diagnostic
procedure for shorted terminals or poor wiring connection before replacing any component.
Refer to Section 12P Wiring Diagrams for information on electrical fault diagnosis.

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Conditions for Running the DTC

DTCs P0615, P0616 and P0617 run continuously once the following conditions are met:

The ignition is switched on

The ignition voltage is 10.0 – 16.0 V.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects a condition that is incorrect for the starter relay commanded state.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

The starter relay control circuit DTCs are Type C DTCs. Refer to 1.4 Diagnostic Trouble Codes for action taken when
Type C DTCs set and conditions for clearing Type C DTCs.

Test Description
The following number refers to the step number in the diagnostic table:

3 A fault condition in the starting system or theft deterrent system may trigger this DTC.

DTC P0615 to P0617 Diagnostic Table

Step Action Yes No

1 Has the Diagnostic System Check been performed? Refer to

3.4 Diagnostic
Go to Step 2 System Check

2 1 Switch off the ignition for 30 seconds.

2 Turn the ignition switch to the Start position or operate the

vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC.

3 Using Tech 2, select the DTC display function. Refer to Additional

Information in this
Does DTC P0615, P0616 and P0617 fail this ignition cycle? Go to Step 3 Section

3 Check for a fault condition in the following systems which can disable
the starting system:

Starting System, refer to Section 6D1-2 Starting System – V6 .

Theft Deterrent System, refer to Section 12J Body Control

Module.

Was any fault found and rectified? Go to Step 10 Go to Step 4

4 1 Remove the starter relay. Refer to Section 12O Fuses, Relays

and Wiring Harnesses.

2 Connect a test lamp between the ignition circuit of the starter

relay and a good ground.

3 Switch on the ignition.

Does the test lamp illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the
on position? Go to Step 5 Go to Step 6

5 1 Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the starter

relay and a 12 V.

2 Turn the ignition switch to the Start position and then release it
back to the on position.

Does the test lamp turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the
Start position and then turn off when the ignition switch returns to the
on position? Go to Step 8 Go to Step 7

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Step Action Yes No

6 Repair the ignition voltage circuit of the starter relay for a high
resistance or open circuit fault condition. Refer to Section 12P Wiring
Diagrams for information on electrical wiring repair procedures.

Was the repair completed? Go to Step 10 —

7 Test the control circuit of the starter relay for a high resistance, open
circuit, short to ground or a short to voltage fault condition. Refer to
Section 12P Wiring Diagrams for information on electrical fault
diagnosis.

Was any fault found and rectified? Go to Step 10 Go to Step 9

8 Replace the starter relay. Refer to Section 12O Fuses, Relays and
Wiring Harnesses.

Was the repair completed? Go to Step 10 —

9 Replace the ECM. Refer to Section 6C1-3 Engine Management – V6 –

Service Operations.

Was the repair completed? Go to Step 10 —

10 1 Using Tech 2, clear the DTCs.

2 Switch off the ignition for 30 seconds.

3 Start the engine.

4 Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC.

Does the starter relay control circuit DTCs fail this ignition cycle? Go to Step 2 Go to Step 11

11 Using Tech 2, select the DTC display function. Go to the

appropriate DTC
Does Tech 2 display any DTCs? Table System OK

When all diagnosis and repairs are completed, check the system for correct operation.

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