GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Holden 🢒 2008 🢒 Lumina Ute 🢒 Safety and Security 🢒 Supplemental Inflatable Restraints 🢒 DTC P0616 or P0617

Diagnostic Instructions
    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0616: Starter Relay Control Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P0617: Starter Relay Control Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Module Circuit

Low Code

Low Code

High Code

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Coil Side Supply Voltage Circuit

Low Code

Low Code

--

--

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) provides ignition voltage to the coil side of the starter relay when a crank requested is received. The ECM monitors this circuit for conditions that are incorrect for the commanded state. If the ECM detects an incorrect circuit condition, starter relay DTC P0616 or P0617 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

System voltage is between 9 and 16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

ยท The ECM detects an incorrect voltage level on the control or output circuit that controls the starter relay.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0616 or P0617 are type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0616 or P0617 are type B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids
    • Ignition system DTCs set with the ignition switch in the START position if the starter relay or the starter is inoperative. When the ECM enables starter operation. If a condition exists which prevents the engine from cranking, the ECM will not receive signal input from the CKP and CMP sensors and the DTCs will set.
    • Reviewing the Failure Records since the diagnostic test last failed may assist in diagnosing the condition. The information may help determine how often the condition that set the DTC occurs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, command the Starter relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. Feel or listen to verify that each relay turns ON and OFF with each command.

Circuit/System Testing
  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the Starter relay.
  2. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the earth terminal and a known ground.
    3. ⇒If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
  3. Ignition ON, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal and a known ground.

    4. Command the relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

    ⇒If the test lamp is always ON, test the relay control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal replace the ECM.
    ⇒If the test lamp is always OFF, test the relay control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the ECM.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the B+ supply voltage terminal on the under hood body electrical center (UBEC) starter relay terminal and a known ground.
    5. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate test the B+ supply voltage for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  5. Disconnect the starter motor solenoid wire at the starter motor, connect a test lamp between the starter solenoid wire and a known ground. Connect a 10-A fusible link wire between the B+ and the starter motor supply circuit terminal in the UBEC, verify test light illuminates.
    6. ⇒If the test lamp does not activate, test the Starter motor solenoid voltage supply circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If all circuits test normal, replace the starter motor relay.

Component Testing
  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the starter relay.
  2. Test for 0.2 ohms of resistance between terminals 85 and 86 on the starter relay.
    3. ⇒If the resistance is not within the specified range, replace the relay.
  3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals: 30 and 86, 30 and 87, 30 and 85, 85 and 87 on the starter relay.
    4. ⇒If not the specified value, replace the relay.
  4. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between terminals 30 and 87A on the starter relay.
    5. ⇒If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.
  5. Install a 5-A fusible link wire relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between terminals 30 and 87.
    6. ⇒If greater than the specified range, replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Engine Control Module Replacement for engine control module replacement, setup and programming.