P0615
Starter Relay A Circuit
Starting system
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0615 means the engine computer detected a fault in the starter relay control circuit. This relay energizes the starter motor when you crank the engine, so a problem here can cause no-crank or intermittent no-start conditions. Start with the relay itself and its wiring — the module rarely fails.
High
Can I keep driving? May not start — this circuit controls the starter relay, so a fault can cause a no-crank/no-start condition; get it fixed before you risk being stranded.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Engine won't crank or start
- Single click or no sound when turning the key/pressing start
- Intermittent hard starting
- Check-engine light on
Common causes
Most likely first
- Failed starter relayLikely
- Open, shorted, or corroded wiring in the starter relay control circuitCommon
- Loose or corroded connectors or relay socket terminalsCommon
- Blown fuse feeding the relay circuitLess often
- Failed engine control module (rare — verify wiring first)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data, then swap in a known-good starter relay (or a matching relay from elsewhere in the box) — a failed relay is the most common cause.
- Check the fuse and the relay control and power circuits for opens, shorts, and voltage drops.
- Clean and tighten the relay socket terminals and connectors, looking for corrosion.
- Verify the ECM is commanding the relay; if the control signal is present but the relay won't pull in, replace the relay. Clear the code and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0615?+
The bigger risk is not being able to start at all. If the car is currently running, it will keep running, but a starter-relay fault can leave you unable to restart, so treat it as urgent.
Can I just clear P0615?+
Clearing it won't fix the relay or wiring, and the no-start risk remains. Repair the circuit so you aren't stranded.
Related codes
Often seen with P0615
Read & clear P0615 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX