P0616
Starter Relay A Circuit Low
Starting system
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0616 means the ECM detected a low-voltage (short-to-ground) condition on the starter relay control circuit. Because this circuit energizes the starter, the fault can cause a no-crank or intermittent starting problem. It's usually a shorted relay or wiring, and less often the ECM's control driver.
High
Can I keep driving? The engine may not crank or start — treat it as a no-start risk and get it diagnosed before you rely on the vehicle.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Engine does not crank, or cranks only intermittently
- Single click when turning the key or pressing start
- No power reaching the starter motor
- Check-engine light on
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty starter relay (shorted internally)Likely
- Short to ground in the starter relay control wiringCommon
- Corroded or loose connector at the relayCommon
- Less commonly, a faulty ECM control driverLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and check for related no-crank symptoms.
- Inspect the starter relay control wiring for a short to ground.
- Swap in a known-good relay or test the relay's coil and contacts.
- Check the relay connector and control-side wiring for corrosion.
- Replace the relay or repair the wiring, then clear the code and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0616?+
If the car starts, it may leave you stranded on the next attempt. Because it affects starting, have it diagnosed promptly.
Can I just clear P0616?+
It will return until the shorted relay or wiring is repaired. Clearing won't restore reliable starting.
Related codes
Often seen with P0616
Read & clear P0616 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