For 1990-2009 cars

### 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

### Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Control | P0616 | P0615 | P0617 | --
Ground | -- | P0615 | -- | --

### Circuit/System Description

When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the START position. The BCM then sends a message to the engine control module (ECM) that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the clutch pedal is fully depressed and conditions are acceptable for engine cranking. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 volts to the control circuit of the crank relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the crank relay to the starter solenoid.

### Conditions for Running the DTC

• | The Ignition is in the START position.

• | The system voltage is between 9.5-18 volts.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects improper voltage on the control circuit of the crank relay.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0616 is a C type DTC.

### Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0616 is a C type DTC.

### Diagnostic Aids

On manual transmission vehicles, with the clutch fully depressed, verify the clutch pedal position sensor signals the ECM that conditions are acceptable for cranking.

### Reference Information

#### Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics

#### Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

#### Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation

#### 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, verify that no theft deterrent, clutch pedal position DTCs are set that would cause the ECM not to enable engine starting.

### Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the crank relay.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5.0 ohms between the relay ground circuit terminal 85 and ground.

⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 86 and the ground circuit terminal 85.
4. Fully depress the clutch pedal on manual transmissions, place the ignition to the start position.
5. The test lamp should only illuminate when the ignition is held in the start position.

⇒ | If the test lamp is always On, test the control circuit for short to voltage. If the circuits test normal replace the ECM.

⇒ | If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/ high resistance. If the circuits test normal replace the ECM.

6. If the circuit tests normal, replace the crank relay.

### Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

• | Relay Replacement

• | Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming