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 P0615: Starter Relay Control Circuit

### Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Starter Relay Control | P0615 | P0615 | P0615 | --
Ground | -- | P0615 | -- | --

### Typical Scan Tool Data

#### Starter Relay Ckt Short Gnd Test Status - ECM

Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage
--- | --- | --- | ---
Operating Conditions: Ignition in Start. Parameter Normal Value: OK
Starter Relay Control | Fault | Not Run | Not Run

#### Starter Relay Ckt Open Test Status - ECM

Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage
--- | --- | --- | ---
Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, Engine OFF. Parameter Normal Value: OK
Starter Relay Control | Not Run | Fault | Not Run

#### Starter Relay Ckt Short Volts Test Status - ECM

Circuit | Short to Ground | Open | Short to Voltage
--- | --- | --- | ---
Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, Engine OFF. Parameter Normal Value: OK
Starter Relay Control | Not Run | Not Run | Fault

### Circuit/System Description

When the ignition switch is placed in the START position the ECM verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 V to the control circuit of the starter relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the starter relay to the start terminal of the starter solenoid. The ECM monitors the voltage on the starter relay control circuit. If the voltage is not what is expected, then DTC P0615 sets.

### Conditions for Running the DTC

• | The ignition is in the START position.

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

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

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

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0615 is a type C DTC.

### Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0615 is a type C DTC.

### 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

Attempt to start the engine while observing the following ECM scan tool control circuit status parameters.

• | Starter Relay Ckt Short Gnd Test Status

• | Starter Relay Ckt Open Test Status

• | Starter Relay Ckt Short Volts Test Status

Each parameter should toggle between OK and Not Run or Not Run and OK.

### Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the starter relay.
2. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 Ω between the ground circuit terminal 85 and ground.

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

3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 86 and the ground circuit terminal 85.
4. Transmission in park, turn the ignition switch between the OFF and START positions. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the positions.

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

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the starter relay.

### Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming.