P0616
DTC P0616
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0616
- Starter Relay Control Circuit Low Voltage
Diagnostic Fault Information
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 depressed or the transmission is in Park/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 starter solenoid.
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 P0616 is a C type DTC.
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
DTC P0616 is a C type DTC.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
* Starting and Charging Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
* Engine Controls Schematics (Electrical Diagrams) for the 3.6L engine
* Engine Controls Schematics (Electrical Diagrams) for the 6.2L engine
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Charging System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
Ignition ON, verify no clutch pedal position sensor, theft deterrent or automatic transmission DTCs are that would cause the ECM not to enable engine starting.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the STRTR relay.
2. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. 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. With the transmission range selector in park or neutral, cycle the ignition between the OFF and CRANK position. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• 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 tests normal, replace the starter relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming