P0616

DTC P0616

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor
DTC P0616
- Starter Relay Control Circuit Low Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information





Typical Scan Tool Data













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 transmission is in park or neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 volts to the control circuit of the CRNK relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the crank relay to terminal A X1 of the starter solenoid. The ECM monitors the voltage on the CRNK relay control circuit. If low voltage is detected, then DTC P0616 sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* The ignition is ON.
* The system voltage is between 9.5-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects low voltage on the control circuit of the CRNK relay.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0616 is a type C DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0616 is a type C DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect ground connection G107. Verify that it is clean and tight.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics ()
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions)
Scan Tool Reference

Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Observe the scan tool ECM Starter Relay Circuit Status parameters. Verify that the scan tool does not display any circuit faults.

Circuit/System Testing

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

• If not within 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. Turn the ignition to the start position. The test lamp should illuminate for a maximum of 10 seconds 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 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.

4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the CRNK relay.

Component Testing

CRNK Relay
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the CRNK relay.
2. Test for 60-180 ohms between terminals 85 and 86.

• If not within the specified range, replace the relay.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:

* 30 and 86
* 30 and 87
* 30 and 85
* 85 and 87

• If not the specified value, replace the relay.

4. Install a 20 amp fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms between terminals 30 and 87.

• If greater than specified range, replace the 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))
* Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming.