Guide To P0615 OBD Error Code Solutions

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Is your car engine often not starting? Do you hear abnormal clicking sound from the starter? If the vehicle’s Check Engine Light on? All these are indications of problems with the starting and charging system of the vehicle that may be causing OBD code P0615 getting stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

OBD-II Code P0615 is defined as a Starter Relay Circuit.

OBD code P0615 is a generic code that is defined as “Starter motor relay -circuit malfunction”, and is set when the Powertrain Control Module detects an abnormal voltage in any of the circuits that pertain to the starter motor relay. In terms of operation, the starter relay is a switch that closes a high-amperage circuit to supply battery voltage to the starter motor when it is activated with a low-amperage circuit. The advantage of this approach is that the ignition switch does not have to cope with the extremely high amperages that some components, such as the starter motor, require to work efficiently.

What causes this problem with the Starter Relay Circuit?

• Damaged Ignition switch
• Faulty starter relay
• Defective starter solenoid
• Blown fuse or fuse-able link (if applicable)
• Corroded or damaged connector
• Corroded or damaged battery cable
• Faulty or damaged wiring
• Faulty PCM/ECM
• Defective/Damaged Starter

1. Starter - It is important to check for a faulty car starter that will hamper the ignition system and cause problems. Thus, replace faulty starter now!
2. Starter Relay - Faulty relay will result in vehicle not starting and delayed start-ups. Replace faulty starter relay today!
3. Starter Solenoid - Always inspect for faulty starter solenoid and replace it immediately for proper functioning. Buy new starter solenoid now!
4. Starting System Fuse - Check for blown fuses and replace it immediately as it can be the fastest repair to this problem. Buy new fuses from us!
5. Car Battery & Cables - In some cases the car battery and its cables can also be faulty or damaged and might need replacement. Buy new car battery and parts now!
6. Starter Motor - Inspect for defective or problematic starter motor and replace it with a new one now!
7. Starter Connector - It is important to check for damaged or corroded wiring and connectors and replace them now!
8. Ignition Switch - The ignition switch can itself be faulty and might need immediate repair or replacement. Buy new ignition switches form us!
9. Powertrain Control Module - P0615 code can also display due to some defects in the PCM. So, it is very important to replace the powertrain control module components to get the correct readings. Buy new components form us now!

It is essential to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P0615 here:

Common Symptoms

• Engine not starting
• Sporadic no-crank occurrences
• Check Engine Light On

Here are some ways with the help of which you will be able to correct the OBD Code P0615:

Blown fuse replacement

• Bad battery cables replacement
• Replacement or repair a bad starter relay
• Ignition switch replacement
• Repair or replacement of faulty wiring or connectors
• Replacement of starter motor or solenoid (rare)
• Replacement or reprogramming the PCM (rare)

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Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

• Record all fault codes present, as well as all available freeze frame data. This information can be of use should an intermittent fault be diagnosed later on.
• Refer to the manual to locate the starter motor relay fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it with the correctly rated fuse, and attempt to activate the starter motor via the ignition switch. If the vehicle starts and the fuse does not blow again, the problem is almost certainly solved. However, if the fuse is not blown, remove it from its holder, and use a dedicated fused-circuit tester to test for voltage and resistance in the circuit.
• Locate the starter relay, and follow the directions in the manual to test the operation of the relay. This test would typically involve testing the resistance of the coil across the contact points when the points are closed, or are supposed to be closed.
• Refer to the manual to locate and identify the wire that runs from the relay to the starter solenoid. The termination of this wire often fails due to the high heat it endures, so remove this wire from the solenoid, and check the termination for signs of damage, corrosion, or overheating. Repair, or replace this wire as required.
• Test the operation of the starter solenoid. To do this, attach a jumper wire (of the same gauge as the existing wire) to the battery positive terminal, and touch the other end to the point on the solenoid where the existing wire attaches. If the starter solenoid works, the starter motor will engage immediately the wire touches the terminal.
• If the starter motor engages with a jumper wire, and the relay checks out, it is likely that the electrical part of the ignition switch is defective in that it does not pass a current to the (low current) input side of the starter relay.
• Locate and identify all wiring that is associated with the starter circuit and replace the wiring and connectors associated with the connection circuit.
• Clear all codes after repairs are complete, and attempt to start the engine using the ignition key. If the engine does start, the problem is likely resolved. However, if the engine does not crank, and all wiring, fuses, and relays check out, the ignition switch is defective, and must be replaced.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0615 Code

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure
• Starter failure
• Starter relay failure
• Starter motor failure
• Wiring and connector issue