P0616 - OBD Trouble Code

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Is your car’s Check Engine Light On? Are you experiencing the problem of delayed start-ups and engine stalling along with affected fuel economy? Then this might be a problem with the vehicle’s starting and charging system thus causing OBD code P0616 error getting stored and flashed in the system.

OBD-II Code Engine may not start is defined as a Starter Relay Circuit Low.

OBD P0616 trouble code is associated with the Starter Relay Circuit and in most circumstances the vehicle will not start. When the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a malfunction within the starter relay circuit, also known as the ignition switch circuit. Several codes can be set when the PCM detects improper signals within the starter relay circuit based on the specific malfunction. The purpose of the Starter Relay Circuit is to provide a power source to the starter to crank the engine and start the vehicle. Based on the specific vehicle and the drivetrain configuration several components are involved in this process. This circuit starts at the battery and includes the ignition switch, fuses, starter solenoid, starter relay and various safety devices such as clutch position sensors and neutral safety switches. Code P0616 is set by the PCM when it detects a low voltage condition within the starter relay circuit.

What causes this problem with the Starter Relay Circuit Low?

• Faulty ignition switch
• Problematic starter relay
• Starter solenoid faulty
• Blown fuses
• Connector corroded or damaged
• Battery Cables corroded or damaged
• Faulty or damaged wiring
• PCM fault and failure
• Defective starter and starter motor

1. Powertrain Control Module - Although this error is rare, but check for faulty PCM and if it requires reprogramming or not. Find quality components from us.
2. Starter - Starters are important component and should be replaced at the first instance if found faulty. Buy new starter now!
3. Starter Relay - Defective starter relay will affect the voltage intensity and thus the engine start-ups. Buy new starter relay now!
4. Starter Solenoid - Sometimes the solenoid in the starter can also become damaged and thus might need replacement. Buy new starter solenoid now!
5. Starting System Fuse - Blown fuses are easy to replace and a quick way to resolve any issue. Buy new fuses now!
6. Car Battery & Cables - Check for damaged wiring and cables in relation to the battery that might be causing voltage issues and replace it now!
7. Starter Motor - Problematic starter motor can also be a reason for starting system not performing properly. Buy new starter motor now!
8. Starter Connector - Damaged or corroded connectors are also a major problem that can be resolved to solve OBD code P0616 error. Replace faulty connectors now!
9. Ignition Switch - Check if the ignition switch is faulty and replace as required. Buy new ignition switch now!

It is vital 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 P0616 here:

Common Symptoms

• Engine stalling and not starting
• Check Engine Light illumination
• Rough starts and delayed start-ups
• Clicking noise from starter

Want to correct the Trouble Code P0616? Read these points mentioned below:

Blown fuses replacement

• Bad battery or the battery cables replacement
• Shorted or open circuits repair or replacement
• Check for issues with electrical connectors and repair them
• Ignition switch replacement
• Replace the starter

Parts Avatar Canada is here to solve all your issues related to car parts. We have stocked a wide range of best priced grade Starter Relay, Starter, starter motor, ignition switch, starter solenoid, Blown fuse, connector, battery cable, PCM and a lot more to help you out in fixing your car.

It is essential to diagnose this fault code. Here are some steps which a mechanic should follow for diagnosing the problem that triggered a P0616 code to be stored:

A suitable OBD-II scanner (or code reader) and a digital volt/ohmmeter will be most helpful in performing a successful diagnosis. An infrared thermometer with a laser pointer will also be helpful.

Begin with a visual inspection of all wiring and connectors. Repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as necessary.

Always retest the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components (Including fuses) appear to be in normal working order, connect the scanner (or code reader) to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data.

This information can be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored. Continue by clearing the code and operating the vehicle to see if it returns. This will help to determine whether or not the malfunction is intermittent. After the codes are cleared, test drive the vehicle to see if the code returns. If the code fails to immediately return, you may have an intermittent condition.

Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can even be attempted. Of course, the supply of voltage on the positive battery cable should be constant.

The ignition switch (not the cylinder but the electrical switch which the cylinder engages) is used to activate the secondary circuit (in this case, via the starter relay) which causes the contacts of the starter solenoid to close.

With the solenoid contacts closed, battery voltage is supplied to the starter motor, causing it to spin and engage the engine flywheel, thus cranking the engine. Continue your diagnosis with a visual inspection of the battery cables and battery cable ends. Clean or replace cables and ends as required. Make sure that the battery is fully charged and then perform a battery load and starting/charging system test.

Compare your findings with manufacturer’s recommendations and replace faulty components as needed. If the battery and starting/charging system are normal, then test system fuses and fusible links. Replace faulty components as needed and retest the system. If the problem persists, test the starter end of the battery cable for battery voltage.

Use a test light or digital volt/ohmmeter to check the starter end of the battery cable while the ignition switch key is turned to the “start” position. A constant supply of battery voltage should be present. If there is no voltage, or if voltage is diminished when the ignition switch is placed in the start position, suspect a faulty battery cable or battery cable connection.

The starter uses its mounting bolts to ground itself to the engine block. Make sure that the battery ground cable is securely attached to the engine block by testing the engine block ground and starter housing ground. If the starter motor housing has no ground, repair the ground cable or connection as required.

Next, place the voltage end of your testing device on the secondary circuit of the starter solenoid (the small stud and retaining nut opposite the battery cable stud on the rear of the solenoid) and have a helper rotate the ignition switch from the “start” to the “run” position, repeatedly.

The secondary circuit should have battery voltage with the ignition switch in the start position, only. If there is no voltage on the secondary wire, move your testing to focus on the starter relay. Test the input circuits of the starter relay and compare your findings with the manufacturer’s specifications.

If the input readings coincide with manufacturer’s specs, and there is no output voltage signal, replace the starter relay. If there is no ignition switch input signal at the starter relay, suspect a faulty ignition switch (not the cylinder, the electrical portion).

If other input signals fail to line-up with manufacturer’s specifications, disconnect the relay connector and perform a continuity test between the connector and the fuse panel. Repair open or shorted circuits as required and retest.

Test the PCM input signal from the starter relay and repair open or shorted wiring as necessary. If the PCM input signal is present, suspect a faulty PCM (PCM failure is rare).

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P0616 Code

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