P0616: Starter Relay A Circuit Low
The control line for starter relay A is shorted to ground - the ECU drives the relay and measures voltage too low.
What P0616 means
P0616 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the computer & electrical group. In plain English: the computer sees a voltage on that circuit that is lower than it should ever be — often a short to ground, an open, or a failed sensor.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- No
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Possible limp mode or no-start
- Multiple follow-up faults across modules
- Reset/relearn may be needed after repair
Common causes
- 01Control line shorted to groundMost likely
- 02Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceLess likely
- 03Harness chafing through insulationLess likely
Can I drive with P0616?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0616
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0616. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P26E5. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the starter relay a for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Control line shorted to ground; connector pins corroded - high contact resistance; harness chafing through insulation. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P0616 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.
Parts and systems involved
- Starter relay A
P0616 FAQ
What does P0616 mean?
P0616 means “Starter Relay A Circuit Low”. The control line for starter relay A is shorted to ground - the ECU drives the relay and measures voltage too low.
Is P0616 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0616 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P0616?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Control line shorted to ground; Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance; Harness chafing through insulation. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0616?
Typical labor is about $40–$150 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0616 myself?
DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0616 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.