P0616-STARTER RELAY CIRCUIT SHORT TO GROUND

For a complete wiring diagram Refer to Section 8W

When Monitored:
With the ignition on and the ECM Starter Relay command off.
Set Condition:
The ECM detects a short to ground on the Starter Relay Control circuit for 0.05 seconds.

Possible Causes

INTERMITTENT CONDITION

STARTER RELAY

IGNITION SWITCH START OUTPUT OPEN

STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN

STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND

STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE

ENGINE CONTROL MODULE

Diagnostic Test

1. CLEAR CODE AND CHECK IF THE DTC RESETS

NOTE: If the ECM detects and stores a DTC, the ECM also stores the engine/vehicle operating conditions under which the DTC was set. Some of these conditions are displayed on the scan tool at the same time the DTC is displayed.

NOTE: Before erasing stored DTCs, record these conditions. Attempting to duplicate these conditions may assist when checking for an active DTC.

Turn the ignition on.
With the scan tool, erase ECM DTCs.
Attempt to start the engine several times, pausing for at least 10 seconds between each attempt.
Turn the ignition on.
With the scan tool, read ECM DTCs.

Did this DTC set again?

Yes

Go To 2

Refer to the *CHECKING FOR AN INTERMITTENT DTC Diagnostic Procedure. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING)

2. STARTER RELAY

Turn the ignition off.
Install a substitute relay in place of the Starter Relay.
Turn the ignition on.
With the scan tool, erase DTCs.
Attempt to start the engine several times, pausing for at least 10 seconds between each attempt.
Turn the ignition on.
With the scan tool, read ECM DTCs.

Did this DTC set again?

Yes

Go To 3

Replace the Starter Relay.
Perform the ECM Verification Test Ver. 1 (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

3. IGNITION SWITCH START OUTPUT CIRCUIT OPEN

Turn the ignition off.
Remove the Starter Relay from the PDC.
Disconnect the ECM harness connectors.
Turn the Ignition Switch to the Start position.
Using a 12-volt test light connected to ground, check the Ignition Switch Start Output circuit at the Starter Relay connector in the PDC.
Using a 12-volt test light connected to ground, check the Ignition Switch Start Output circuit at the ECM C2 harness connector cavity 22.

Does the test light illuminate brightly for both circuit checks?

Yes

Go To 4

Repair the Ignition Switch Start Output circuit for an open.
Perform the ECM Verification Test Ver. 1 (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

4. STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN

Turn the ignition off.
Measure the resistance of the Starter Relay Control circuit between the ECM harness connector and the PDC connector.

Is the resistance below 10.0 ohms?

Yes

Go To 5

Repair the Starter Relay Control circuit for an open.
Perform the ECM Verification Test Ver. 1 (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

5. STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO GROUND

Measure the resistance between ground and the Starter Relay Control circuit.

Is the resistance above 1000 ohms?

Yes

Go To 6

Repair the Starter Relay Control circuit for a short to ground.
Perform the ECM Verification Test Ver. 1 (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

6. STARTER RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE

Remove the ASD Relay from the PDC.
Connect a jumper wire between cavity 30 and cavity 87 of the ASD Relay connector.
Turn the ignition on.
Measure the voltage of the Starter Relay Control circuit.

Is the voltage below 1.0 volt?

Yes

Replace and program the Engine Control Module in accordance with the Service Information.

Perform the ECM Verification Test Ver. 1 (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

Repair the Starter Relay Control circuit for a short to voltage.
Perform the ECM Verification Test Ver. 1 (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).