OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
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.
Is it safe to drive with P0616?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyControl line shorted to ground
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Less likelyHarness chafing through insulation
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Possible limp mode or no-start
- Multiple follow-up faults across modules
- Reset/relearn may be needed after repair
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.3–1.2 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- Starter Relay A
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.