OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0617 Starter Relay Circuit High
The starter relay control circuit voltage is above the upper threshold — short to supply or stuck driver.
Is it safe to drive with P0617?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyRelay circuit shorted to supply
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Less likelySupply wire pinched against B+ source
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
- 0.2–1.5 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- Starter Relay, Relay Wiring
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.