OBD Guide
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P0617

Starter Relay A Circuit High

P0617 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Starter Relay A Circuit High. Common causes: starter relay contacts sticking in closed position, short circuit of the relay control wire to positive. Estimated repair cost: $3–200.

Severity
🔴 High
Can you drive?
Yes, but get it checked soon
Approx. repair cost
$3–200 (est.)

Symptoms

  • The Check Engine light comes on
  • The starter continues to operate after the engine starts
  • Bendix's characteristic grinding noise when the engine is running
  • Starting the starter without turning the ignition key
  • Quick starter failure

Causes

  • Starter relay contacts sticking in closed position
  • Short circuit of the relay control wire to positive
  • Ignition switch malfunction (constant start signal)
  • Foreign object between relay contacts
  • Internal ECU malfunction (control transistor in closed state)

How to Fix

  1. Immediately check whether the starter is working without a command
  2. Disable the starter relay to protect the starter and flywheel
  3. Check relay for sticking - replace if necessary
  4. Measure the voltage at the control input of the relay with the ignition off
  5. Check wiring for short to positive
  6. With a working relay and wiring - diagnostics of the ignition switch and ECU

Related codes

P0615P0616

Error P0617 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the P0617 code mean?

P0617 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Starter Relay A Circuit High

What causes a P0617 error code?

The most common causes of P0617 include: Starter relay contacts sticking in closed position; Short circuit of the relay control wire to positive; Ignition switch malfunction (constant start signal); Foreign object between relay contacts.

How do I fix a P0617 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0617: Immediately check whether the starter is working without a command. Disable the starter relay to protect the starter and flywheel. Check relay for sticking - replace if necessary. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0617?

Yes, but get it checked soon

How much does it cost to fix P0617?

The estimated repair cost for P0617 is $3–200. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

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