P0615

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Starter Relay A Circuit

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 30 EN: 64 RU: 51

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Verify battery voltage at rest and during cranking (>12.4 V rest, >10 V during crank recommended)
Scan for stored freeze frame and related DTCs (starter, battery, grounds, body control)
Visually inspect starter relay, fuse(s), connectors, and wiring for damage or corrosion
Wiggle test wiring while observing scan tool or voltage readings for intermittent faults
Check for corrosion or poor contact at battery terminals and ground straps

Control signal from PCM to relay coil: expected near 0 V (ground) or battery voltage when commanded—varies by vehicle; commanded state should change when start is requested
Relay coil resistance (approx): 20–200 ohms typical depending on relay design (verify spec for vehicle)
Supply voltage to relay coil: close to battery voltage (approx 11–14 V) with ignition on
If PCM grounds the relay, expect continuity to chassis ground when commanded; if PCM supplies +12V, expect battery voltage present at control pin when commanded
No-load current pulse to relay coil when energized (should draw measurable coil current; open coil shows no current, short draws excessive current)

Retrieve freeze frame and all stored DTCs; note any related codes (battery, grounds, BCM/IPC).
Verify battery condition and charge if low; retest with a fully charged battery.
Inspect relay, fuse(s), wiring harness, and connectors for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or water intrusion; repair as needed.
With connector disconnected, measure relay coil resistance across coil terminals; compare to specification. If coil open or shorted, replace relay.
Reconnect relay. With a voltmeter, check for proper supply voltage to relay power terminal with ignition ON. Check control terminal while one technician or jumper simulates start request: control should change state (voltage or ground).
If control signal does not change, backprobe PCM/BCM control pin and verify driver output when start is requested. Check for high resistance to ground or short to voltage.
Check continuity from relay control and supply pins to the PCM and to battery/ground respectively. Repair any open or high-resistance circuits.
If wiring and relay are good but PCM output never commands the relay, consider PCM driver fault—verify inputs to PCM (immobilizer, start switch, park/neutral switch) before replacing PCM.
After repairs, clear codes and perform multiple start cycles to confirm the fault does not return.