GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 SLS 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 DTC P0616

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) supplies a ground path for the starter relay when start enable has been requested. The ECM monitors this circuit for conditions that are incorrect for the commanded state. If the ECM detects an improper circuit condition, starter relay DTC P0616 will set.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0616 Starter Relay Control Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • Engine speed is more than 80 RPM.
    • The ignition 1 voltage is between 10-18 volts.
    • The ECM has commanded the starter relay control circuit ON and OFF at least once during the ignition cycle.
    • DTC P0616 runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The ECM detects the starter relay output circuit for a short to ground.
    • The condition exists for an accumulated of 50 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The ECM will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The ECM will store the conditions present when the DTC set as Failure Records data only.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Component Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.
  3. Using the scan tool, observe the specific DTC information for DTC P0616 until the test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0616 has passed this ignition cycle?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

Test the control circuit of the starter relay for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Inspect for poor connections at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

6
  1. Review and record the scan tool Failure Records data.
  2. Clear the DTCs with the scan tool.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.
  4. Using the scan tool, observe the Specific DTC Information for DTC P0616 until the test runs.

Does the scan tool indicate that DTC P0616 failed this ignition cycle?

Go to Step 2

System OK