GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0615: Starter Relay Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Signal

P0615

P0615

--

--

Control

P0615

P0615

P0615

--

Typical Scan Tool Data (4.2L LL8 only)

Starter Relay Ckt Short Gnd Test Status - ECM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, Engine OFF.

Parameter Normal Value: OK

Signal

Fault

Fault

OK

Control

Fault

Fault

OK


Starter Relay Ckt Open Test Status - ECM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Ignition ON, Engine OFF.

Parameter Normal Value: OK

Signal

Fault

Fault

OK

Control

Fault

Fault

OK


Starter Relay Ckt Short Volts Test Status - ECM

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Cranking.

Parameter Normal Value: OK *

Signal

OK

OK

Fault

Control

OK

OK

Fault

* The parameter always displays Not Run when crank is not requested.

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition switch is placed in the start position, a discrete signal is supplied to the engine control module (ECM) notifying it that the ignition is in the start position. The ECM then verifies that the transmission is in park or neutral. If it is, then the ECM supplies ground to the control circuit of the STRTR relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the STRTR relay to terminal A X1 of the starter solenoid. The ECM monitors the voltage on the control circuit of the STRTR relay. If the circuit becomes open or shorted, then the ECM will set DTC P0615.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The system voltage is between 9.5-18 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the control circuit of the STRTR relay is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to voltage.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0615 is a type C DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0615 is a type C DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the STRTR relay.
  2. Transmission in park, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the PNP signal circuit terminal 85 and ground.
  3. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the PNP signal circuit and the PNP supply voltage circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the PNP Switch.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 86, and the PNP signal circuit terminal 85.
  5. Turn the ignition to the start position. The test lamp should turn ON only when the ignition is held in the start position, for no greater than 10 seconds.
  6. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the STRTR relay.

Component Testing

STRTR Relay

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the STRTR relay.
  2. Test for 60-180 ohms between terminals 85 and 86.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the relay.
  4. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:
  5. • 30 and 86
    • 30 and 87
    • 30 and 85
    • 85 and 87
    If not the specified value, replace the relay.
  6. Install a 20A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms between terminals 30 and 87.
  7. If greater than specified range, replace the relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming.