P0616 code meaning
Starter Relay A Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P06xx codes Check engine light
What P0616 means
The engine module switches the starter relay coil through its own driver – GM gasoline engines with 12 V stop-start use a low-side driver, the Saab 9-4X switches 12 V to the coil. CARB requires output components to be checked for open and short circuits. GM sets the codes after two trips on stop-start engines, while GM diesels (2016) and the Saab 9-4X store them without the check engine light. At Ford an active starter code blocks stop-start. P0616 means the control wire is shorted to ground: GM detects 0.5 Ω or less to ground with the driver off (8 of 10 samples in 2018 and 2025, 40 of 50 in 2019). With a low-side driver the short can energise the relay permanently; with a high-side driver (Saab) the relay no longer pulls in. Saab's check: a test lamp across the coil terminals must flash during cranking.
P0616 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0616
- Engine does not crank
- Stop-start disabled
- Possibly blown fuse in the relay circuit
- Check engine light only with some makers
Common causes of P0616
- Most likelyControl wire chafed through and shorted to ground
- PossibleRelay coil shorted internally
- PossibleMoisture or corrosion in the relay or fuse box
- Less likelyDriver in the engine module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Starter relayStarter relay control circuitEngine control module
What each part of P0616 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 6 | Area: computer (engine control module) and output circuits. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0616 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0616
What does P0616 mean?
P0616 means "Starter Relay A Circuit Low". The engine module switches the starter relay coil through its own driver – GM gasoline engines with 12 V stop-start use a low-side driver, the Saab 9-4X switches 12 V to the coil. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0616?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0616 fail an emissions test?
P0616 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0616 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0616 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.