P0617 — Starter Relay Circuit High

Generic OBD-II · all makesPowertrain (engine & transmission)

P0617 is set when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects that the starter relay control circuit is stuck at a high voltage level when it should be low. This indicates a short‑to‑battery voltage in the relay coil circuit, a failed relay that remains energized, or an internal fault in the PCM that keeps the circuit high. As a result, the starter never receives the proper signal and the engine will not crank.

Symptoms

Engine does not crank when the ignition key is turned to start
No sound from the starter motor
Battery drain or low battery voltage after repeated start attempts
Clicking noises from the starter relay area
Dashboard warning lights may illuminate
Vehicle may start with a jump‑start if the short is intermittent

What causes it — most likely first

1. Starter relay (or starter solenoid) failed shorted

The relay contacts or coil may be shorted internally, causing the control circuit to stay at battery voltage even when the PCM attempts to turn it off.

2. Wiring short in the starter relay control circuit

Damaged insulation or a pinched wire can allow the relay control line to short to a power source, keeping the circuit high.

3. Blown fuse or fusible link for the starter circuit

A failed fuse or fusible link can create an open circuit, but a partially shorted fuse may also pull the control line high.

4. Faulty ignition switch or start signal circuit

If the ignition switch sends an unsolicited high signal to the relay control line, the PCM may log P0617.

5. PCM/ECM internal fault (rare)

The control module itself can fail in a way that the driver transistor stays conducting, but this is far less common than external circuit problems.

How it's diagnosed

Visually inspect the starter relay wiring harness for chafed, melted, or pinched wires, especially near the relay location.
Remove the starter relay and test the coil for continuity and for shorts to ground or battery; replace the relay if it shows a short.
Check the related fuse and fusible link for the starter circuit; measure voltage at the relay coil connector with the key off – it should be 0 V.
Use a multimeter or oscilloscope to verify the control circuit is not shorted to constant battery voltage when the PCM should be turning it off.
If the wiring and relay test good, confirm the PCM’s ground and driver circuit with a known‑good module swap or manufacturer‑specific self‑test (if available).
Reassemble the circuit, clear the code, and perform a functional start test to verify the problem is resolved.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)

StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Is the PCM usually the cause of P0617?

No. The vast majority of P0617 codes are caused by a failed starter relay, wiring shorts, or a blown fuse. PCM failures are possible but uncommon.

I was told to replace the engine computer for this code. Is that necessary?

In most cases, replacing the PCM is unnecessary and will not fix the problem. The root cause is usually in the relay or wiring. Only after the external circuit is verified as good should the PCM be considered.

Can a weak battery cause this code?

A weak battery may prevent the starter from cranking, but it does not typically cause the control circuit to read high. Check the battery and ground connections as part of the overall starting system diagnosis.

Is it safe to drive the vehicle with a P0617 code?

The vehicle will likely not start, so driving is not possible until the issue is resolved. Continuing to attempt starts can drain the battery and cause further damage.