P0617

Starter Relay A Circuit High

Starting system Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0617 means the ECM detected high voltage on the starter relay control circuit. Because this relay energises the starter, a fault here can cause a no-crank or no-start condition. It is most often a bad relay or a wiring problem, with the ECM being the least likely cause.

High

Can I keep driving? May not crank or start — if the engine won't turn over, don't keep trying; get the starter relay circuit checked.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

405

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0617 scans

P0615in 66.7% of scans

P1002in 51.1% of scans

P1144in 51.1% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Engine does not start
No-crank condition (starter does not engage)
Intermittent or delayed cranking
Check-engine light on

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty starter relayLikely
Corroded, open, or short-to-voltage wiring in the relay control circuitCommon
Poor connection at the relay socket or groundCommon
Failed engine control module (ECM), least likelyLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and confirm the relay control circuit reads high.
Swap or bench-test the starter relay to rule it out (often interchangeable with another relay).
Inspect the relay control wiring and connector for corrosion, opens, or a short to voltage.
Verify the ECM is grounding the relay control circuit when start is commanded.
Repair the wiring or replace the relay, then re-test starting.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0617?+

The concern here is starting, not driving. If the engine does start, it will run, but you risk a no-crank the next time. Fix the relay circuit before you get stranded.

Can I just clear P0617?+

Clearing won't help if the relay or wiring is faulty — the code returns and you may face a no-start. Repair the circuit first.

Read & clear P0617 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX