P0616

Starter Relay Circuit Low

Car Fault Codes Engine computer & electrical

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? Needs a workshop

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 2.5 hours

Typical cost SAR 50 to 900

What it means

The engine computer (ECU) detected lower than expected voltage on the starter relay control circuit. This usually comes from a wire shorted to ground or a lost power feed, so the command never reaches the relay and the engine does not crank.

Symptoms4

Engine does not crank when starting.
Intermittent starting that works one time and fails the next.
Check engine light on.
Repeatedly blown starting circuit fuse at times.

Possible causes6

Control circuit wire shorted to the body or ground through worn insulation.
Internally damaged starter relay coil.
Blown fuse feeding the relay circuit.
Corrosion or moisture in the circuit connectors.
Very low battery voltage.
Faulty control circuit inside the engine computer (rare).

How to diagnose5

Check battery voltage and terminal condition.
Check the fuse, and if it is blown, find the short to ground before fitting a new one.
Swap in an identical known-good relay to test.
Measure voltage at the relay control terminal while trying to start.
Inspect the wiring for chafed insulation or wires pinched against the body, and test their isolation from ground.

How to fix5

Replace the fuse after removing the cause of the short.
Replace the starter relay if its coil is damaged.
Repair the shorted wire and re-insulate and secure it.
Clean and tighten corroded connectors.
Clear the codes, try several starts and confirm the code does not return.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low for a relay or fuse, and rises when the short is in a hard-to-reach section of wiring.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Why does the fuse blow every time I replace it?

There is usually a wire shorted to ground or a damaged relay coil, and it must be found and repaired before fitting a new fuse.

How is this different from P0615?

It specifies that the circuit voltage is low, which points the diagnosis toward a short to ground or lost power rather than a general open circuit.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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