P0617

Starter Relay Circuit High

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 – 3 hours

Typical cost SAR 50 to 1,500

What it means

The engine computer (ECU) detected higher than expected voltage on the starter relay control circuit, such as voltage present when there should be none. This may mean the relay is stuck or the wire is shorted to a voltage source, and in some cases the starter stays engaged after the engine starts.

Symptoms4

Check engine light on.
Grinding or whining from the starter after the engine starts in some cases.
Starter running longer than normal.
Hard starting or occasional no start.

Possible causes5

Welded contacts inside the starter relay.
Control circuit wire shorted to a voltage source.
Faulty ignition switch or start button sending a constant signal.
Moisture or corrosion in the relay box or connectors.
Faulty control circuit inside the engine computer (rare).

How to diagnose5

Listen to the starter after the engine starts; if it keeps running, shut the engine off and remove the relay immediately.
Swap in an identical known-good relay and see if the code clears.
Measure voltage on the control circuit with the key off and with the engine running; voltage present points to a short.
Check the ignition switch signal on the scan tool.
Inspect wiring and connectors for contact with other power wires.

How to fix5

Replace the starter relay if its contacts are welded.
Repair the wire shorted to voltage and re-insulate it.
Repair or replace the ignition switch if proven faulty.
Replace the starter if it was damaged by staying engaged.
Clear the codes, confirm the starter disengages as soon as the engine starts and 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 when a new relay fixes it, and rises if the starter or the gear it engages was damaged by running too long.

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

I hear the starter whining after the engine starts. What should I do?

Shut the engine off immediately and do not keep restarting, because a starter that stays engaged damages itself and the gear it engages. Have the relay and wiring checked.

Is replacing the relay enough?

Often, if its contacts are welded. If the code returns, look for a short in the wiring or a faulty ignition switch.

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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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