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P0616 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Starter Relay Circuit". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
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The P0616 Trouble code refers to started relay circuit low.
When the powertrain control module finds that the voltage reading from the starter relay circuit is not within the normal range, it will store the P0616 code in your vehicle.
Located below are some of the most common causes of the P0616 code:
The symptoms of the P0616 code can range greatly. In some cases, the only thing the driver will notice is that they have the Check Engine Light come on in the vehicle. However, it is also possible that the vehicle will no longer start. Regardless, it is important to take the vehicle to a mechanic for service.
The mechanic will utilize an OBD-II scanner. This device will attach to the vehicle’s onboard computer. Most vehicles made over the last several decades have these computers onboard. Once they hook up their scanner, they will obtain data from the computer regarding the vehicle. This will make the diagnosis easier. The mechanic will also want to reset the code and then run the vehicle to see if it comes back. With some older vehicles that have more than 100,000 miles on them, and even some with less, codes can be triggered by mistake. If the code returns, the mechanic knows there is a real issue.
The biggest mistakes with diagnosing the P0616 code is making a judgement of what is wrong with the vehicle too soon. In some cases, the technician will assume that the problem is due to a faulty starter motor and replace it. However, that might not be the case. In a number of older vehicles, the problem is with the voltage supply to the starter rather than the starter itself.
Having any codes stored on your vehicle is never a good sign. If the P0616 code is on your vehicle, and it still seems to be driving fine, you might not think it is a big concern. This is a false sense of security though. These codes generally mean something is wrong with the vehicle and that you should have it looked at by a mechanic. You do not want it to get to the point where your vehicle no longer starts at all. By taking it to a mechanic whether it is running well or not, you can get the repairs you need.
The following are repairs that the mechanics might use when fixing the P0616 code in your vehicle:
When a code is stored in a vehicle, many drivers chalk it up to being a problem with the powertrain control module, not wanting to believe that the code really means there is something wrong with their vehicle. However, the PCM is only to blame in rare instances. Most of the time, the P0616 code means there are issues with the circuits, connectors, the ignition, or the starter. If you were to ignore those problems, it could cause serious issues with your vehicle. Your best option is to make sure that you take the vehicle to the mechanic for regular checkups and that you pay attention and get the needed repairs when you have a stored code.
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