Starter Relay Circuit High

What does P0617 mean?

P0617 stands for Starter Relay Circuit High. The engine computer has found a fault in one of its own circuits or in a circuit it controls.

Powertrain codes cover the engine, transmission and emissions. When the car's computer sees a reading outside its normal range, it stores this code and may turn on a warning light on the dashboard.

Common causes

• Damaged wiring or a loose connector
• Low battery voltage or poor ground
• Faulty relay or actuator
• In rare cases, a faulty engine control module

What to do

1. Read all stored and pending codes with a scanner. Several codes together often point to one cause.
2. Note the freeze frame data (speed, temperature, load) recorded when the code was set.
3. Inspect the wiring and connectors of the part named in the code for damage, corrosion or looseness.
4. Fix the most likely and cheapest cause first, then clear the code and drive to see if it comes back.

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Frequently asked questions

What does P0617 mean?

P0617 means “Starter Relay Circuit High”. It belongs to the computer and output circuits group: The engine computer has found a fault in one of its own circuits or in a circuit it controls.

Is it safe to drive with P0617?

You can usually drive carefully for a short time, but fix it soon to avoid further damage or higher fuel use.

How do I clear P0617?

Fix the cause, then clear the code with an OBD2 scanner or app. If the fault is still there, the code will come back.

Related codes

• P0613TCM Processor
• P0614ECM / TCM Incompatible
• P0615Starter Relay Circuit
• P0616Starter Relay Circuit Low
• P0618Alternative Fuel Control Module KAM Error
• P0619Alternative Fuel Control Module RAM/ROM Error
• P061AInternal Control Module Torque Performance
• P061BInternal Control Module Torque Calculation Performance

Code meanings can vary by manufacturer. This page is general guidance, not a repair manual. Always confirm the cause before replacing parts.