DTC P0615 L26/3.8L

Diagnostic Instructions

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0615: Starter Relay Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open/High Resistance	Short to Voltage	Signal Performance
Control	P0615	P0615	P0615	--

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the START position. The BCM then sends a message to the powertrain control module (PCM) that crank has been requested. The PCM then verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the PCM then supplies a ground to the control circuit of the starter relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the starter relay to the starter solenoid.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects improper voltage on the control circuit of the starter relay.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0615 is a C type DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0615 is a C type DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, verify that no theft deterrent or automatic transmission DTCs are set that would cause the PCM not to enable engine starting.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the starter relay.
2. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the starter relay coil supply voltage circuit terminal 85 and ground.

⇒	If less than the specified value, test the supply voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition ON, connect a test lamp between the crank relay coil supply voltage terminal 85 and the starter relay control circuit terminal 86.
4. Turn the ignition to the start position. The test lamp should only illuminate when the ignition is held in the start position.

⇒	If the test lamp is always On, test the control circuit for short to ground. If the circuit tests normal replace the PCM.

⇒	If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal replace the PCM.

5. If the circuit tests normal replace the starter relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

DTC P0615 LD8/L37 4.6L

Diagnostic Instructions

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0615: Starter Relay Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit	Short to Ground	Open/High Resistance	Short to Voltage	Signal Performance
Control	P0615	P0615	P0615	--
Ground	--	P0615	--	--

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the START position. The BCM then sends a message to the engine control module (ECM) that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12  volts to the control circuit of the starter relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the starter relay to the starter solenoid.

Conditions for Running the DTC

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects improper voltage on the control circuit of the starter relay.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0615 is a C type DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0615 is a C type DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, verify that no theft deterrent or automatic transmission DTCs are set that would cause the ECM not to enable engine starting.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the starter relay.
2. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1  minute. Test for less than 5.0 ohms between the relay ground circuit terminal 85 and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the relay ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 86 and the ground circuit terminal 85.
4. Place the ignition to the start position. The test lamp should only illuminate when the ignition is held in the start position.

⇒	If the test lamp is always On, test the control circuit for short to voltage. If the circuits test normal replace the ECM.

⇒	If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal replace the ECM.

5. If all circuits tests normal, replace the starter relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.