P0615: Starter relay: circuit fault
The ECU detects a problem in the circuit that switches the starter motor relay. Usually the relay itself, a fuse or the wiring.
| Code | P0615 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P06xx, Control unit and auxiliary outputs |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0615 means
When you turn the key or press the start button, the ECU switches a relay that powers the starter motor. This code means that relay circuit is not behaving as expected. It can stop the car starting, or make it start only some of the time.
Most common causes
- Faulty or poorly seated starter relay
- Blown fuse in the starting circuit
- Relay plug or wire loose, broken or corroded
- Low battery not giving enough voltage
- Clutch, park/neutral or brake switch not giving its signal
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Car does not crank or does nothing when you try to start
- Starting only works some of the time
Can you drive with P0615?
With care Once running it drives normally, but it may not start again next time. Get it checked soon so you are not stranded.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
When you try to start, listen for the relay clicking in the fuse box. Check the starter fuse and, if the car uses an identical relay for another job, swapping them is a quick test.
How to read and clear P0615 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0615 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0611 The fuel injector control unit gives readings outside the normal range
- P0612 The fuel injector control unit relay control has an electrical fault
- P0613 The gearbox control unit processor is not working properly
- P0614 The engine control unit and the gearbox control unit are incompatible
- P0616 Starter relay: circuit low
- P0617 Starter relay: circuit high
- P0618 The alternative fuel control unit has a fault in the memory that retains
- P0619 The alternative fuel control unit has a RAM or ROM memory fault
- P0600 Serial communication link fault
- P0601 Internal control module memory checksum error
- P0602 Control module programming error
- P0603 Internal control module keep alive memory (KAM) error
What does code P0615 mean?
When you turn the key or press the start button, the ECU switches a relay that powers the starter motor. This code means that relay circuit is not behaving as expected. It can stop the car starting, or make it start only some of the time.
Can you drive with P0615?
Once running it drives normally, but it may not start again next time. Get it checked soon so you are not stranded.
How do you clear P0615?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0615 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
