What Does P0615 Mean?
P0615 indicates a general electrical malfunction in the starter relay circuit. The ECM/PCM monitors the circuit that controls the starter motor relay (or starter solenoid control circuit), and has detected an abnormality such as an open circuit, short, or relay failure. The driver may experience a no-crank or no-start condition, or the starter may engage intermittently or stay engaged too long.
Common Causes
30%
Failed starter relay — open coil, welded contacts, or corroded contacts
25%
Wiring fault in the starter relay control circuit — open, short, or high resistance
20%
Failed starter motor or starter solenoid drawing excessive current
15%
Ignition switch or start signal circuit fault
10%
ECM/PCM internal starter relay driver circuit failure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Locate the starter relay and test it: remove the relay, apply 12V to the coil pins (should click), and measure contact resistance (should be near 0 ohms when energized, open when de-energized). Replace if the relay fails either test.
2
With the relay removed, check the relay socket: verify battery voltage on the supply pin, and check that the ECM provides a ground on the control pin when the key is turned to START (measure with a test light or voltmeter).
3
If the ECM does not provide a ground signal to the relay, check the wiring from the relay socket control pin back to the ECM for continuity and shorts. Also verify the start signal input to the ECM from the ignition switch.
4
Measure starter motor current draw during cranking (using an inductive amp clamp on the battery cable): normal draw is 100-200A for most gasoline engines. Excessive draw (300A+) indicates a failing starter that may be overloading the relay circuit.
5
Check the neutral safety switch (automatic) or clutch position switch (manual) — these must be closed for the ECM to command the starter relay. Bypass briefly for testing to confirm.
Estimated Repair Cost
$50 - $600
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
P0615 indicates a general electrical malfunction in the starter relay circuit. The ECM/PCM monitors the circuit that controls the starter motor relay (or starter solenoid control circuit), and has detected an abnormality such as an open circuit, short, or relay failure. The driver may experience a n...
The most common cause of P0615 (Starter Relay Circuit) is: Failed starter relay — open coil, welded contacts, or corroded contacts
Typical repair costs for P0615 range from $50 to $600, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle may not start reliably. If the starter relay is intermittent, you could be stranded. If the relay is stuck engaged (contacts welded), the starter could remain energized after the engine starts, causing starter damage and potentially a fire. If the starter stays engaged with the engine running, turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery immediately.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0615 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Starting System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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