AutoCodes – Acura – P0616 Acura

P0616 Acura Code - Starter Cut Relay Diagnosis Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The starter control system prevents the starter from accidentally activating when the shift position is not in the P or N position/mode, or when the engine is running. Common causes include Faulty Starter Cut Relay 2 (Built into the Relay Circuit Board), Starter Cut Relay 2 harness is open or shorted, Starter Cut Relay 2 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0616 Acura indicates Starter Cut Relay Diagnosis Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Starter Cut Relay 2 (Built into the Relay Circuit Board), Starter Cut Relay 2 harness is open or shorted, Starter Cut Relay 2 circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 294

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jan 03, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0616 Acura Description

The starter control system prevents the starter from accidentally activating when the shift position is not in the P or N position/mode, or when the engine is running. If the vehicle is turned mistakenly while the shift position is not in P or N or while the engine is running, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) will stop power to the starter cut relays. However, cranking to return from an auto idle stop does not correspond to this. In this system, two starter cut relays are connected in series (starter cut relay 1, starter cut relay 2) to prevent the starter from running continuously due to a starter cut relay malfunction. Also, a diagnosis line (START DIAG) is connected to monitor the voltage between the starter cut relay 1 and starter cut relay 2. Based on the diagnosis line signals, the PCM detects an OPEN malfunction of the diagnosis line, an ON malfunction of starter cut relay 1, and an ON malfunction of starter cut relay 2. The PCM also equipped with return signal circuits of starter cut relay 1 and starter cut relay 2 to detect an OFF malfunction. If the voltage of the diagnosis line (START DIAG) is a specified voltage for a set time when the starter is OFF (STS OFF), the PCM detects an ON malfunction of starter cut relay 2 and stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).

OBDII Code P0616 Acura - Starter Cut Relay Diagnosis Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0616 Acura Code - Starter Cut Relay Diagnosis Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0616 Acura?

Faulty Starter Cut Relay 2 (Built into the Relay Circuit Board)
Starter Cut Relay 2 harness is open or shorted
Starter Cut Relay 2 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P0616 Acura?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0616 Acura code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0616 Acura code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0616 Acura Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0616 mean on an Acura?

Code P0616 indicates a low voltage issue in the starter cut relay control circuit, which can affect the vehicle's ability to start properly.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P0616 code in an Acura?

Symptoms may include the engine not starting, intermittent starting issues, or the starter relay not engaging.

3. What causes the P0616 code to appear in an Acura?

Common causes include a faulty starter cut relay, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, a weak battery, or a malfunctioning Engine Control Module (ECM).

4. Can a weak battery trigger the P0616 code?

Yes, a weak or discharged battery can cause low voltage in the starter cut relay circuit, triggering the P0616 code.

5. How do you diagnose the P0616 code on an Acura?

Diagnosis involves checking the starter cut relay, inspecting wiring and connectors for damage, testing the battery voltage, and verifying ECM function.

6. Is it safe to drive an Acura with the P0616 code?

While the car may not start reliably, driving is generally not possible if the issue prevents the engine from starting.

7. How is the P0616 code typically fixed on an Acura?

Repairs may include replacing the starter cut relay, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning corroded connections, or replacing a faulty ECM if necessary.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P0616 code on an Acura?

Repair costs vary but typically range from $50 to $300, depending on whether it's a simple relay replacement or a more complex wiring or ECM issue.

9. Can I clear the P0616 code without fixing the problem?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause is not recommended, as the issue will likely return and continue to affect vehicle starting.

10. What tools are needed to troubleshoot the P0616 code?

Common tools include a multimeter for voltage testing, a scan tool for reading and clearing codes, and basic hand tools for inspecting and replacing components.