AutoCodes – Buick – P0617 Buick

P0617 Buick Code - Starter Relay Control Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

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. Common causes include Faulty Starter Relay, Starter Relay harness is open or shorted, Starter Relay 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: P0617 Buick indicates Starter Relay Control Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Starter Relay, Starter Relay harness is open or shorted, Starter Relay 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 478

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 Jul 15, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0617 Buick 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 a crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the clutch pedal is depressed, or the transmission is in Park/Neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 V 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. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects improper voltage on the control circuit of the starter relay.

OBDII Code P0617 Buick - Starter Relay Control Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0617 Buick Code - Starter Relay Control Circuit High Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0617 Buick?

Faulty Starter Relay
Starter Relay harness is open or shorted
Starter Relay circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0617 Buick?

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 P0617 Buick 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 P0617 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0617 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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 P0617 Buick Code

1. What does OBDII code P0617 mean on a Buick?

P0617 indicates a problem with the starter relay control circuit, specifically high voltage being detected in the circuit.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P0617 on a Buick?

Symptoms may include difficulty starting the engine, intermittent no-start conditions, or the engine cranking for an unusually long time.

3. What causes the P0617 code to appear on a Buick?

This code can be caused by a faulty starter relay, damaged wiring or connectors in the starter circuit, a weak battery, or issues with the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

4. Can a weak battery trigger code P0617 on a Buick?

Yes, a weak or failing battery can cause voltage irregularities, which may trigger the P0617 code.

5. How do you diagnose code P0617 on a Buick?

Diagnosis typically involves checking the starter relay, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the battery voltage, and ensuring the PCM is functioning correctly.

6. Is it safe to drive with code P0617 on a Buick?

Driving may be possible, but starting the vehicle could become unreliable. Itâ€™s best to address the issue promptly to avoid being stranded.

7. How can I fix code P0617 on a Buick?

Repairs may include replacing the starter relay, fixing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing the battery, or reprogramming or replacing the PCM if necessary.

8. Can a faulty PCM cause code P0617 on a Buick?

Yes, if the PCM is malfunctioning or has corrupted software, it can fail to properly regulate the starter relay control circuit, triggering the code.

9. How much does it cost to repair code P0617 on a Buick?

Repair costs vary, but replacing a starter relay or fixing wiring may cost $100-$300. PCM-related repairs could be more expensive, ranging from $500-$1,200.

10. Will clearing the P0617 code fix the problem on a Buick?

Clearing the code may remove it temporarily, but the underlying issue must be resolved to prevent the code from returning.