DTC P0617 Starter Relay Circuit High: Description

The cranking holding control system provides a current to the starter when the ECM detects the ignition switch's start signal (STSW). When the ECM judges that the engine has started, the system cuts the current to the starter. When the ECM receives the STSW signal, it turns on the ACC (Accessory) relay, which prevents flickering of the combination meter, clock and audio system. Also, the ECM sends a signal to the ECM's STAR terminal. Then the STAR output signal travels through the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) switch to the ST relay, causing the starter to activate. When the engine is cranking, the starter operation signal is sent to the ECM's STA terminal.

Fig 1: Identifying Starter Input & Output Signal Graph

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When the NE signal reaches a predetermined value, the ECM determines that the engine has started successfully While the engine is being cranked, the positive battery voltage is applied to terminal STA of the ECM. If the ECM detects the Starter Control (STA) signal while the vehicle is being driven, it determines that there is a malfunction in the STA circuit. The ECM then illuminates the MIL and sets the DTC. This monitor runs when the vehicle is driven at 12.43 mph (20 km/h) for over 20 seconds.