P2AF6: Starter Relay C Stuck Off

What it means

Starter relay C reports a stuck off condition. Engine cranking can be inhibited or commanded unintentionally.

At a glance

• Usually lights the check-engine light

How it works

Starter relay C should close its contacts when the module requests cranking. The module sets P2AF6 when the relay stays off despite that request, which may result from oxidized high-resistance contacts, a burned-out coil, or a mechanism obstructed by debris.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Relay contacts oxidised - high resistance
2. Relay coil burned out
3. Carbon or debris buildup preventing free movement

Symptoms

• Check-engine light may be on
• Engine may not crank
• Intermittent starting difficulty

How to diagnose it

1. Review freeze-frame and related starting-system codes, and confirm whether the engine failed to crank when the code was stored.
2. Inspect relay C's seating, socket terminals, and accessible wiring for corrosion, looseness, or heat damage.
3. Check battery condition and starting-system connections first, since low supply or poor power connections can mimic a relay fault.
4. With the manufacturer's wiring diagram, verify that relay C receives the required control command and supply when cranking is requested.
5. Test relay C's coil, contacts, and output under the manufacturer's procedure for high resistance or failure to close.

Common fixes

• Clean or repair corroded relay C socket terminals.
• Repair loose or damaged power and control connections to relay C.
• Replace relay C if its coil is burned out, its contacts are high resistance, or its mechanism is stuck.

Can I keep driving?

The engine may not crank or may fail to restart, so avoid trips where a no-start would create a safety problem. If it starts reliably and the starter disengages normally, a short drive is generally possible, but arrange diagnosis soon.