Powertrain, generic · Transmission

P0817 Starter Disable Circuit/Open

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

The starter disable line carries the signal 'park or neutral – start allowed' from the transmission module, or its built-in range switch, to the body or engine module, which only then releases the starter. On Saab's 2010 9-5 automatic the line is open in a drive range (0 V at the body module) and closed in P or N (12 V). P0817 is the general or open-circuit fault of this line. Saab sets it when the output reports 'start allowed' but the feedback shows 'off' for more than 100 ms, twice in a row, with 6–16 V and no limp mode; it rates the fault type D, without any lamp. The engine then cannot be started. Low and high are P081A and P081B; vehicles that send the start release over a bus often report similar faults as U codes or P0850.

Likely causes

Starter disable wire to the body module open or shorted
Connector corroded or pins pushed back
Transmission module with built-in range switch faulty
Body module faulty

Symptoms

  • Engine does not crank in P or N
  • Start possible in only one of the two ranges
  • No check engine lamp

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–1,200
Time1–3 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

starter disable circuittransmission control modulebody control module

Related codes

P081AP081BP081CP081DP0850

References: saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, law.cornell.edu.