DTC P161D-9E: Starter Delay Circuit Stuck On [11/2016 - ]: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Toyota Highlander, 2018 Toyota Highlander, and 2017 Toyota Highlander. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

By using the starter delay circuit, the engine stop and start ECU can activate the ST NO. 2 relay (for starter motor operation) after activating the ST relay (for starter pinion operation) to operate the starter assembly.

By monitoring the condition of the ST relay (for starter pinion operation) and ST NO. 2 relay (for starter motor operation), the engine stop and start ECU detects if the transistor of the starter delay circuit is stuck. If the transistor of the starter delay circuit is stuck on, the engine stop and start ECU blinks the stop and start cancel indicator and stores DTC P161D9E. If the transistor of the starter delay circuit is stuck on, the ST relay (for starter pinion operation) and ST NO. 2 relay (for starter motor operation) will be activated simultaneously.

Fig 1: Starter Delay Circuit Diagram With Smart Key System

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 2: Starter Delay Circuit Without Smart Key System

DTC No.	Detection Item	DTC Detection Condition	Trouble Area	Warning Indicate	Memory	Note
P161D9E	Starter Delay Circuit Stuck On	Both of the following conditions are met (1 trip detection logic): Ignition switch ON. Time between ST relay (for starter pinion) turning on and ST NO. 2 relay (for starter motor) turning on becomes less than 0.016 seconds and 3 times or more.	Engine stop and start ECU	Blinks	DTC stored	SAE Code: P161D