P0615 on 2019 Jeep Compass: Starter Control Circuit Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2019-2019 Jeep COMPASS

The 2019 Jeep Compass is notable for having multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by the manufacturer that specifically mention P0615-64. These bulletins link the code to symptoms like a no-crank or long-crank condition and often point towards a necessary software update for the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). One TSB describes a specific symptom where the vehicle won't crank after multiple button pushes, but will start normally after being fully turned off and on again 🎬 Watch: This video shows the easy fix for this no-start issue., which is a strong indicator of a software-related fault. This makes a PCM reflash a more probable solution than on other vehicles where this code is typically just a simple hardware failure.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine will not crank or turn over
• Intermittent no-start condition, may start after being turned off completely and retried
• Longer than normal engine cranking before starting
• Audible click from the engine bay with no crank (though sometimes no click is heard, pointing to the relay)
• Check Engine Light is on

Most Likely Causes

1. PCM Software Glitch 🔴 High Probability Multiple manufacturer TSBs (#1801923, #1808122, #1803519, #18-007-19 REV A) for the 2019 Compass explicitly link P0615-64 to software plausibility failures, recommending a PCM update. This is a known issue acknowledged by the manufacturer.
   How to confirm: A Jeep dealership or a qualified shop with access to OEM software (like wiTECH) can check if the vehicle's PCM software is outdated by comparing it to the latest version and see if it corresponds to an open TSB for the vehicle's VIN.
   Typical fix: Reprogramming (flashing) the Powertrain Control Module with the latest manufacturer software. This is a non-parts fix that requires specialized equipment.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Faulty Starter Relay 🟡 Medium Probability Relays are electromechanical switches that wear out over time and are a common failure point in many vehicles. Their failure can cause a no-crank with no-click symptom.
   How to confirm: The starter relay is located in the engine bay fuse box (Power Distribution Unit), on the driver's side of the engine compartment. An easy test is to swap the starter relay with an identical relay from a non-critical system 🎬 See how to test a relay and understand how they work. (like the horn) and see if the vehicle starts.
   Typical fix: Replacing the starter relay. This is a simple plug-and-play part.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50
3. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability Vibrations and heat in the engine bay can cause wires to chafe or connectors to become loose or corroded over time. The small signal wire on the starter solenoid is a potential point of failure.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness between the PCM, the starter relay socket, and the starter solenoid for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Check for a loose signal wire at the starter itself. A wiggle test on the harness while trying to start can sometimes reveal the issue.
   Typical fix: Repairing the damaged section of wire or cleaning/replacing the faulty connector.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50
4. Weak or Failing Battery ⚪ Low Probability Low system voltage can cause unpredictable behavior in various electronic modules, including the PCM, which may misinterpret signals and set a P0615 code. A healthy battery should read approximately 12.6 volts with the engine off.
   How to confirm: Test the battery with a multimeter or a dedicated battery tester. A healthy, fully charged battery should read approximately 12.6 volts with the engine off and maintain voltage above 9.6 volts during cranking.
   Typical fix: Recharging or replacing the battery.
   Est. part cost: $150-$300

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Starter Motor/Solenoid: While possible, a 'plausibility failure' code points more toward a control circuit issue. However, an internal short in the starter solenoid could potentially cause an abnormal voltage reading on the control circuit. This is a more likely cause if you hear a single, solid click but the engine doesn't turn over.
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is rare, but if a software reflash doesn't work and all wiring and components test good, the PCM itself could have a hardware failure. A recall (NHTSA 18V-524) was issued for some 2018-2019 Jeeps, including the Compass, for a faulty voltage regulator chip inside the PCM that could cause a no-start or stall, reinforcing that PCM hardware can be a weak point.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the vehicle for any other trouble codes to see if P0615 appears with related codes mentioned in the TSBs (e.g., P141C, P26E4-64).
2. Check for applicable TSBs for your vehicle's VIN. TSB 18-007-19 REV A is highly relevant. The most likely fix may be a PCM software update.
3. Locate the starter relay in the engine compartment fuse box on the driver's side. Swap it with a known-good, identical relay from another circuit (e.g., horn) to see if the problem is resolved. This is a very common and easy diagnostic step.
4. If the relay is not the issue, inspect the starter relay's socket and the surrounding wiring for any signs of corrosion, pushed-out pins, or damage.
5. Check the small signal wire on the starter solenoid to ensure it is secure and the connector is clean.
6. Test the battery to ensure it has a full charge (around 12.6V) and can hold a load during cranking (above 9.6V).
7. If all else fails, consult a professional to perform a PCM software update or diagnose a potential wiring or PCM hardware fault. A dealer will use the wiTECH tool for this.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Starter Relay (OEM #68244159AA) — This is a common failure point and the easiest and cheapest part to replace as a first step. It's a micro relay used across many Mopar vehicles.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $25-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$40

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P141C — This code for 'Starter Control 2 Circuit Performance' is frequently cited alongside P0615 in the same Jeep TSBs, indicating they are part of the same underlying software or control system fault.
• P26E4-64 — Also mentioned in the same TSBs, this code for 'Starter Control 2 Circuit-Signal Plausibility Failure' points to a related issue within the starter control logic.
• P0515 — This code for 'Battery Temperature Sensor Circuit Performance' is also listed in the TSBs, suggesting the PCM may be flagging multiple related electrical circuit issues simultaneously.
• P0616 / P0617 — These codes for Starter Control Circuit Low and High, respectively, are often discussed together with P0615 as they all point to faults within the same starter control system.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 1801923: Addresses P0615-64 - Starter Control Circuit Signal Plausibility Failure.
🎬 Watch: A quick breakdown of P0615 symptoms and common fixes.
• 1808122: Also lists P0615-64 with symptoms of long engine crank.
• 1803519: Connects P0615-64 to potential no-start conditions.
• 18-007-19 REV A: Cites P0615-64 as a cause for a no-crank condition that resolves after a power cycle, and recommends a PCM software flash for vehicles built on or before May 07, 2019.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A series of Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) were released for the 2019 Jeep Compass specifically for a no-crank or long-crank condition, citing codes P0615, P141C, and P26E4-64. The prescribed fix is often a PCM software update. [Bulletin #1801923, #1808122, #1803519, #18-007-19 REV A]
• TSB 18-007-19 REV A specifically notes a symptom where the vehicle won't crank after multiple start button pushes, but then starts normally after a full power cycle, strongly suggesting a software logic issue.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Starter Relay Control Circuit Voltage (at relay socket pin 86) — expected: Approx. 12V when the ignition key is turned to the 'START' position.. Failure: No voltage when the key is in the 'START' position indicates a problem with the ignition switch or PCM signal circuit.
• Starter Relay Power Supply Voltage (at relay socket pin 30) — expected: Constant 12V (battery voltage), even with the key off.. Failure: No voltage indicates a blown fuse (likely a high-amperage fuse) or a problem in the power supply wire from the battery.
• Starter Relay Ground Circuit (at relay socket pin 85) — expected: Should show battery voltage (approx. 12V) when testing between the positive battery terminal and this pin, confirming a good ground path.. Failure: 0V indicates a break in the ground wire or a faulty ground connection.
• Starter Relay Coil Resistance (between relay pins 85 and 86) — expected: Typically between 50 and 100 ohms (check manufacturer specs for exact value).. Failure: An 'OL' (Over Limit/Open) reading indicates a broken coil. A reading of zero or near-zero ohms indicates a shorted coil. In either case, the relay is bad.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P0615-64: Starter Control Circuit - Signal Plausibility Failure. This is the specific variant of P0615 cited in Jeep's Technical Service Bulletins for the 2019 Compass. The '-64' suffix indicates the PCM is seeing a signal that is illogical under the current operating conditions, which strongly points towards the software glitches mentioned in the TSBs. (see via This sub-code is visible on professional scan tools and the dealer's wiTECH software.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: Reprogram PCM / Flash ECU — This is the specific repair procedure called for by multiple TSBs for the P0615-64 code on this vehicle. It should be performed after confirming the vehicle's current software is outdated and related to the TSBs.
• wiTECH (or other high-end bidirectional scanner): Starter Relay Actuation Test — This command allows the technician to manually command the starter relay 'ON' and 'OFF' from the scan tool. This is used to verify if the PCM can control the relay and if the relay clicks when commanded, helping to isolate the fault between the PCM, wiring, and the relay itself.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Power Distribution Center (PDC) / Fuse Box — Located in the engine compartment on the driver's side.. This unit houses the starter relay (often labeled K5) and the associated fuses (e.g., F07). It is the central point for testing the starter control circuit voltages and swapping the relay.
• Starter Motor Signal Wire — The small wire connected to the starter solenoid, located on the starter motor itself.. This is the wire that carries the 'start' signal from the relay to the starter solenoid. A loose or corroded connection here will prevent the starter from engaging, even if the relay is working correctly. A visual inspection is critical.
• Main Engine/Chassis Grounds — Key ground points include the strap from the battery negative terminal to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine block to the frame. One user reported difficulty finding all ground points but noted the alternator ground as one.. A poor ground connection can cause a voltage drop across the entire electrical system, leading to intermittent no-start conditions and potentially triggering plausibility codes like P0615 as modules behave erratically.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user 'Car Issues' (2019 Jeep Compass) — No crank, no start, and importantly, no audible 'click' from the engine bay when turning the key.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Checked battery (was good), Checked battery terminals (were clean), Inspected ground wire connections (were secure and not corroded)
  ✅ What actually fixed it The starter relay was faulty. The owner swapped the starter relay with an identical relay from another system in the fuse box, and the car started immediately. Replacing the bad relay with a new part permanently resolved the issue. The key symptom was the lack of a click, which pointed to the relay not activating at all.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68406797AA → 68244159AA — Part number update by manufacturer. The new part is the current service replacement.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019 (Early Production): TSB 18-007-19 REV A, which recommends a PCM software flash to fix P0615-64, specifically applies to vehicles built on or before May 07, 2019. Vehicles built after this date should already have the updated software from the factory.