P0817: Starter Disable Circuit/Open

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.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If it starts normally you can keep driving, but avoid stopping anywhere you could not get help, because it might not restart.

Symptoms

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

Most 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

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Check the battery voltage
Check the continuity of the wire between the component and the control module.
Try another key, if you have one
Check the fuses and the starter relay
Check the wiring and the signal to the starter motor

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium

What each character of P0817 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
8: Transmission
17: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0817?

If it starts normally you can keep driving, but avoid stopping anywhere you could not get help, because it might not restart.

What causes code P0817?

The most common causes are: starter disable wire to the body module open or shorted; connector corroded or pins pushed back; transmission module with built-in range switch faulty.

Related codes

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.