Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (L26/3.8L)
Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (L26/3.8L)
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* ReviewStrategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the START position. The BCM then sends a message to the powertrain control module (PCM) that crank has been requested. The PCM then verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the PCM then supplies a ground to the control circuit of the starter relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the starter relay to the starter solenoid.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Starting and Charging Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Starting System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, verify that no starter relay, theft deterrent, or automatic transmission DTCs are set that would cause the PCM not to enable engine starting.
• If DTCs are set, Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions).
2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool BCM Current Power Mode parameter. Place ignition switch in the crank position, the parameter should display Crank Request.
• If not the specified value, Refer to Power Mode Mismatch (Power Mode Mismatch).
3. Transmission range selector in park , verify the scan tool PCM IMS parameters display Park/Neutral.
• If the PCM IMS parameter does not indicate Park/Neutral. Refer to Range Selector Displays Incorrect Range (Range Selector Displays Incorrect Range).
4. Transmission range selector in park or neutral, attempt to start the vehicle. The starter relay should click and the engine should begin cranking.
• If the starter relay does not click or the engine does not crank, Refer to Starter Relay Circuit Malfunction.
Circuit/System Testing
Starter Relay Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the starter relay.
2. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil B+ circuit terminal 85 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ circuit terminal 87 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. Connect a test lamp between the relay coil control circuit terminal 86 and the relay coil B+ circuit terminal 85.
5. With the transmission range selector in park or neutral, cycle the ignition between the OFF and CRANK position.
6. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM.
7. Ensure the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in PARK. Momentarily install a 40A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 87 and the control output circuit terminal 30. The starter solenoid should engage and the engine should begin cranking.
• If the solenoid does not engage, test the control output circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the starter motor.
8. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the starter relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Manual Shift Detent Lever with Shaft Position Switch Assembly Removal (Overhaul)
* Starter Motor Replacement (RPO L26/3.8L) (Service and Repair)Starter Motor Replacement (RPO LD8) ()
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for PCM replacement, setup and programming