Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank
Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy 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.
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. Verify that battery is sufficiently charged and that the battery cables are clean and tight.
• If battery not sufficiently charged, refer to Battery Charging (Battery Charging) .
• If battery cables are not within specified range, refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications (Specifications) .
2. Turn the ignition switch to the start position. The starter solenoid should click.
• If starter solenoid does not click, refer to Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (Starter Solenoid Does Not Click)
3. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Water Pump and Generator Belt Replacement () for the 4.4L engine or Drive Belt Replacement (Drive Belt Replacement) for the 4.6L engine.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the START position.
• If the engine cranks, inspect the engine and belt drive system for mechanical binding, seized engine, or seized generator, etc.
• If the engine does not crank, refer to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate) for the 4.4L engine or Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate (Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate) for the 4.6L engine.
5. Using a DMM, measure between the positive battery cable and terminal B at the solenoid as the ignition switch is turned to the START position. Voltage should be less than 0.5 volt.
• If greater than the specified value, replace the positive battery cable.
6. Using a DMM, measure the negative battery cable to the starter motor case as the ignition switch is turned to the START position. Voltage should be less than 0.5 volt.
• If greater than the specified value, replace the negative battery cable.
7. If all circuits test normal, replace the starter motor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Battery Positive and Negative Cable Replacement (LC3) (Service and Repair)Battery Positive and Negative Cable Replacement (LH2) (Service and Repair)
* Starter Motor Replacement (LC3) (Service and Repair)Starter Motor Replacement (LH2) (Service and Repair)