Starting System

STARTING SYSTEM

The battery, starting, and charging systems operate in conjunction with one another, and must be tested as a complete system. For correct starting/charging system operation, all of the components involved in these three systems must perform within specifications.





INSPECTION

For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to Wiring Diagrams. Before removing any unit from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspections:

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, refer to restraint systems, before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.

- Battery - Visually inspect battery for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded cable connections. Determine state-of-charge and cranking capacity of battery. Charge or replace battery if required.
- Ignition Switch - Visually inspect ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
- Clutch Pedal Position Switch - If equipped with manual transmission, visually inspect clutch pedal position switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
- Park/Neutral Position Switch - If equipped with automatic transmission, visually inspect park/neutral position switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch.
- Starter Relay - The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to "no crank condition" in Computers and Control Systems - Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures. No Crank Condition
- Starter Motor - Visually inspect starter motor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
- Starter Solenoid - Visually inspect starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
- Wiring - Visually inspect wire harnesses for damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required.

TESTING

COLD CRANKING TEST

NOTE: For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to Battery.





1. Connect volt-ampere tester (1) and (2) to battery terminals. See instructions provided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being used.
2. Fully engage parking brake.
3. If equipped with manual transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Park position.
4. Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
5. To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove either the ignition run fuse, or the fuel pump control fuse.

WARNING: Attempt to start engine a few times before proceeding with following step.

NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current (amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery voltage reading.

6. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
a. If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to Starter Motor in Diagnosis and Testing. If starter motor is OK, refer to Engine Diagnosis in Engine for further testing of engine. If starter motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.
b. If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer to Feed Circuit Test.
c. If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor does not turn, refer to Control Circuit Testing.
d. If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor turns very slowly, refer to Feed Circuit Test.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST

The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method) will determine if there is excessive resistance in high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to Wiring Diagrams.

When performing these tests, it is important to remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of resistance between two points at which voltmeter probes are attached.

Example: When testing resistance of positive battery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid. If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable connector at starter solenoid, you are reading combined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-terminal post connection and positive battery cable.

The following operation will require a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests, be certain that following procedures are accomplished:

- Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to Battery.
- Fully engage parking brake.
- If equipped with manual transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Park position.
- Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
- To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay. The relays are located in Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.





7. Connect positive lead of voltmeter (1) to negative battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post.




8. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery positive cable clamp. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post.




9. Connect voltmeter to measure between battery positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery terminal stud. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.




10. Connect voltmeter to measure between negative battery terminal post and a good clean ground on engine block. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative battery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative battery cable.




11. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery terminal post. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to engine block ground contact.

CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING

The starter control circuit components should be tested in the order in which they are listed, as follows:

- Starter Relay - Refer to Starter Relay The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to "no crank condition" in Computers and Control Systems - Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures. No Crank Condition
- Starter Solenoid - Refer to Starter Motor Diagnosis and Testing.
- Ignition Switch - Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder
- Clutch Pedal Position Switch - If equipped with manual transmission, refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
- Park/Neutral Position Switch - If equipped with automatic transmission, refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch.
- Wire harnesses and connections - Refer to Wiring Diagrams.