Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (Automatic M30)
Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (Automatic M30)
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions 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 provides 12 V to energize the Run/Crank relay. The Run/Crank relay sends a 12 V signal to the ECM that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 V to the control circuit of the STRTR relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the STRTR relay to terminal A X1 of the starter solenoid.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Starting and Charging Schematics Electrical Diagrams
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Connector End Views By Name
Description and Operation
Starting System Description and Operation Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Control Module References 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 ECM to disable starting.
• If DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool ECM Crank Request Signal parameter. Place ignition switch in the crank position, the parameter should display Yes.
• If not the specified value, refer to Power Mode Mismatch Power Mode Mismatch.
3. Transmission in park, verify the scan tool ECM PNP Switch parameter displays Park/Neutral.
• If the ECM PNP Switch parameter does not indicate Park/Neutral. Refer to ECM Park Switch Circuit Malfunction.
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 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 OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 Ohms between the ground circuit terminal 86 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. Ensure the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in PARK. Momentarily install a 40 A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control output circuit terminal 87. 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.
5. Connect a test lamp between the coil control circuit terminal 85 and the coil ground circuit terminal 86.
6. With the transmission range selector in park or neutral, cycle the ignition key between the OFF and CRANK position. 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 voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
7. 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 Replacement Service and Repair
* Starter Replacement (LLV/LLR) Service and RepairStarter Replacement (LH8) Starter Replacement (LH8)
* Control Module References Control Module References for ECM replacement, programming and setup