Inspection and Verification

Starting System

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: Always disconnect the battery ground cable at the battery before disconnecting the starter motor battery terminal lead. If a tool is shorted at the starter motor battery terminal, the tool can quickly heat enough to cause a skin burn. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: The anti-theft system must be functioning correctly before a logical starting system diagnosis can be carried out. Address anti-theft system concerns before continuing. Refer to Antitheft and Alarm Systems.

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.

2. Remove the accessory drive belt. Verify the crankshaft and each of the components driven by the accessory drive belt rotate and are not seized or damaged.

3. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.

Visual Inspection Chart






4. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

5. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).


6. NOTE: The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC (Data Link Connector) are provided to the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module).
If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module) :

- check the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module) connection to the vehicle.

- check the scan tool connection to the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module).

- refer to - No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module).


7. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition is ON.
- The air bag warning indicator prove-out (other indicators may NOT prove ignition is ON) confirms ignition ON. If ignition does not turn ON, refer to Steering Column to diagnose no power in RUN.

- refer to Information Bus Inspection and Verification to establish a scan tool session (without the ignition ON). Inspection and Verification

- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.


8. Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Information Bus.

- If the network test passes, retrieve and record the Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs).


9. Carry out the self-test diagnostics for the PCM.

10. Turn the ignition OFF. The ignition must be OFF to perform a RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module self-test.

11. Carry out the self-test diagnostics for the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module (disregard RFA (Remote Function Actuator) DTC B10D7:31 if 2 Intelligent Access (IA) keys are not in the vehicle during on-demand self test).

12. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, GO to the PCM DTC Chart or GO to Remote Function Actuator (RFA) Module DTC Chart. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures Starting System