Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

- Symptoms - Starting and Charging

SYMPTOMS - STARTING AND CHARGING

IMPORTANT: Review the system operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to the following:
- Battery Description and Operation
- Starting System Description and Operation
- Charging System Description and Operation

Visual/Physical Inspection
- Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of the starting, charging or ignition systems.
- Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
- Inspect the battery for correct installation and physical damage.
- Test the condition of the battery.
- Inspect the wiring for damage. Inspect the connections to the starter motor, the starter solenoid, the ignition switch, the battery and all related ground points.
- When the charging system is operating normally, the charge indicator lamp will come on when the ignition switch is turned on and will go out when the engine starts.
- Inspect the generator for loose or improper mounting and the generator drive belt for correct installation.
- Inspect the generator drive belt for correct installation.

Intermittent
Faulty electrical connections or wiring may be the cause of intermittent conditions.

Symptom List
Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom:
- Battery Inspection/Test
- Battery Charging
- Battery Electrical Drain/Parasitic Load Test
- Battery Common Causes of Failure
- Jump Starting in Case of Emergency
- Charging System Test
- Charge Indicator Always On
- Charge Indicator Inoperative
- Generator Noise Diagnosis
- Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
- Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank
- Engine Cranks Slowly
- Starter Motor Noise Diagnosis