Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Home >> Saturn >> 2009 >> Sky L4-2.4L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Starting and Charging >> Testing and Inspection >> Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures >> Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

Starter Solenoid Does Not Click




Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform theDiagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* ReviewStrategy 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.

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 sends a message to the engine control module (ECM) that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the clutch pedal is fully depressed or that the automatic transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 volts to the control circuit of the CRNK relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the crank relay to the starter solenoid.

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

* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Diagnostic Aids

On manual transmission vehicles, with the clutch fully depressed, the clutch pedal position sensor signals the ECM that conditions are acceptable for cranking. On automatic transmission vehicles, with the vehicle in Park or Neutral, the Park/Neutral Signal circuit is low. This indicates to the ECM that conditions are acceptable for cranking.

Circuit/System Verification

Automatic Transmission
1. Ignition ON, transmission in Park or Neutral, verify the scan tool ECM PNP Switch parameter reads Park/Neutral.

• If not the specified value refer to IMS Switch Circuit Malfunction.

2. Command the Starter Relay ON with a scan tool. The starter solenoid should engage and the engine should crank.

• If the solenoid does not engage, refer to Crank Relay Circuit Malfunction.
• If the solenoid engages but the engine does not crank, refer toStarter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank (Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank).

Manual Transmission
1. Ignition ON, verify that no starter relay, theft deterrent, or clutch pedal position sensor DTCs are set that would cause the ECM not to enable engine starting.

• If DTCs are set, refer toDiagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions).

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 toPower Mode Mismatch (Power Mode Mismatch).

3. With the transmission in neutral and clutch pedal fully depressed, verify the scan tool ECM Clutch Start Switch parameter displays Applied.

• If the ECM Clutch Start Switch parameter does not indicate Applied, refer toClutch Pedal Position Sensor Learn (Programming and Relearning).

4. With the transmission in neutral and clutch pedal fully depressed, attempt to start the vehicle. The crank relay should click and the engine should begin cranking.

• If the CRNK relay does not click or the engine does not crank, refer to Crank Relay Circuit Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

IMS Switch Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the AT Inline 20-Way Connector.
2. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool PNP Switch parameter displays In Gear.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 2 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

3. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the ignition circuit terminal 2 and ground. Verify the scan tool PNP Switch parameter reads Park/Neutral.

• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the IMS switch.

Crank Relay Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the crank relay.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5.0 ohms between the relay ground circuit terminal 85 and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the relay 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 NEUTRAL on manual transmissions or PARK on automatic transmissions.
5. Momentarily install a 40A 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.

6. Connect a test lamp between the coil control circuit terminal 86 and the coil ground circuit terminal 85.
7. With the transmission range selector in park or neutral on automatic transmissions or the clutch pedal fully depressed on manual transmissions cycle the ignition between the OFF and CRANK position.
8. 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.

9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the crank relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform theDiagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Starter Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Transmission Internal Electrical Harness Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Manual Shift Shaft Position Switch Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup and programming

pro multis · About Operation CHARM