Starting System: Description and Operation

Starting System

Before removing any unit from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspections:


On vehicles equipped with airbags, refer to General Information , 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.

• 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.

• Starter relay - The starter relay is located within the totally integrated power module.

• 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.