Section 221 (Starting System): Starting: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2004 Dodge Caravan, and 2004 Chrysler Town & Country. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The starting system consists of:

Starter relay
Starter motor (including an integral starter solenoid)
Other components to be considered as part of starting system are:
Battery
Battery cables
Ignition switch and key lock cylinder
Clutch pedal position switch (manual transmission)
Park/neutral position switch (automatic transmission)
Wire harnesses and connections.

The Battery, Starting, and Charging systems operate in conjunction with one another, and must be tested as a complete system. For correct operation of starting/charging systems, all components used in these 3 systems must perform within specifications. When attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.

The diagnostic procedures used in each of these groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be required.