Starting System Test: Notes
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the appropriate Wiring Diagrams.
WARNING:
On vehicles equipped with airbags, refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION before attempting 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.
STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSE | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE | Battery discharged or faulty | Refer to BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION for more information. Charge or replace battery, if required. |
| Starting circuit wiring faulty | Refer to FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST . | |
| Starter relay faulty | Refer to RELAY TEST . Replace relay, if necessary. | |
| Ignition switch faulty | Test and replace ignition switch if necessary. See appropriate Wiring Diagram information. | |
| Clutch interlock switch | Refer to SWITCH, CLUTCH STARTER INTERLOCK . Replace switch, if necessary. | |
| Starter solenoid faulty. | Refer to STARTER SOLENOID . Replace starter assembly, if necessary. | |
| Starter assembly faulty. | If all other starting system components and circuits check OK, replace starter assembly. | |
| Faulty teeth on ring gear. | Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged. | |
| PCM double start override output failure. | Refer to PCM diagnostic. Refer to appropriate Testing & Diagnostics article in Engine Performance. Check for continuity between PCM and terminal 85. Repair open circuit as required. If OK, PCM may be defective. | |
| Starter button. | Inspect and test, if bad replace starter button. | |
| STARTER ENGAGES, FAILS TO TURN ENGINE | Battery discharged or faulty. | Refer to the BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION for more information. Charge or replace battery as necessary. |
| Starting circuit wiring faulty | Refer to the FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST . Repair as necessary. | |
| Starter assembly faulty. | If all other starting system components and circuits check OK, replace starter assembly. | |
| Engine seized. | Refer to 8.4L ENGINE - SERVICE INFORMATION , for diagnostic and service procedures. | |
| Loose connection at battery, PDC, starter, or engine ground. | Inspect for loose connections. | |
| Faulty teeth on ring gear. | Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged. | |
| STARTER ENGAGES, SPINS OUT BEFORE ENGINE STARTS | Broken teeth on starter ring gear. | Remove starter. Inspect ring gear and replace if necessary. |
| Starter assembly faulty. | If all other starting system components and circuits check OK, replace starter assembly. | |
| STARTER DOES NOT DISENGAGE | Starter improperly installed. | Install starter. Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque specifications. |
| Starter relay faulty. | Refer to STARTER RELAY . Replace relay, if necessary. | |
| Ignition switch faulty. | Test and replace ignition switch if necessary. See appropriate Wiring Diagram information. | |
| Starter assembly faulty. | If all other starting system components and circuits check OK, replace starter assembly. | |
| Faulty teeth on ring gear. | Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged. | |
| Starter button | Inspect and test, if bad replace starter button. |