General Information - Engine Electrical System: Troubleshooting
Ignition System
TROUBLESHOOTING SYMPTOM CHART - IGNITION SYSTEM
| Symptom | Suspect area | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not start or is hard to start (Cranks OK) | Ignition lock | switch Inspect ignition lock switch, or replace as required |
| Ignition coil | Inspect ignition coil, or replace as required | |
| Spark plugs | Inspect spark plugs, or replace as required | |
| Ignition wiring disconnected or broken | Repair wiring, or replace as required, seeREPAIR PROCEDURES | |
| Rough idle or stalls | Ignition wiring | Repair wiring, or replace as required, see REPAIR PROCEDURES |
| Ignition coil | Inspect ignition coil, or replace as required | |
| Engine hesitates/poor acceleration | Spark plugs and spark plug cables | Inspect spark plugs/cable, or replace as required |
| Ignition wiring | Repair wiring, or replace as required, seeREPAIR PROCEDURES | |
| Poor mileage | Spark plugs and spark plug cables | Inspect spark plugs/cable, or replace as required |
Charging System
TROUBLESHOOTING SYMPTOM CHART - CHARGING SYSTEM
| Symptom | Suspect area | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Charging warning indicator does not light with ignition switch "ON" and engine off. | Fuse blown | Check fuses |
| Light burned out | Replace light | |
| Wiring connection loose | Tighten loose connection | |
| Electronic voltage regulator | Replace voltage regulator | |
| Charging warning indicator does not go out with engine running. (Battery requires frequent recharging) | Drive belt loose or worn | Adjust belt tension or replace belt |
| Battery cable loose, corroded or worn | Inspect cable connection, repair or replace cable, see BATTERY | |
| Electronic voltage regulator or alternator | Replace voltage regulator or alternator | |
| Wiring | Repair or replace wiring, see BATTERY | |
| Overcharge | Electronic voltage regulator | Replace voltage regulator |
| Voltage sensing wire | Repair or replace wiring, see ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| Discharge | Drive belt loose or worn | Adjust belt tension or replace belt |
| Wiring connection loose or short circuit | Inspect wiring connection, repair or replace wiring, see ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| Electronic voltage regulator or alternator | Replace voltage regulator or alternator | |
| Poor grounding | Inspect ground or repair, see ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION | |
| Worn battery | Replace battery |
Starting System
TROUBLESHOOTING SYMPTOM CHART - STARTING SYSTEM
| Symptom | Suspect area | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Engine will not crank | Battery charge low | Charge or replace battery |
| Battery cables loose, corroded or worn out | Repair or replace cables, see BATTERY | |
| Transaxle range switch (Vehicle with automatic transaxle only) | Refer to REPAIR PROCEDURES (A5HF1) | |
| Fuse blown | Replace fuse | |
| Starter motor faulty | Replace | |
| Ignition switch faulty | Replace | |
| Engine cranks slowly | Battery charge low | Charge or replace battery |
| Battery cables loose, corroded or worn out | Repair or replace cables, see BATTERY | |
| Starter motor faulty | Replace | |
| Starter keeps running | Starter motor | Replace |
| Ignition switch | Replace | |
| Starter spins but engine will not crank | Short in wiring | Repair wiring, see STARTING SYSTEM |
| Pinion gear teeth broken or starter motor | Replace | |
| Ring gear teeth broken | Replace fly wheel or torque converter |