Starting System Test: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the Wiring Diagrams.

WARNING:

On vehicles equipped with airbags, refer to the passive restraint systems 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.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to the battery service information for more information. Charge or replace battery, if required.
	2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.	2. Refer to feed circuit resistance test and feed circuit test in this article.
	3. Starter relay faulty.	3. Refer to relay test, in this article. Replace relay, if necessary.
	4. Ignition switch faulty.	4. Refer to ignition switch test, in the steering service information or the appropriate wiring diagrams. Replace switch, if necessary.
	5. Park/neutral position switch (auto trans) faulty or mis-adjusted.	5. Refer to park/neutral position switch test, in the transmission service information. for more information. Replace switch, if necessary.
	6. Clutch interlock switch (man trans) faulty.	6. Refer to clutch pedal position switch test, in the clutch service information. Replace switch, if necessary.
	7. Starter solenoid faulty.	7. Refer to solenoid test, in this article. Replace starter assembly, if necessary.
	8. Starter assembly faulty.	8. If all other starting system components and circuits check ok, replace starter assembly.
	9. Faulty teeth on ring gear.	9. Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged.
	10. PCM double start override output failure.	10. Refer to PCM diagnostic. Check for continuity between PCM and terminal 85. Repair open circuit as required. If ok, PCM may be defective.
STARTER ENGAGES, FAILS TO TURN ENGINE.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to the battery service information for more information. Charge or replace battery as necessary.
	2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.	2. Refer to the feed circuit resistance test and the feed circuit test in this article. Repair as necessary.
	3. Starter assembly faulty.	3. If all other starting system components and circuits check ok, replace starter assembly.
	4. Engine seized.	4. Refer to the engine service information, for diagnostic and service procedures.
	5. Loose connection at battery, PDC (Diesel Only), TIPM, starter, or engine ground.	5. Inspect for loose connections.
	6. Faulty teeth on ring gear.	6. Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged.
STARTER ENGAGES, SPINS OUT BEFORE ENGINE STARTS.	1. Broken teeth on starter ring gear.	1. Remove starter. Inspect ring gear and replace if necessary.
	2. Starter assembly faulty.	2. If all other starting system components and circuits check ok, replace starter assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT DISENGAGE.	1. Starter improperly installed.	1. Install starter. Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque specifications.
	2. Starter relay faulty.	2. Refer to relay test, in this article. Replace relay, if necessary.
	3. Ignition switch faulty.	3. Refer to ignition switch test, in the steering service information. Replace switch, if necessary.
	4. Starter assembly faulty.	4. If all other starting system components and circuits check ok, replace starter assembly.
	5. Faulty teeth on ring gear.	5. Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged.