Engine Electrical: Starting: Description

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 this service information 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. 

Certain starting system components are monitored by the PCM and may produce a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).