Starting System Test: Notes

For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS .

WARNING:

On vehicles equipped with airbags, refer to the passive restraint systems. See 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.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to the BATTERY SYSTEM - 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 service information .
	3. Starter relay faulty.	3. Refer to RELAY TEST , in this service information . Replace relay, if necessary.
	4. Ignition switch faulty.	4. Refer to IGNITION SWITCH test, or SYSTEM 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 appropriate transaxle 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 appropriate service information . Replace switch, if necessary.
	7. Starter solenoid faulty.	7. Refer to STARTER SOLENOID test, in this service information . Replace starter assembly, if necessary.
	8. Starter assembly faulty.	8. If all other starting system components and circuits check okay, 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 the 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 ENGAGES, FAILS TO TURN ENGINE.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to the BATTERY SYSTEM - 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 service information . Repair as necessary.
	3. Starter assembly faulty.	3. If all other starting system components and circuits check okay, replace starter assembly.
	4. Engine seized.	4. Refer to the 2.4L ENGINE - SERVICE INFORMATION or 3.6L ENGINE - SERVICE INFORMATION for diagnostic and service procedures.
	5. Loose connection at battery, BCM, 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 service information . Replace relay, if necessary.
	3. Ignition switch faulty.	3. Refer to IGNITION SWITCH . Replace switch, if necessary.
	4. Starter assembly faulty.	4. If all other starting system components and circuits check okay, replace starter assembly.
	5. Faulty teeth on ring gear.	5. Rotate flywheel 360°, and inspect teeth and ring gear replaced if damaged.