Starting System Test: Inspection

Before removing any unit from the starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspections:

Battery - Visually inspect the battery for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace the battery, if required. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE for more information.
Ignition Switch - Visually inspect the ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Transmission Range Sensor or Park/Neutral Switch - Visually inspect the transmission range sensor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Starter Relay - Visually inspect the starter relay for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Starter Motor - Visually inspect the starter motor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Starter Solenoid - Visually inspect the starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Wiring - Visually inspect the wire harness for damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required. Check for loose or corroded wire harness connections at main engine ground and remote jump post.

STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSE	CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE for more information. Charge or replace battery, if required.
	2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.	2. Refer to FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST .
	3. Starter relay faulty.	3. Refer to RELAY TEST . Replace relay, if necessary.
	4. Ignition switch faulty.	4. Refer to IGNITION SWITCH wiring diagrams. Replace switch, if necessary.
	5. Park/neutral position switch (auto trans) faulty or mis-adjusted.	5. Refer to appropriate park/neutral position switch test in the transaxle information. Replace switch, if necessary.
	6. Clutch interlock switch (man trans) faulty.	6. Refer to appropriate clutch pedal position switch test, in the clutch information. Replace switch, if necessary.
	7. Starter solenoid faulty.	7. Refer to STARTER SOLENOID . 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 appropriate 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 STANDARD PROCEDURE for more information. Charge or replace battery as necessary.
	2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.	2. Refer to FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST and the feed circuit test . 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 2.4L ENGINE - SERVICE INFORMATION or 3.6L 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 . Replace relay, if necessary.
	3. Ignition switch faulty.	3. Refer to appropriate ignition switch test information in the steering 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.