Starting System - Inspection/Verification

WARNING:

Always disconnect the battery ground cable at the battery before disconnecting the starter motor battery terminal lead. If a tool is shorted at the starter motor battery terminal, the tool can quickly heat enough to cause a skin burn. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE:

The anti-theft system must be functioning correctly before a logical starting system diagnosis can be carried out. Address anti-theft system concerns before continuing.

Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.

Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.

Visual Inspection Chart

VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

Mechanical	Electrical
Starter motor Starter motor bolts Flexplate Flywheel	Battery Battery junction box (BJB) fuses: 11 (30A) 125A MIDI Smart junction box (SJB) fuse 27 (20A) Wiring harness Starter relay Anti-theft system Loose or corroded connections

If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
NOTE:
- Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:
- check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM.
- see COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - TROUBLESHOOTING , No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the scan tool.
NOTE:
- The vehicle communication module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.
If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
- see COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - TROUBLESHOOTING , to diagnose no response from the PCM.
Carry out the network test.
If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, see COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - TROUBLESHOOTING . If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory DTCs.
Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the PCM.
If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, see STARTING SYSTEM DTC CHART . For all other DTCs, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) CHART - B, C AND U CODES .
If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, see SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - STARTING SYSTEM .