Starting System: Notes

The battery, starting, and charging systems operate in conjunction with one another, and must be tested as a complete system. For correct starting/charging system operation, all of the components involved in these three systems must perform within specifications.

Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSE	CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO OPERATE.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION . Charge or replace battery, if required.
	2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.	2. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . Test and repair starter feed and/or control circuits, if required.
	3. Starter relay faulty.	3. The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to "no crank condition" in STARTING - ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS .
	4. Ignition switch faulty.	4. Refer to IGNITION SWITCH and KEY CYLINDER Replace ignition switch if required.
	5. Clutch pedal position switch faulty.	5. Refer to SWITCH-CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION .
	6. Park/Neutral position switch faulty or misadjusted.	6. Refer to TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR . Replace park/neutral position switch if required.
	7. Starter solenoid faulty.	7. Refer to MOTOR - STARTER . Replace starter motor assembly if required.
	8. Starter motor faulty.	8. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor.
STARTER ENGAGES, FAILS TO TURN ENGINE.	1. Battery discharged or faulty.	1. Refer to BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION . Charge or replace battery if required.
	2. Starting circuit wiring faulty.	2. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS . Test and repair starter feed and/or control circuits if required.
	3. Starter motor faulty.	3. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor assembly.
	4. Engine seized.	4. Refer to the 3.8L - SERVICE INFORMATION article.
STARTER ENGAGES, SPINS OUT BEFORE ENGINE STARTS.	1. Starter ring gear faulty.	1. Refer to MOTOR - STARTER . Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring gear. Replace starter ring gear if required.
STARTER ENGAGES, SPINS OUT BEFORE ENGINE STARTS.	2. Starter motor faulty.	2. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT DISENGAGE.	1. Starter motor improperly installed.	1. Refer to MOTOR - STARTER . Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque specifications.
	2. Starter relay faulty.	2. The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to "no crank condition" in STARTING - ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS .
	3. Ignition switch faulty.	3. Refer to IGNITION SWITCH and KEY CYLINDER . Replace ignition switch if required.
	4. Starter motor faulty.	4. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor.