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Test A: Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Did you perform the DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE ELECTRICAL? If so, go to next step. If not, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE ELECTRICAL  in SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
  2. Turn the ignition to the START position. Is the Theft Indicator flashing? If so, go to THEFT DETERRENT DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK in DOOR LOCKS & ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. If not, go to next step.
  3. Turn the ignition to the START position. Does the starter solenoid click? If so, go to TEST B: STARTER SOLENOID CLICKS, ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK . If not, go to next step.
  4. Did the engine crank and run? If so, go to INTERMITTENTS  in SYMPTOMS - ENGINE ELECTRICAL under TROUBLE SHOOTING. If not, go to next step.
  5. Install a scan tool. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Place the transmission in Park or Neutral. With a scan tool, observe the TR SW. PARAMETER in the Transmission data list. Does the scan tool display Park or Neutral? If so, go to next step. If not, go to DIAGNOSTIC STARTING POINT - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION in appropriate AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION article in TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION.
  6. Turn the ignition to the START position. Measure the voltage drop between the B+ terminal of the battery and the crank voltage circuit of the starter solenoid. Is the voltage drop less than the specified value of 0.5V? If so, go to step  10. If not, go to next step.
  7. Turn the ignition to the START position. Measure the voltage drop between the B+ terminal of the battery and the crank voltage circuit of the PNP switch. Is the voltage drop less than the specified value of 0.5V? If so, go to next step. If not, go to step  9.
  8. Test the crank voltage circuit of the starter solenoid for a high resistance or an open. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  17. If not, go to step  11.
  9. Test the crank voltage circuit of the PNP switch for a high resistance or an open. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  17. If not, go to step  12.
  10. Inspect for poor connection at starter solenoid. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  17. If not, go to step  14.
  11. Inspect for poor connection at the PNP switch. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  17. If not, go to step  15.
  12. Inspect for poor connection at the ignition switch. Did you find and correct the condition? If so, go to step  17. If not, go to step  16.
  13. Repair the high resistance or open in the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit. After repair is complete, go to step  17.
  14. Replace the starter. See STARTER  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. After replacement is complete, go to step  17.
  15. Replace the PNP switch. See PARK/NEUTRAL POSITION SWITCH in SERVICING article in TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION. After replacement is complete, go to step  17.
  16. Replace the ignition switch. See IGNITION SWITCH in appropriate GAUGES & INSTRUMENT PANELS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. After replacement is complete, go to next step.
  17. Operate the system for which the symptom occurred. Did you correct the condition? If so, then system is okay. If not, go to step  2.
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