2000 DODGE NEON ignition

Refer to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams. If OK go to
Step 7.
(7) Install interior lamp fuse. After installing fuse,
the current can reach 250 milliamperes. After time-
out the reading should not exceed 8 milliamperes. If
NOT OK go to Step 8. If OK go to Step 9.
²Ignition key lamp system
²Radio
²Remote keyless entry module, if equipped
(8) Disconnect radio and ignition switch key lamp
one component at time, to see if any component is at
fault. If the high reading is not eliminated there is a
short circuit in the wiring. Refer to Group 8W, Wir-
ing Diagrams.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the meter before
opening a door.
(9) Remove interior lamps fuse and install the fuel
pump fuse. The reading should be between 1-3 milli-
amperes. If reading is higher than 3 milliamperes:
(a) Disconnect Powertrain Control Module.
(b) If reading drops to zero, replace Powertrain
Control Module.
(c) If reading remains the same there is a cur-
rent draw or short circuit in the A14 circuit. Refer
to Group 8W, Wiring Diagrams.
BATTERY LOAD TEST
A fully charged battery must have cranking capac-
ity, to provide the starter motor and ignition system
enough power to start the engine over a broad range
of ambient temperatures. A battery load test will ver-
ify the actual cranking capability of the battery.WARNING: IF BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF FREEZ-
ING, LEAKING, LOOSE POSTS, OR EXCESSIVELY
LOW ELECTROLYTE LEVEL, DO NOT TEST. ACID
BURNS OR AN EXPLOSIVE CONDITION MAY
RESULT.
(1) Remove both battery cables, negative cable
first. The battery top, cables and posts should be
clean. If green dot is not visible in indicator, charge
the battery. Refer to Battery Charging Procedures in
this group.
(2) Connect a Volt/Ammeter/Load tester to the bat-
tery posts (Fig. 8). Rotate the load control knob of the
Carbon pile rheostat to apply a 300 amp load. Apply
this load for 15 seconds to remove the surface charge
from the battery, and return the control knob to off
(Fig. 9).
(3) Allow the battery to stabilize for 2 minutes,
and then verify open circuit voltage.
Fig. 7 Milliampere Meter Connection
1 ± NEGATIVE TERMINAL
2 ± MILLIAMPERE METER
3 ± PDC
4 ± AIR CLEANER HOUSING
5 ± NEGATIVE BATTERY POST
Fig. 8 Volt-Ammeter Load Tester Connections -
Typical
1 ± INDUCTION AMPMETER CLAMP
2 ± NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 ± POSITIVE CLAMP
Fig. 9 Remove Surface Charge From Battery
8A - 6 BATTERYPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
BATTERY
REMOVAL
WARNING: TO PROTECT THE HANDS FROM BAT-
TERY ACID, A SUITABLE PAIR OF HEAVY DUTY RUB-
BER GLOVES, NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE, SHOULD
BE WORN WHEN REMOVING OR SERVICING A BAT-
TERY. SAFETY GLASSES ALSO SHOULD BE WORN.
(1) Make sure ignition switch is in OFF position
and all accessories are OFF.
(2) Open hood.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable then the positive cable (Fig. 16).
(4) Remove thermowrap from battery.
(5) Loosen bolt and retainer that holds the battery
down to the tray.
(6) Lift battery out of battery tray and remove
from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
When replacing battery, the Thermowrap MUST be
transferred to the new battery. Refer to Battery Ther-
mowrap Removal and Installation in this section.
(1) Install battery in vehicle making sure that the
thermowrap is present and battery is properly posi-
tioned on battery tray.(2) Install battery hold down clamp, making sure
that it is properly positioned on battery.
(3)
Connect battery cable clamps to battery posts and
making sure top of clamp is flush or below with top of
post (Fig. 16). Install battery positive cable first.
(4) Tighten clamp nuts securely.
BATTERY THERMOWRAP
REMOVAL
(1) Open hood.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable then the positive cable (Fig. 16).
(3) Carefully lift the thermowrap off over the bat-
tery (Fig. 17) taking care not to rip it.
Fig. 16 Disconnect and Isolate the
Battery Negative Cable
1 ± NEGATIVE CABLE
2 ± NEGATIVE BATTERY POST
Fig. 17 Battery Thermowrap
1 ± BATTERY THERMOWRAP
2 ± BATTERY
8A - 10 BATTERYPL

STARTING SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION..........................1
SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND CONTROL CIRCUIT.....1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STARTER MOTOR.........................1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CONTROL CIRCUIT........................2
FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE................3
FEED CIRCUIT...........................5STARTING SYSTEM.......................6
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
SAFETY SWITCHES.......................8
STARTER MOTOR.........................8
STARTER RELAY.........................8
SPECIFICATIONS
STARTER MOTOR.........................9
TORQUE................................9
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
The starting system (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2) has:
²Ignition switch
²Starter relay
²Park/Neutral Starting Back-Up Lamp Switch
with automatic transmissions
²Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch with manual
transmissions
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for double
start over ride
²Wiring harness
²Battery
²Starter motor with an integral solenoid
These components form two separate circuits. A
high amperage circuit that feeds the starter motor up
to 300+ amps, and a control circuit that operates on
less than 20 amps.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls a
double start over ride safety that does not allow thestarter to be engaged if the engine is already run-
ning.
SUPPLY CIRCUIT AND CONTROL CIRCUIT
The starter system consists of two separate cir-
cuits:
²A high amperage supply to feed the starter
motor.
²A low amperage circuit to control the starter
solenoid.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
STARTER MOTOR
The starter is a permanent magnet starter motor.
The fields have six permanent magnets. A planetary
gear train transmits power between starter motor
and pinion shaft. The starter provides mechanical
torque to rotate the crankshaft at an RPM (crank
speed) necessary for self-sustained spark/ignition.Fig. 1 Starting System Components - Automatic
Fig. 2 Starting System Components - Manual
PLSTARTING SYSTEMS 8B - 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CONTROL CIRCUIT
The starter control circuit has:
²Starter solenoid
²Starter relay
²Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp
Switch with automatic transmissions
²Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch with manual
transmissions
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
²Double Start Override algorithm located in the
PCM
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
²To disable ignition and fuel systems, disconnect
the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The ASD relay
is located in the in the Power Distribution Center
(PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for the proper relay
location.
STARTER SOLENOID
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE
PARKING BRAKE APPLIED
(1) Verify battery condition. Battery must be in
good condition with a full charge before performing
any starter tests. Refer to Battery Tests.
(2) Perform Starter Solenoid test BEFORE per-
forming the starter relay test.
(3) Raise the vehicle.
(4) Perform a visual inspection of the starter/
starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or
faulty wiring.
(5) Lower the vehicle.
(6) Locate and remove the starter relay from the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC
label for relay identification and location.
(7) Connect a starter switch or a jumper wire
between the remote battery positive post and termi-
nal 87 of the starter relay connector.
(a) If engine cranks, starter motor and starter
solenoid is good. Go to the Starter Relay Test.(b) If engine does not crank or solenoid chatters,
check wiring and connectors from starter relay to
starter solenoid for loose or corroded connections.
Check for corroded connections at starter termi-
nals.
(c) Repeat test. If engine still fails to crank prop-
erly, trouble is within starter or starter mounted
solenoid, and replace starter.
STARTER RELAY
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION WITH THE
PARKING BRAKE APPLIED.
RELAY TEST
The starter relay is located in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. Refer
to the PDC label for relay identification and location.
Use the Starter Relay Pin Call-Out table and (Fig. 3)
for relay testing.
Remove the starter relay from the PDC as
described in this group to perform the following tests:
(1) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(2) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 7565 ohms. If OK, go to Step
3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Connect a battery B+ lead to terminals 86 and
a ground lead to terminal 85 to energize the relay.
The relay should click. Test for continuity between
terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity between ter-
minals 87A and 30. If OK, refer to Relay Circuit Test
procedure. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
Fig. 3 Starter Relay
8B - 2 STARTING SYSTEMSPL

STARTER RELAY PIN CALL-OUT
PIN CIRCUIT COLOR DESCRIPTION
1 (86) A041 YL IGNITION SWITCH OUTPUT (START)
2 (85) K090 TN PCM
3 (30) A001 RD FUSED B+
4 (87A) NOT USED
5 (87) T040 BR STARTER SOLENOID
RELAY CIRCUIT TEST
(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the PDC fuse as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be
continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87
and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the
starter solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is held in the START position. On
vehicles with a manual transmission, the clutch
pedal must be fully depressed for this test. Check for
battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86
with the ignition switch in the START position, and
no voltage when the ignition switch is released to the
ON position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK with an
automatic transmission, check for an open or short
circuit to the ignition switch and repair, if required.
If the circuit to the ignition switch is OK, see the
Ignition Switch Test procedure in this group. If not
OK with a manual transmission, check the circuit
between the relay and the clutch interlock/upstop
switch for an open or a short circuit. If the circuit is
OK, refer to the Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch
Diagnosis and Testing in Group 6-Clutch.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded
through the PCM only when the gearshift selector
lever is in the Park or Neutral positions. On vehicles
with a manual transmission, it is grounded through
the PCM when the clutch pedal is depressed. Check
for continuity to ground at the cavity for relay termi-
nal 85. If not OK, check for an open or short circuit
to the park/neutral starting and back-up lamp
switch, or the clutch interlock/upstop switch. Repair,
as necessary. If the circuit is OK, refer to the Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp Switch Removal
and Installation in Group 21-Transaxle. Testing is
located within the Removal and Installation proce-
dures.
SAFETY SWITCHES
For diagnosis of:
²Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch, refer to Diagno-
sis and Testing in Group 6-Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp
Switch, refer to Removal and Installation in Group
21-Transaxle. Testing is located within the Removal
and Installation procedures.
IGNITION SWITCH
After testing starter solenoid and relay, test igni-
tion switch and wiring. Check all wiring for opens or
shorts, and all connectors for being loose or corroded.
Refer to Group 8D-Ignition Systems, or Group
8W-Wiring Diagrams.
BATTERY
Refer to Group 8A-Battery for Diagnosis and Test-
ing of the battery.
ALL RELATED WIRING AND CONNECTORS
Refer to Group 8W-Wiring Diagrams.
FEED CIRCUIT RESISTANCE
Before proceeding with this operation, review Diag-
nostic Preparation and Starter Feed Circuit Tests.
The following operation will require a voltmeter,
accurate to 1/10 of a volt.
CAUTION: Ignition system also must be disabled to
prevent engine start while performing the following
tests.
(1) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay. The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(2) With all wiring harnesses and components
properly connected, perform the following:
PLSTARTING SYSTEMS 8B - 3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(a) Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative post, and positive lead to the
battery negative cable clamp (Fig. 4). Rotate and
hold the ignition switch in the START position.
Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, cor-
rect poor contact between cable clamp and post.
(b) Connect positive lead of the voltmeter to the
battery positive post, and negative lead to the bat-
tery positive cable clamp (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold
the ignition switch key in the START position.
Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, cor-
rect poor contact between the cable clamp and
post.
(c) Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery
negative terminal, and positive lead to engine
block near the battery cable attaching point (Fig.
5). Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt,
correct poor contact at ground cable attaching
point. If voltage reading is still above 0.2 volt after
correcting poor contacts, replace ground cable.
(3) Connect positive voltmeter lead to the starter
motor housing and the negative lead to the battery
negative terminal (Fig. 6). Hold the ignition switch
key in the START position. If voltage reads above 0.2
volt, correct poor starter to engine ground.(a) Connect the positive voltmeter lead to the
battery positive terminal, and negative lead to bat-
tery cable terminal on starter solenoid (Fig. 7).
Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the START
position. If voltage reads above 0.2 volt, correct
poor contact at battery cable to solenoid connec-
tion. If reading is still above 0.2 volt after correct-
ing poor contacts, replace battery positive cable.
(b) If resistance tests do not detect feed circuit
failures, replace the starter motor.
Fig. 4 Battery Connection Resistance
1 ± VOLTMETER
Fig. 5 Ground Circuit Resistance
1 ± NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE
Fig. 6 Starter Motor Ground Resistance
1 ± VOLTMETER
8B - 4 STARTING SYSTEMSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

FEED CIRCUIT
The following procedure will require a suitable
volt-ampere tester (Fig. 8).
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
(1) Connect a volt-ampere tester to the battery ter-
minals (Fig. 9). Refer to the operating instructions
provided with the tester being used.(2) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay. The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(3) Verify that all lights and accessories are OFF,
and the transmission shift selector is in the PARK
position or with the clutch pedal depressed and SET
parking brake.
CAUTION: Do not overheat the starter motor or
draw the battery voltage below 9.6 volts during
cranking operations.
(4) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Observe the volt-ampere tester (Fig.
8).
²If voltage reads above 9.6 volts, and amperage
draw reads above 280 amps, check for engine seizing
or faulty starter.
²If voltage reads 12.4 volts or greater and amper-
age reads 0 to 10 amps, check for corroded cables
and/or bad connections.
²If voltage is below 9.6 volts and amperage draw
is above 300 amps, the problem is the starter.
Replace the starter. Refer to Starter Removal and
Installation in this section.
(5) After the starting system problems have been
corrected, verify the battery state-of-charge and
charge battery if necessary. Disconnect all testing
equipment and connect the ASD relay. Start the vehi-
cle several times to assure the problem has been cor-
rected.
Fig. 7 Battery Positive Cable Resistance
1 ± VOLTMETER
Fig. 8 Volt Ampere Tester - Typical
Fig. 9 Volt-Ampere Tester Connections - Typical
1 ± POSITIVE CLAMP
2 ± NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 ± INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
PLSTARTING SYSTEMS 8B - 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

STARTING SYSTEM
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to
8W-21, Starting System in Group 8W-Wiring Dia-
grams.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
INSPECTION
Before removing any unit from the starting system
for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspec-
tions:
²Battery- Visually inspect the battery for indi-
cations 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 Group 8A-Battery
for more information.²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect the ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections.
²Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch- Visually
inspect the clutch interlock/upstop switch for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded wire
harness connections.
²Park/Neutral Starting and Back-Up Lamp
Switch- Visually inspect the park/neutral starting
and back-up lamp switch for indications of physical
damage and loose or corroded wire harness connec-
tions.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect the starter
relay for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect the starter
motorfor indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect the starter
solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect the wire harness for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required.
8B - 6 STARTING SYSTEMSPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)