PLE:When testing the resistance of the battery pos-
itive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the battery
positive cable terminal clamp and to the battery pos-
itive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid
B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery positive
terminal post and the battery positive cable eyelet
terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud,
you are reading the combined voltage drop in the
battery positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal
post connection and the battery positive cable.
VOLTAGE DROP TEST
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²The battery is fully-charged and load tested.
Refer to Standard Procedures for the proper battery
charging and load test procedures.
²Fully engage the parking brake.
²If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the
Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a man-
ual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in
the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the
fully depressed position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent the engine from starting, remove the
Automatic Shut Down (ASD) relay. The ASD relay is
located in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), in the
engine compartment. See the fuse and relay layout
label affixed to the underside of the IPM cover for
ASD relay identification and location.
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative terminal post. Connect the neg-
ative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative
cable terminal clamp (Fig. 13). Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the poor con-
nection between the battery negative cable terminal
clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
(2) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery positive terminal post. Connect the nega-
tive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive cable
terminal clamp (Fig. 14). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct the poor connection
between the battery positive cable terminal clamp
and the battery positive terminal post.
(3) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive cable terminal clamp and the starter
solenoid B(+) terminal stud (Fig. 15). Rotate and hold
the ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and
tighten the battery positive cable eyelet terminal con-nection at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery positive cable.
(4) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and a good
clean ground on the engine block (Fig. 16). Rotate
and hold the ignition switch in the Start position.
Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2
volt, clean and tighten the battery negative cable
eyelet terminal connection to the engine block.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery negative cable.
Fig. 13 TEST BATTERY NEGATIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 14 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CONNECTION
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
RGBATTERY SYSTEM8Fa-17
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
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, IN THIS SECTION. REPLACE
RELAY, IF NECESSARY.
3. IGNITION SWITCH
FAULTY.3. REFER TO IGNITION SWITCH TEST, IN THE STEERING
SECTION. 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 360É, AND INSPECT TEETH AND RING
GEAR REPLACED IF DAMAGED.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CONTROL
CIRCUIT TEST
The starter control circuit has:
²Starter motor with integral solenoid
²Starter relay
²Transmission range sensor, or Park/Neutral
Position switch with automatic transmissions
²Ignition switch
²Battery
²All related wiring and connections
²Powertrain Control Module (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 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) Perform a visual inspection of the starter/
starter solenoid for corrosion, loose connections or
faulty wiring.
(4) Locate and remove the starter relay from the
Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to the PDC
label for relay identification and location.
(5) Connect a remote starter switch or a jumper
wire between the remote battery positive post and
terminal 87 of the starter relay connector.
(a) If engine cranks, starter/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.
Particularly at starter terminals.
(c) Repeat test. If engine still fails to crank prop-
erly, trouble is within starter or starter mounted
solenoid, and replace starter. Inspect the ring gear
teeth.
STARTER RELAY
WARNING: CHECK TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANS-
MISSION IS IN THE PARK/NEUTRAL 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.
8Fa - 34 STARTINGRG
STARTING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
tion. If that checks OK check for continuity between
PCM and the terminal 85. Repair open circuit as
required. If OK, the PCM may be defective.
SAFETY SWITCHES
For diagnostics of the Transmission Range Sensor,
refer to the Transaxle section for more information.
If equipped with Clutch Interlock/Upstop Switch,
refer to Diagnosis and Testing in the Clutch section.
IGNITION SWITCH
After testing starter solenoid and relay, test igni-
tion switch and wiring. Refer to the Ignition Section
or Wiring Diagrams for more information. Check all
wiring for opens or shorts, and all connectors for
being loose or corroded.
BATTERY
For battery diagnosis and testing, refer to the Bat-
tery section for procedures.
ALL RELATED WIRING AND CONNECTORS
Refer to Wiring Diagrams for more information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
RESISTANCE TEST
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 and Fuel systems must be dis-
abled to prevent engine start while performing the
following tests.
(1) To disable the Ignition and Fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(2) Gain access to battery terminals.
(3) With all wiring harnesses and components
properly connected, perform the following:
(a) Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative post, and positive lead to the
battery negative cable clamp. Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the START position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor con-
tact 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. Rotate and hold the igni-
tion switch key in the START position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor con-
tact 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.
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 correct-
ing poor contacts, replace ground cable.
(4) Connect positive voltmeter lead to the starter
motor housing and the negative lead to the battery
negative terminal. 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. 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 connection. If reading is
still above 0.2 volt after correcting poor contacts,
replace battery positive cable.
(b) If resistance tests do not detect feed circuit
failures, replace the starter motor.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - FEED CIRCUIT
TEST
NOTE: The following results are based upon the
vehicle being at room temperature.
The following procedure will require a suitable
volt-ampere tester (Fig. 3).
CAUTION: Before performing any starter tests, the
ignition and fuel systems must be disabled.
(1) Check battery before performing this test. Bat-
tery must be fully charged.
(2) Connect a volt-ampere tester to the battery ter-
minals. Refer to the operating instructions provided
with the tester being used.
Fig. 3 Volt Ampere Tester
8Fa - 36 STARTINGRG
STARTING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(3) To disable the ignition and fuel systems, dis-
connect the Automatic Shutdown Relay (ASD). The
ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Cen-
ter (PDC). Refer to the PDC cover for proper relay
location.
(4) Verify that all lights and accessories are OFF,
and the transmission shift selector is in the PARK
and SET parking brake.
CAUTION: Do not overheat the starter motor or
draw the battery voltage below 9.6 volts during
cranking operations.
(5) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the
START position. Observe the volt-ampere tester (Fig.
3).
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.
²Voltage below 9.6 volts and amperage draw
above 300 amps, the problem is the starter. Replace
the starter refer to starter removal.
(6) 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 ASD relay. Start the vehicle
several times to assure the problem has been cor-
rected.SPECIFICATIONS
STARTER
MANUFACTURER NIPPONDENSO
Engine Application 2.4L /3.3/3.8L
Power rating 1.2 Kw
Voltage 12 VOLTS
No. of Fields 4
No. of Poles 4
Brushes 4
Drive Conventional Gear Train
Free running Test
Voltage 11
Amperage Draw 73 Amp
Minimum Speed 3401 RPM
SolenoidClosing Voltage 7.5 Volts
Cranking Amperage Draw
test150 - 200 Amps.
Engine should be up to operating temperature.
Extremely heavy oil or tight engine will increase
starter amperage draw.
Torques
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Starter Mounting Bolts 47.4 35
Starter Solenoid Battery Nut 11.3 8.3 100
RGSTARTING8Fa-37
STARTING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
(4) Disconnect the solenoid connector (Fig. 10).
(5) Turn front wheels to the left and use long
extension to reach the upper mounting bolt (Fig. 11).
(6) Remove the ground wires from the upper
mounting bolt.
(7) Remove the upper mounting bolt.
(8) Remove the middle mounting bolts (Fig. 12).(9) Remove the lower mounting bolt (Fig. 13).
(10) Remove starter.
REMOVAL - 2.5L
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Raise vehicle and support.
(3) Remove the lower engine splash shield.
(4) Remove the electrical connectors from the
starter (Fig. 14).
Fig. 11 STARTER BOLTS AND STUD
Fig. 12 MIDDLE BOLT
Fig. 13 LOWER BOLT
Fig. 14 STARTER LOCATION
8Fa - 40 STARTINGRG
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
²Heated Seat Switch- Two heated seat
switches are used per vehicle, one for the driver and
one for the passenger side front seats. The switches
are mounted to in the instrument panel center stack.
Refer to the description of the heated seat switch
later in this section for additional information.
Hard wired circuitry connects the heated seat sys-
tem components to each other through the electrical
system of the vehicle. These hard wired circuits are
integral to several wire harnesses, which are routed
throughout the vehicle and retained by many differ-
ent methods. These circuits may be connected to each
other, to the vehicle electrical system and to the
heated seat system components through the use of a
combination of soldered splices and splice block con-
nectors. Refer to Wiring for complete system wiring
schematics. The wiring information also includes the
proper wire and connector repair procedures, further
details on wire harness routing and retention, as well
as pin-out and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
OPERATION
The heated seat system components operate on
battery current received through a fuse in the Inte-
grated Power Module (IPM) on a fused ignition
switch output (run-acc) circuit so that the system willonly operate when the ignition switch is in the On or
Accessory positions. The heated seat system will be
turned Off automatically whenever the ignition
switch is turned to any position except On or Acces-
sory. Also, the heated seat system will not operate
when the surface temperature of the seat cushion
cover at either heated seat sensor is above the
designed temperature set points of the system. The
heated seat system has a self-diagnostic capability.
When certain failures are detected within the heated
seat system, the system will provide a visual indica-
tion of the failure by flashing the Light Emitting
Diode (LED) indicator lamps located in the heated
seat switches. See the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box for more information on the features, use
and operation of the heated seat system.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED SEAT
SYSTEM
Refer toWiring Diagramsfor complete wiring
schematics. The wiring information also includes the
proper wire and connector repair procedures, further
details on wire harness routing and retention, as well
as pin-out and location views for the various wire
harness connectors, splices and grounds.
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
NO HEATED SEAT SWITCH
ILLUMINATION WITH
IGNITION ON (SYSTEM ON)1. Faulty fuse 1. Check heated seat fuse in Integrated Power
Module. Replace fuse, repair short if required.
2. Faulty components 2. Refer to individual Heated Seat System
components for the proper diagnosis and testing
procedures.
3. Ground faulty 3. Check for ground at heated seat switch and
module. Repair, if required.
4. Wiring faulty 4. Check fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
circuits at switch and module. Repair, if required.
8G - 8 HEATED SEAT SYSTEMRS
HEATED SEAT SYSTEM (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
DRIVER HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are mounted in the
instrument panel center bezel (Fig. 2). The two three-
position rocker-type switches, one switch for each
front seat, are incorporated into one large switch
assembly that also includes the hazard, rear window
wiper and washer switches. The heated seat switches
provide a resistor multiplexed signal to the Heated
Seat Module (HSM) through separate hard wired cir-
cuits. Each switch has an Off, Low, and High position
so that both the driver and the front seat passenger
can select a preferred seat heating mode. Each
switch has two Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) which
light to indicate that the heater for the seat is turned
on.
The heated seat switches and their LEDs cannot
be repaired. If either switch or LED is faulty or dam-
aged, the entire switch assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three positions that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, or High.
When the left side of the switch rocker is fully
depressed, the Low position is selected and the low
position LED indicator illuminates. When the right
side of the switch rocker is fully depressed, the High
position is selected and the high position LED indi-cator illuminates. When the switch rocker is moved
to its neutral position (middle), Off is selected and
both LED indicators are extinguished.
Both switches provide separate resistor multi-
plexed hard wire inputs to the Heated Seat Module
(HSM) to indicate the selected switch position. The
heated seat module responds to the heated seat
switch status messages by controlling the output to
the seat heater elements of the selected seat. The
Low heat position set point is about 36É C (97É F),
and the High heat position set point is about 41É C
(105É F).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DRIVER HEATED
SEAT SWITCH
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring
Diagrams.
WARNING: REFER TO THE RESTRAINTS SECTION
OF THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT 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.
CHECKING SWITCH SIGNAL AND WIRING AT THE
MODULE
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Access and disconnect the gray 4-way connector
from the heated seat module. Visually inspect wiring
terminals for damage that would prevent positive
connection. If not OK, repair or replace the necessary
components.
(3) Reconnect the negative battery cable and Turn
heated seat ON in the LO position. Using an Ohm-
meter, check the resistance between cavities 2 and 3
of the gray connector noted above. Resistance should
be about 3.5 kiloohms (3500 ohms). If not OK, check
resistance directly at switch, as noted below. If OK,
proceed. If NOT OK replace the switch or faulty wir-
ing.
(4) Turn heated seat ON in the HI position. Using
an Ohmmeter, check the resistance between cavities
2 and 3 of the gray connector noted above. Resistance
should be about 1.4 kiloohms (1400 ohms). If not OK,
check resistance directly at switch, as noted below. If
OK, proceed. If NOT OK replace the switch or faulty
wiring.
(5) With the system ON in the HI position, Check
for battery voltage and ground at cavities 4 and 1. If
OK, proceed with testing remaining components. If
NOT OK, repair open or wiring short.
Fig. 2 HEATED SEAT SWITCH LOCATION
1 - HEATED SEAT SWITCHES
RSHEATED SEAT SYSTEM8G-9
ProCarManuals.com
PASSENGER HEATED SEAT
SWITCH
DESCRIPTION
The heated seat switches are mounted in the
instrument panel center bezel (Fig. 6). The two three-
position rocker-type switches, one switch for each
front seat, are incorporated into one large switch
assembly that also includes the hazard, rear window
wiper and washer switches. The heated seat switches
provide a resistor multiplexed signal to the Heated
Seat Module (HSM) through separate hard wired cir-
cuits. Each switch has an Off, Low, and High position
so that both the driver and the front seat passenger
can select a preferred seat heating mode. Each
switch has two Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) which
light to indicate that the heater for the seat is turned
on.
The heated seat switches and their LEDs cannot
be repaired. If either switch or LED is faulty or dam-
aged, the entire switch assembly must be replaced.
OPERATION
There are three positions that can be selected with
each of the heated seat switches: Off, Low, or High.
When the left side of the switch rocker is fully
depressed, the Low position is selected and the low
position LED indicator illuminates. When the right
side of the switch rocker is fully depressed, the High
position is selected and the high position LED indi-cator illuminates. When the switch rocker is moved
to its neutral position (middle), Off is selected and
both LED indicators are extinguished.
Both switches provide separate resistor multi-
plexed hard wire inputs to the Heated Seat Module
(HSM) to indicate the selected switch position. The
heated seat module responds to the heated seat
switch status messages by controlling the output to
the seat heater elements of the selected seat. The
Low heat position set point is about 36É C (97É F),
and the High heat position set point is about 41É C
(105É F).
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PASSENGER
HEATED SEAT SWITCH
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toWiring
Diagrams.
WARNING: REFER TO THE RESTRAINTS SECTION
OF THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, SEAT 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.
CHECKING SWITCH SIGNAL AND WIRING AT THE
MODULE
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Access and disconnect the gray 4-way connector
from the heated seat module. Visually inspect wiring
terminals for damage that would prevent positive
connection. If not OK, repair or replace the necessary
components.
(3) Reconnect the negative battery cable and Turn
heated seat ON in the LO position. Using an Ohm-
meter, check the resistance between cavities 2 and 3
of the gray connector noted above. Resistance should
be about 3.5 kiloohms (3500 ohms). If not OK, check
resistance directly at switch, as noted below. If OK,
proceed. If NOT OK replace the switch or faulty wir-
ing.
(4) Turn heated seat ON in the HI position. Using
an Ohmmeter, check the resistance between cavities
2 and 3 of the gray connector noted above. Resistance
should be about 1.4 kiloohms (1400 ohms). If not OK,
check resistance directly at switch, as noted below. If
OK, proceed. If NOT OK replace the switch or faulty
wiring.
(5) With the system ON in the HI position, Check
for battery voltage and ground at cavities 4 and 1. If
OK, proceed with testing remaining components. If
NOT OK, repair open or wiring short.
Fig. 6 HEATED SEAT SWITCH LOCATION
1 - HEATED SEAT SWITCHES
RSHEATED SEAT SYSTEM8G-13
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