BATTERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
THE BATTERY STATE OF
CHARGE CANNOT BE
MAINTAINED.1. The battery has an
incorrect size or rating for
this vehicle.1. Refer to Battery System Specifications for the
proper specifications. Replace an incorrect
battery, as required.
2. The battery terminal
connections are loose or
corroded.2. Refer to Battery Cable for the proper cable
diagnosis and testing procedures. Clean and
tighten the battery terminal connections, as
required.
3. The electrical system
ignition-off draw is excessive.3. Refer to the IGNITION-OFF DRAW TEST
Standard Procedure for the proper test
procedures. Repair the faulty electrical system, as
required.
4. The battery is faulty. 4. Test the battery using the Micro 420 battery
tester. Refer to Standard Procedures for
additional test procedures. Replace the faulty
battery, as required.
5. The starting system is
faulty.5. Determine if the starting system is performing
to specifications. Refer to Starting System for the
proper starting system diagnosis and testing
procedures. Repair the faulty starting system, as
required.
6. The charging system is
faulty.6. Determine if the charging system is performing
to specifications using the Micro 420 battery.
Refer to Charging System for additional charging
system diagnosis and testing procedures. Repair
the faulty charging system, as required.
7. Electrical loads exceed the
output of the charging
system.7. Inspect the vehicle for aftermarket electrical
equipment which might cause excessive electrical
loads.
8. Slow driving or prolonged
idling with high-amperage
draw systems in use.8. Advise the vehicle operator, as required.
THE BATTERY WILL NOT
ACCEPT A CHARGE.1. The battery is faulty. 1. Test the battery using the Micro 420 battery
tester. Charge or replace the faulty battery, as
required.
ABNORMAL BATTERY DISCHARGING
Any of the following conditions can result in abnor-
mal battery discharging:
1. A faulty or incorrect charging system compo-
nent. Refer to Charging System for additional charg-
ing system diagnosis and testing procedures.
2. A faulty or incorrect battery. Use Micro 420 bat-
tery tester and refer to Battery System for additional
battery diagnosis and testing procedures.
3. A faulty circuit or component causing excessive
ignition-off draw.4. Electrical loads that exceed the output of the
charging system. This can be due to equipment
installed after manufacture, or repeated short trip
use.
5. A faulty or incorrect starting system component.
Refer to Starting System for the proper starting sys-
tem diagnosis and testing procedures.
6. Corroded or loose battery posts and/or terminal
clamps.
7. Slow driving speeds (heavy traffic conditions) or
prolonged idling, with high-amperage draw systems
in use.
8F - 4 BATTERY SYSTEMWJ
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)
SPECIAL TOOLS
BATTERY
DESCRIPTION
A large capacity, low-maintenance storage battery
(Fig. 4) is standard factory-installed equipment on
this model. Male post type terminals made of a soft
lead material protrude from the top of the molded
plastic battery case to provide the means for connect-
ing the battery to the vehicle electrical system. The
battery positive terminal post is visibly larger in
diameter than the negative terminal post, for easy
identification. The lettersPOSandNEGare also
molded into the top of the battery case adjacent to
their respective positive and negative terminal posts
for additional identification confirmation. Refer to
Battery Cablesin the index of this service manual
for the location of more information on the battery
cables that connect the battery to the vehicle electri-
cal system.
This battery is designed to provide a safe, efficient
and reliable means of storing electrical energy in a
chemical form. This means of energy storage allows
the battery to produce the electrical energy required
to operate the engine starting system, as well as to
operate many of the other vehicle accessory systems
for limited durations while the engine and/or the
charging system are not operating. The battery is
made up of six individual cells that are connected in
series. Each cell contains positively charged plate
groups that are connected with lead straps to thepositive terminal post, and negatively charged plate
groups that are connected with lead straps to the
negative terminal post. Each plate consists of a stiff
mesh framework or grid coated with lead dioxide
(positive plate) or sponge lead (negative plate). Insu-
lators or plate separators made of a non-conductive
material are inserted between the positive and nega-
tive plates to prevent them from contacting or short-
ing against one another. These dissimilar metal
plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid and water
solution called an electrolyte.
Some factory-installed batteries have a built-in test
indicator (hydrometer). The color visible in the sight
glass of the indicator will reveal the battery condi-
tion. For more information on the use of the built-in
test indicator, refer toStandard Procedures The
factory-installed low-maintenance battery has
removable battery cell caps.Distilled water can
be added to this battery. The battery is not sealed
and has vent holes in the cell caps. The chemical
composition of the metal coated plates within the
low-maintenance battery reduces battery gassing and
water loss, at normal charge and discharge rates.
Therefore, the battery should not require additional
water in normal service. If the electrolyte level in
this battery does become low, distilled water must be
added. However, rapid loss of electrolyte can be
caused by an overcharging condition. Be certain to
MICRO 420 BATTERY AND CHARGING SYSTEM
TESTER
Fig. 4 Low-Maintenance Battery - Typical
1 - POSITIVE POST
2 - VENT
3 - CELL CAP
4 - TEST INDICATOR
5 - CELL CAP
6 - VENT
7 - NEGATIVE POST
8 - GREEN BALL
9 - ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
10 - PLATE GROUPS
11 - LOW-MAINTENANCE BATTERY
WJBATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 7
BATTERY SYSTEM (Continued)
diagnose the charging system after replenishing the
water in the battery for a low electrolyte condition
and before returning the vehicle to service. Refer to
Charging Systemfor additional information.
For battery maintenance schedules and jump start-
ing procedures, see the owner's manual in the vehicle
glove box. Optionally, refer toMaintenance Sched-
ulesandJump Starting, Towing and Hoistingin
the index of this service manual for the location of
the recommended battery maintenance schedules and
the proper battery jump starting procedures. While
battery charging can be considered a maintenance
procedure, the battery charging procedures and infor-
mation are located in the service procedures section
of this service manual. This was done because the
battery must be fully-charged before any battery
diagnosis or testing procedures can be performed.
Refer toStandard Proceduresin the index of this
service manual for the location of the proper battery
charging procedures.
OPERATION
The battery is designed to store electrical energy in
a chemical form. When an electrical load is applied to
the terminals of the battery, an electrochemical reac-
tion occurs. This reaction causes the battery to dis-
charge electrical current from its terminals. As the
battery discharges, a gradual chemical change takes
place within each cell. The sulfuric acid in the elec-
trolyte combines with the plate materials, causing
both plates to slowly change to lead sulfate. At the
same time, oxygen from the positive plate material
combines with hydrogen from the sulfuric acid, caus-
ing the electrolyte to become mainly water. The
chemical changes within the battery are caused by
the movement of excess or free electrons between the
positive and negative plate groups. This movement of
electrons produces a flow of electrical current
through the load device attached to the battery ter-
minals.
As the plate materials become more similar chem-
ically, and the electrolyte becomes less acid, the volt-
age potential of each cell is reduced. However, by
charging the battery with a voltage higher than that
of the battery itself, the battery discharging process
is reversed. Charging the battery gradually changes
the sulfated lead plates back into sponge lead and
lead dioxide, and the water back into sulfuric acid.
This action restores the difference in the electron
charges deposited on the plates, and the voltage
potential of the battery cells. For a battery to remain
useful, it must be able to produce high-amperage cur-
rent over an extended period. A battery must also be
able to accept a charge, so that its voltage potential
may be restored.The battery is vented to release excess hydrogen
gas that is created when the battery is being charged
or discharged. However, even with these vents,
hydrogen gas can collect in or around the battery. If
hydrogen gas is exposed to flame or sparks, it may
ignite. If the electrolyte level is low, the battery may
arc internally and explode. If the battery is equipped
with removable cell caps, add distilled water when-
ever the electrolyte level is below the top of the
plates. If the battery cell caps cannot be removed, the
battery must be replaced if the electrolyte level
becomes low.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY
The battery must be completely charged and the
terminals should be properly cleaned and inspected
before diagnostic procedures are performed. Refer to
Battery System Cleaning for the proper cleaning pro-
cedures, and Battery System Inspection for the
proper battery inspection procedures. Refer to Stan-
dard Procedures for the proper battery charging pro-
cedures.
MICRO 420 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TESTER
The Micro420 automotive battery tester is designed
to help the dealership technicians diagnose the cause
of a defective battery. Follow the instruction manual
supplied with the tester to properly diagnose a vehi-
cle. If the instruction manual is not available refer to
the standard procedure in this section, which
includes the directions for using the Micro420 electri-
cal system tester.
WARNING: IF THE BATTERY SHOWS SIGNS OF
FREEZING, LEAKING OR LOOSE POSTS, DO NOT
TEST, ASSIST-BOOST, OR CHARGE. THE BATTERY
MAY ARC INTERNALLY AND EXPLODE. PERSONAL
INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS FORMS IN
AND AROUND THE BATTERY. DO NOT SMOKE,
USE FLAME, OR CREATE SPARKS NEAR THE BAT-
TERY. PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAM-
AGE MAY RESULT.
WARNING: THE BATTERY CONTAINS SULFURIC
ACID, WHICH IS POISONOUS AND CAUSTIC. AVOID
CONTACT WITH THE SKIN, EYES, OR CLOTHING.
IN THE EVENT OF CONTACT, FLUSH WITH WATER
AND CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. KEEP OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
A battery that will not accept a charge is faulty,
and must be replaced. Further testing is not
required. A fully-charged battery must be load tested
8F - 8 BATTERY SYSTEMWJ
BATTERY (Continued)
The battery cables (Fig. 17) or (Fig. 18) are large
gauge, stranded copper wires sheathed within a
heavy plastic or synthetic rubber insulating jacket.
The wire used in the battery cables combines excel-
lent flexibility and reliability with high electrical cur-
rent carrying capacity. Refer toWiring Diagrams
for battery cable wire gauge information.
A clamping type female battery terminal made of
soft lead is die cast onto one end of the battery cable
wire. A square headed pinch-bolt and hex nut are
installed at the open end of the female battery termi-
nal clamp. Large eyelet type terminals are crimped
onto the opposite end of the battery cable wire and
then solder-dipped. The battery positive cable wires
have a red insulating jacket to provide visual identi-
fication and feature a larger female battery terminal
clamp to allow connection to the larger battery posi-
tive terminal post. The battery negative cable wires
have a black insulating jacket and a smaller female
battery terminal clamp.
The battery cables cannot be repaired and, if dam-
aged or faulty they must be replaced. Both the bat-
tery positive and negative cables are available for
service replacement only as a unit with the battery
wire harness, which may include portions of the wir-
ing circuits for the generator and other components
on some models. Refer toWiring Diagramsfor more
information on the various wiring circuits included in
the battery wire harness for the vehicle being ser-
viced.
OPERATION
The battery cables connect the battery terminal
posts to the vehicle electrical system. These cables
also provide a path back to the battery for electrical
current generated by the charging system for restor-
ing the voltage potential of the battery. The female
battery terminal clamps on the ends of the battery
cable wires provide a strong and reliable connection
of the battery cable to the battery terminal posts.
The terminal pinch bolts allow the female terminal
clamps to be tightened around the male terminal
posts on the top of the battery. The eyelet terminals
secured to the opposite ends of the battery cable
wires from the female battery terminal clamps pro-
vide secure and reliable connection of the battery
cables to the vehicle electrical system.
The battery positive cable terminal clamp is die
cast onto the ends of two wires. One wire has an eye-
let terminal that connects the battery positive cable
to the B(+) terminal stud of the Power Distribution
Center (PDC), and the other wire has an eyelet ter-
minal that connects the battery positive cable to the
B(+) terminal stud of the engine starter motor sole-
noid. The battery negative cable terminal clamp is
also die cast onto the ends of two wires. One wirehas an eyelet terminal that connects the battery neg-
ative cable to the vehicle powertrain through a stud
on the right side of the engine cylinder block. The
other wire has an eyelet terminal that connects the
battery negative cable to the vehicle body through a
ground screw on the right front fender inner shield,
near the battery.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BATTERY CABLES
A voltage drop test will determine if there is exces-
sive resistance in the battery cable terminal connec-
tions or the battery cable. If excessive resistance is
found in the battery cable connections, the connec-
tion point should be disassembled, cleaned of all cor-
rosion or foreign material, then reassembled.
Following reassembly, check the voltage drop for the
battery cable connection and the battery cable again
to confirm repair.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is impor-
tant to remember that the voltage drop is giving an
indication of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.EXAM-
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 Power Distribution Center (PDC), in
the engine compartment. See the fuse and relay lay-
out label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
8F - 18 BATTERY SYSTEMWJ
BATTERY CABLE (Continued)
STARTING
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING
DESCRIPTION.........................29
OPERATION...........................30
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................30
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - STARTER...................35
STARTER MOTOR - GAS POWERED......35
STARTER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................35
OPERATION...........................36DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................36
REMOVAL.............................37
INSTALLATION.........................38
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................38
OPERATION...........................38
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY . 38
REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................40
STARTING
DESCRIPTION
An electrically operated engine starting system is
standard factory-installed equipment on this model.
The starting system is designed to provide the vehi-
cle operator with a convenient, efficient and reliable
means of cranking and starting the internal combus-
tion engine used to power the vehicle and all of its
accessory systems from within the safe and secure
confines of the passenger compartment. See the own-
er's manual in the vehicle glove box for more infor-
mation and instructions on the recommended use
and operation of the factory-installed starting sys-
tem.
The starting system consists of the following com-
ponents:
²Battery
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
²Ignition switch
²Park/neutral position switch
²Wire harnesses and connections (including the
battery cables).
This group provides complete service information
for the starter motor and the starter relay. Complete
service information for the other starting system
components can be located as follows:
²Refer toBatteryin the proper section of Group
8A - Battery for complete service information for the
battery.
²Refer toIgnition Switch and Key Lock Cyl-
inderin the proper section of Group 8D - Ignition
System for complete service information for the igni-
tion switch.²Refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin the
proper section of Group 21 - Transmission for com-
plete service information for the park/neutral posi-
tion switch.
²Refer to the proper section ofGroup 8W - Wir-
ing Diagramsfor complete service information and
circuit diagrams for the starting system wiring com-
ponents.
Group 8A covers the Battery, Group 8B covers the
Starting Systems, and Group 8C covers the Charging
System. We have separated these systems to make it
easier to locate the information you are seeking
within this Service Manual. However, when attempt-
ing to diagnose any of these systems, it is important
that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The battery, starting, and charging systems in the
vehicle operate with one another, and must be tested
as a complete system. In order for the vehicle to start
and charge properly, all of the components that are
used in these systems must perform within specifica-
tions.
The diagnostic procedures used in each of these
groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic
methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diag-
nostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere
ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile
rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostic Test For Charging System
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8C -
Charging System for more information.
WJSTARTING 8F - 29
OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the
starter motor between 150 and 350 amperes, and a
low-amperage control circuit that operates on less
than 20 amperes. The high-amperage feed circuit
components include the battery, the battery cables,
the contact disc portion of the starter solenoid, and
the starter motor. The low-amperage control circuit
components include the ignition switch, the park/
neutral position switch, the starter relay, the electro-
magnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the
connecting wire harness components.
Battery voltage is supplied through the low-amper-
age control circuit to the coil battery terminal of the
starter relay when the ignition switch is turned to
the momentary Start position. The park/neutral posi-
tion switch is installed in series between the starter
relay coil ground terminal and ground. This normally
open switch prevents the starter relay from being
energized and the starter motor from operating
unless the automatic transmission gear selector is in
the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear on the automatic transmission torque con-
verter drive plate.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between
the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing the
starter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the driver releases the ignition switch to
the On position, the starter relay coil is de-energized.
This causes the relay contacts to open. When the
relay contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger
hold-in coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift
lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate with one another, and must be tested as a com-
plete system. In order for the vehicle to start and
charge properly, all of the components involved in
these systems must perform within specifications.
Group 8A covers the Battery, Group 8B covers the
Starting Systems, and Group 8C covers the Charging
System. We have separated these systems to make it
easier to locate the information you are seeking
within this Service Manual. However, when attempt-
ing to diagnose any of these systems, it is important
that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in these groups
include the most basic conventional diagnostic meth-
ods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics
(OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere amme-
ter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheo-
stat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the
PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnos-
tic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in
electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to
On-Board Diagnostic Test For Charging System
in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8C -
Charging System for more information.
8F - 30 STARTINGWJ
STARTING (Continued)
Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO
OPERATE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery in the Diagnosis and Testing section of
Group 8A - Battery. Charge or replace the battery, if
required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to Starting System in Group 8W - Wiring
Diagrams. Test and repair the starter feed and/or control
circuits, if required.
3. Starter relay faulty. 3. Refer to Starter Relay in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group. Replace the starter relay, if
required.
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder in the
Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8D - Ignition
System. Replace the ignition switch, if required.
5. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.5. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch in the Diagnosis
and Testing section of Group 21 - Transmission. Replace
the park/neutral position switch, if required.
6. Starter solenoid faulty. 6. Refer to Starter Motor in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group. Replace the starter motor assembly,
if required.
7. Starter motor faulty. 7. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace the starter motor assembly.
STARTER ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN
ENGINE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery in the Diagnosis and Testing section of
Group 8A - Battery. Charge or replace the battery, if
required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to Starting System in Group 8W - Wiring
Diagrams. Test and repair the starter feed and/or control
circuits, if required.
3. Starter motor faulty. 3. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace the starter motor assembly.
4. Engine seized. 4. Refer to Engine Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of Group 9 - Engine.
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to Starter Motor in the Removal and Installation
section of this group. Remove the starter motor to inspect
the starter ring gear. Replace the starter ring gear, if
required.
2. Starter motor faulty. 2. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace the starter motor assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT
DISENGAGE.1. Starter motor
improperly installed.1. Refer to Starter Motor in the Removal and Installation
section of this group. Tighten the starter mounting
hardware to the correct tightness specifications.
2. Starter relay faulty. 2. Refer to Starter Relay in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group. Replace the starter relay, if
required.
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder in the
Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8D - Ignition
System. Replace the ignition switch, if required.
4. Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace the starter motor assembly.
WJSTARTING 8F - 31
STARTING (Continued)
INSPECTION
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toStarting
Systemin the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams. Before removing any unit from the starting
system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following
inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY
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.
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 toBatteryin the
proper section of Group 8A - Battery for complete ser-
vice information for the battery.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect the ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinderin the proper
section of Group 8D - Ignition System for complete
service information for the ignition switch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- Visually
inspect the park/neutral position switch for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded wire
harness connections. Refer toPark/Neutral Posi-
tion Switchin the proper section of Group 21 -
Transmission for complete service information for the
park/neutral position switch.
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
motor for 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 harnesses for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Refer to the proper section ofGroup 8W -
Wiring Diagramsfor complete service information
and circuit diagrams for the starting system wiring
components.TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete circuit diagrams, refer toStarting
Systemin the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Dia-
grams. The battery must be fully-charged and load-
tested before proceeding. Refer toBatteryin the
Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8A - Battery
for the procedures.
(1) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester to the
battery terminals (Fig. 1). See the instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturer of the volt-ampere tester
being used.
(2) Fully engage the parking brake.
(3) Place the automatic transmission gearshift
selector lever in the Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent the engine from starting, remove
the Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The ASD relay
is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in
the engine compartment. Refer to the fuse and relay
layout label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
(6) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start
position. Note the cranking voltage and current
(amperage) draw readings shown on the volt-ampere
tester.
(a) If the voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing sec-
tion of this group. If the starter motor is OK, refer
toEngine Diagnosisin the Diagnosis and Testing
section of Group 9 - Engine for further testing of
the engine. If the starter motor is not OK, replace
the faulty starter motor.
Fig. 1 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
8F - 32 STARTINGWJ
STARTING (Continued)