
Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN
ENGINE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, 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 Engine Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of 9, Engine.
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring gear.
Replace starter ring gear if required.
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 Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque
specifications.
2. Starter relay faulty. 2. Refer to Starter Relay Diagnosis and Testing. Replace
starter relay if required.
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
4. Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
INSPECTION
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Before removing any unit
from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform
the following inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO 8, PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS, BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
²Battery- Visually inspect battery for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded cable
connections. Determine state-of-charge and cranking
capacity of battery. Charge or replace battery if
required. Refer toBatteryin 8, Battery.Note: If
equipped with diesel engine, a dual battery sys-
tem may be used, and both batteries must be
inspected.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, visually inspect clutch
pedal position switch for indications of physical dam-
age and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Refer toClutch Pedal Position Switchin 6,
Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, visually inspect park/
neutral position switch for indications of physical
damage and loose or corroded wire harness connec-
tions. Refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin
21, Transmission.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect starter relay
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect starter motor
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect starter sole-
noid for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect wire harnesses for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
8F - 34 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

Clutch Pedal Position Switch
²If vehicle is equipped with a manual transmis-
sion, visually inspect clutch pedal position switch for
indications of physical damage and loose or corroded
wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections
as required. Refer toClutch Hydraulic Linkagefor
clutch pedal position switch service procedures.
Park/Neutral Position Switch
²If vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, visually inspect park/neutral position switch
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections. Clean corroded con-
nections as required. Refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchfor park/neutral position switch
service procedures.
Starter Relay
²Visually inspect starter relay for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Clean corroded connections as required.
Refer toStarter Relayfor starter relay service pro-
cedures.
Starter Motor
²Visually inspect starter motor for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Clean corroded connections as required.
If problem being diagnosed involves improper starter
engagement, disengagement or noise complaints,
starter motor should be removed. With starter motor
removed, inspect starter pinion and ring gears for
damaged or missing teeth. Replace faulty compo-
nents as required. Refer toStarter Motorfor
removal/installation procedures.
Starter Solenoid
²Visually inspect starter solenoid for indications
of physical damage and loose or corroded wire har-
ness connections. Clean corroded connections as
required. Refer toStarter Motorfor starter solenoid
service procedures.
Wiring
²Visually inspect starting system wire harnesses
for indications of physical damage. Repair or replace
any faulty wiring, as required. Refer toWiring Dia-
gramsfor repair or connector and terminal service
procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - GAS POWERED
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Starter Solenoid Battery
Cable Nut11 - 100
Starter Mounting Bolts -
2.4L54 40 -
Starter Mounting Bolts
-3.7L54 40 -
Starter Heat Shield
Mounting Bolts6-55
8F - 38 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

STARTER MOTOR - GAS POWERED
Starter Motor and Solenoid
Manufacturer Mitsubishi
Engine Application 2.4L / 3.7L
Power Rating 1.4 Kilowatt (1.9 Horsepower)
Voltage12 Volts
** Number of Permanent Magnets 6
Number of Brushes 4
Drive Type Planetary Gear Reduction
Free Running Test Voltage 11.2 Volts
Free Running Test Maximum Amperage Draw 90 Amperes
Free Running Test Minimum Speed 2400 rpm
Solenoid Closing Maximum Voltage Required 7.8 Volts
* Cranking Amperage Draw Test 160 Amperes
*Test at operating temperature. Cold engine, tight (new) engine, or heavy oil will increase starter amperage draw.
**The starter is equipped with permanent magnets. Never strike the starter case to attempt to loosen a sticking/
stuck armature as permanent magnets may crack or break.
STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER MOTOR
Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed
by performing the following free running bench test.
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle. Refer to Specifications for
starter motor specifications.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Mount starter motor securely in a soft-jawed
bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on the
mounting flange of starter motor. Never clamp on
starter motor by field frame.
(3) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester and a
12-volt battery to starter motor in series, and set
ammeter to 100 ampere scale. See instructions pro-
vided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being
used.
(4) Install jumper wire from solenoid terminal to
solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should
operate. If starter motor fails to operate, replace
faulty starter motor assembly.
(5) Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free
running test voltage. Refer to Specifications for
starter motor free running test voltage specifications.
(6) Note reading on ammeter and compare reading
to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer
to Specifications for starter motor free running test
maximum amperage draw specifications.(7) If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amper-
age draw specification, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
STARTER SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil termi-
nal.
(3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid field coil terminal with a continuity
tester (Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
REMOVAL
2.4L 4±Cylinder
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove solenoid wire from solenoid terminal
(Fig. 11).
(4) Remove battery cable from stud on starter sole-
noid (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove 2 starter mounting bolts (Fig. 9) and
remove starter from vehicle.
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 39
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

3.7L V-6
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove 2 flange bolts securing left exhaust
downpipe to crossover pipe. Lower pipe slightly to
allow front propeller shaft removal.
(4) Remove front propeller shaft.
(5) Remove 2 starter heat shield bolts at side of
starter (Fig. 10).
(6) Remove starter heat shield nut at front of
starter (Fig. 10).
(7) Remove starter heat shield.
(8) Remove solenoid wire from solenoid terminal
(Fig. 11).
(9) Remove battery cable from stud on starter sole-
noid (Fig. 11).
(10) Remove 2 starter mounting bolts (Fig. 12).
(11) Position front of starter to face rear of vehicle.
Rotate starter until solenoid position is located below
starter.
(12) Remove starter from vehicle by passing it
between exhaust pipe and transmission bellhousing.
Fig. 7 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID AND
FIELD COIL TERMINALS - TYPICAL
1 - OHMMETER
2 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
3 - FIELD COIL TERMINAL
Fig. 8 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID
TERMINAL AND CASE - TYPICAL
1 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
2 - OHMMETER
3 - SOLENOID
Fig. 9 STARTER - 2.4L
1-STARTER
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
Fig. 10 STARTER HEAT SHIELD - 3.7L
1 - STARTER HEAT SHIELD
2 - HEAT SHIELD BOLTS
3 - HEAT SHIELD BOLTS
4-STARTER
8F - 40 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

REMOVAL
The starter relay is located in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) (Fig. 14). Refer to label on PDC
cover for relay location.(1) Remove PDC cover.
(2) Remove relay from PDC.
(3) Check condition of relay terminals and PDC
connector terminals for damage or corrosion. Repair
if necessary before installing relay.
(4) Check for pin height (pin height should be the
same for all terminals within the PDC connector).
Repair if necessary before installing relay.
INSTALLATION
(1) Refer to Power Distribution Center (PDC) cover
for starter relay location.
(2) Install relay to PDC.
(3) Install cover to PDC.
Fig. 14 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC)
1 - BATTERY
2 - PDC
3 - PDC COVER
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 43
STARTER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)

HEATED SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED MIRRORS......................... 1
WINDOW DEFOGGER....................... 3HEATED SEAT SYSTEM.................... 10
HEATED MIRRORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
HEATED MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION..........................1
OPERATION............................1DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED
MIRRORS............................1
HEATED MIRRORS
DESCRIPTION
Vehicles equipped with the optional heated mirror
package have an electric heating grid located behind
the mirror glass of each outside rear view mirror.
The heated mirrors are controlled by the rear win-
dow defogger switch. Electrical current is directed to
the heating grid inside the mirror only when the rear
window defogger switch is in the On position.
If the outside mirror heating grids and the rear
window heating grid are all inoperative, (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/HEATED GLASS - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING). If the outside mirror heating grids are
inoperative, but the rear window heating grid is
operating as designed, (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
HEATED MIRRORS - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
The heating grid behind each outside mirror glass
cannot be repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
entire power mirror unit must be replaced(Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIR-
ROR - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIRROR -
INSTALLATION).
OPERATION
The heated mirror is controlled by the rear window
defogger switch. The only time that the heated mir-
ror is on is when the rear window defogger is on. The
mirror should become warm to the touch.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HEATED MIRRORS
For circuit descriptions and diagrams (Refer to
Appropriate Wiring Information).
(1) Check the fuse in the junction block. If OK, go
to Step 2. If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or
component as required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position.
Check for battery voltage at the fuse in the junction
block. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the open
circuit to the ignition switch as required.
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable. Remove the front door trim panel on the side
of the vehicle with the inoperative mirror heating
grid. Unplug the wire harness connector at the mir-
ror. Check for continuity between the ground circuit
cavity in the body half of the power mirror wire har-
ness connector and a good ground. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to ground as
required.
(4) Connect the battery negative cable. Turn the
ignition switch to the On position. Turn on the rear
window defogger system. Check for battery voltage at
the rear window defogger relay output circuit cavity
in the body half of the power mirror wire harness
connector. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the
open circuit to the rear window defogger relay as
required.
KJHEATED SYSTEMS 8G - 1

(5) Check for continuity between the ground cir-
cuit and the rear window defogger relay output cir-
cuit cavities in the mirror half of the power mirror
wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If
not OK, replace the faulty power mirror(Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIR-
ROR - REMOVAL) and (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIRROR -
INSTALLATION). If OK, check the resistancethrough the electric heating grid circuit. Correct
resistance through the electric heating grid should be
from 10 to 16 ohms when measured at an ambient
temperature of 21É C (70É F). If not OK, replace the
faulty power mirror(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/
POWER MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIRROR -
REMOVAL) and (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/POWER
MIRRORS/SIDEVIEW MIRROR - INSTALLATION).
8G - 2 HEATED MIRRORSKJ
HEATED MIRRORS (Continued)

WINDOW DEFOGGER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
WINDOW DEFOGGER
DESCRIPTION - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER . . 3
OPERATION - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER....3
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER SYSTEM...................4
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REAR GLASS
HEATING GRID REPAIR.................4
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER GRID
DESCRIPTION..........................5
OPERATION............................5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER GRID......................5
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER RELAY
DESCRIPTION..........................6
OPERATION............................6DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER RELAY.....................6
REMOVAL.............................7
INSTALLATION..........................7
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH
DESCRIPTION..........................8
OPERATION............................8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR
WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH...........8
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - REAR HVAC
CONTROL ASSEMBLY WINDOW
DEFOGGER FUNCTION.................9
REMOVAL.............................9
INSTALLATION..........................9
WINDOW DEFOGGER
DESCRIPTION - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
The rear window defogger system will only operate
when the ignition switch is in the run position. When
the defogger switch is in the run position, an electric
heater grid on the rear window glass is energized.
Vehicles with the heated mirror options also have
heater grids located behind the outside rear view
mirror glass. Each of these grids produce heat to help
clear the rear window glass and outside rear view
mirrors of ice, snow, or fog.
OPERATION - REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER
The rear window defogger system is controlled by a
switch installed with the HVAC control assembly. An
amber indicator lamp in the switch button will light
to indicate when the rear window defogger system is
turned on. The HVAC control head circuitry, which
contains the defogger system timer logic, monitors
the state of the defogger switch through a hard-wired
input. The instrument cluster circuitry controls therear window defogger system through a hard-wired
control output to the rear window defogger relay. The
rear window defogger timer and logic circuitry cannot
be adjusted or repaired and, if faulty or damaged, the
HVAC control head assembly must be replaced.
The rear window defogger system will be automat-
ically turned off after a programmed time interval of
about ten minutes. After the initial time interval has
expired, if the rear window defogger switch is turned
on again during the same ignition cycle, the defogger
system will automatically turn off after about five
minutes.
The rear window defogger system will automati-
cally shut off if the ignition switch is turned to the
Off position, or it can be turned off manually by
depressing the instrument panel switch. Following
are general descriptions of the major components in
the rear window defogger system. Refer to the own-
er's manual in the vehicle glove box for more infor-
mation on the features, use and operation of the
defogger system.
KJWINDOW DEFOGGER 8G - 3