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)
INSTALLATION
2.4L 4±Cylinder
(1) Position starter into bellhousing and install 2
bolts. Refer to torque specifications.
(2) Install battery cable and nut to stud on starter
solenoid. Refer to torque specifications.
(3) Install solenoid wire connector to solenoid ter-
minal.
(4) Lower vehicle.
(5) Connect negative battery cable.
3.7L V-6
(1) Position front of starter towards rear of vehicle
with solenoid position rotated until it is located below
starter. Install starter by passing it between exhaust
pipe and transmission bellhousing.
(2) Position starter into bellhousing and install 2
bolts. Refer to torque specifications.
(3) Install battery cable and nut to stud on starter
solenoid. Refer to torque specifications.
(4) Install solenoid wire connector to solenoid ter-
minal.
(5) Position starter heat shield and install nut at
front of starter.
(6) Install 2 starter heat shield bolts at side of
starter.
(7) Install front propeller shaft.
(8) Install 2 flange bolts securing left exhaust
downpipe to crossover pipe.
(9) Lower vehicle.
(10) Connect negative battery cable.
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION
The starter relay is an electromechanical device
that switches battery current to the pull-in coil of the
starter solenoid when ignition switch is turned to
Start position. The starter relay is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment. See PDC cover for relay identification and
location.
The starter relay is a International Standards
Organization (ISO) relay. Relays conforming to ISO
specifications have common physical dimensions, cur-
rent capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal func-
tions.
The starter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
Fig. 11 STARTER ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS -
2.4L/3.7L
1 - BATERY CABLE NUT
2 - BATTERY CABLE
3 - SOLENOID CONNECTOR
4 - HEAT SHIELD
Fig. 12 STARTER - 3.7L
1-STARTER
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 41
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)
OPERATION
The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one mov-
able) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed)
relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When electro-
magnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable con-
tact away from normally closed fixed contact, and
holds it against the other (normally open) fixed con-
tact.
When electromagnetic coil is de-energized, spring
pressure returns movable contact to normally closed
position. The resistor or diode is connected in parallel
with electromagnetic coil within relay, and helps to
dissipate voltage spikes produced when coil is de-en-
ergized.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY
The starter relay is located in the Power Distribu-
tion Center (PDC) in engine compartment. Refer to
label on PDC cover for relay location.
RELAY TEST
(1) Remove starter relay (Fig. 13) from PDC.
(2) A relay in de-energized position should have
continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no
continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go to
Step 3. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, perform following Relay Circuit Test.
If not OK, replace faulty relay.
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 open cir-
cuit to fused B(+) fuse in PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in 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 common feed terminal (30) in energized
position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to
starter solenoid field coil. There should be continuity
between cavity for relay terminal 87 and starter sole-
noid terminal at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If not
OK, repair open engine starter motor relay output
circuit to starter solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
electromagnet in relay. It is energized when ignition
switch is held in Start position. On vehicles with amanual transmission, the clutch pedal must be
blocked in fully depressed position for this test.
Check for battery voltage at cavity for relay terminal
86 with ignition switch in Start position, and no volt-
age when ignition switch is released to On position.
If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK with a manual trans-
mission, disconnect clutch pedal position switch wire
harness connector and install a jumper wire between
two cavities in body half of connector and check for
battery voltage again at cavity for relay terminal 86.
If now OK, replace faulty clutch pedal position
switch. If still not OK with a manual transmission or
if not OK with an automatic transmission, check for
open or shorted fused ignition switch output (start)
circuit to ignition switch and repair as required. If
fused ignition switch output (start) circuit is OK,
refer toIgnition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
electromagnet in relay. On vehicles with manual
transmission, it is grounded at all times. On vehicles
with automatic transmission, it is grounded through
park/neutral position switch only when gearshift
selector lever is in Park or Neutral positions. Check
for continuity to ground at cavity for relay terminal
85. If not OK with a manual transmission, repair
open park/neutral position switch sense circuit to
ground as required. If not OK with an automatic
transmission, check for open or shorted park/neutral
position switch sense circuit to park/neutral position
switch and repair, as required. If park/neutral posi-
tion switch sense circuit checks OK, refer toPark/
Neutral Position Switch.
Fig. 13 STARTER RELAY (ISO MICRO RELAY)
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
8F - 42 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTER MOTOR RELAY (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)
²Normally Closed Terminal- The normally
closed terminal (87A) is connected to the low speed
brush of the front wiper motor through a front wiper
high/low relay low speed output circuit, and is con-
nected to the low speed brush whenever the relay is
de-energized.
The wiper high/low relay can be diagnosed using
conventional diagnostic tools and methods.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIPER HIGH/LOW
RELAY
The wiper high/low relay (Fig. 26) is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment near the battery. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
procedures, details of wire harness routing and
retention, connector pin-out information and location
views for the various wire harness connectors, splices
and grounds.
(1) Remove the wiper high/low relay from the
PDC. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASH-
ERS/WIPER HIGH/LOW RELAY - REMOVAL).
(2) 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 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 8 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, reinstall the relay and use a DRBIIIt
scan tool to perform further testing. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 27).
(3) Remove the wiper high/low relay by grasping it
firmly and pulling it straight out from the receptacle
in the PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wiper high/low relay to the proper
receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
(Fig. 27).
(2) Align the wiper high/low relay terminals with
the terminal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(3) Push firmly and evenly on the top of the wiper
high/low relay until the terminals are fully seated in
the terminal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(4) Reinstall the cover onto the PDC.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 26 ISO Micro Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 27 Power Distribution Center
1 - FUEL PUMP RELAY
2 - STARTER MOTOR RELAY
3 - BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
4 - A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
5 - OXYGEN SENSOR DOWNSTREAM RELAY
6 - AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
7-SPARE
8-SPARE
9a - (M/T) CLUTCH INTERLOCK RELAY
9b - (A/T) TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
10 - SPARE
11 - WIPER HIGH/LOW RELAY
12 - WIPER ON/OFF RELAY
8R - 24 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSKJ
WIPER HIGH/LOW RELAY (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WIPER ON/OFF
RELAY
The wiper on/off relay (Fig. 29) is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine com-
partment near the battery. Refer to the appropriate
wiring information. The wiring information includes
wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair
procedures, details of wire harness routing and
retention, connector pin-out information and location
views for the various wire harness connectors, splices
and grounds.
(1) Remove the wiper on/off relay from the PDC.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/
WIPER ON/OFF RELAY - REMOVAL).
(2) 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 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 8 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, reinstall the relay and use a DRBIIIt
scan tool to perform further testing. Refer to the
appropriate diagnostic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 30).
(3) Remove the wiper on/off relay by grasping it
firmly and pulling it straight out from the receptacle
in the PDC.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the wiper on/off relay to the proper
receptacle in the Power Distribution Center (PDC)
(Fig. 30).
(2) Align the wiper on/off relay terminals with the
terminal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(3) Push firmly and evenly on the top of the wiper
on/off relay until the terminals are fully seated in the
terminal cavities in the PDC receptacle.
(4) Reinstall the cover onto the PDC.
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
Fig. 29 ISO Micro Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 30 Power Distribution Center
1 - FUEL PUMP RELAY
2 - STARTER MOTOR RELAY
3 - BLOWER MOTOR RELAY
4 - A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH RELAY
5 - OXYGEN SENSOR DOWNSTREAM RELAY
6 - AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
7-SPARE
8-SPARE
9a - (M/T) CLUTCH INTERLOCK RELAY
9b - (A/T) TRANSMISSION CONTROL RELAY
10 - SPARE
11 - WIPER HIGH/LOW RELAY
12 - WIPER ON/OFF RELAY
8R - 26 FRONT WIPERS/WASHERSKJ
WIPER ON/OFF RELAY (Continued)