
TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-
charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
(1) Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals
(Fig. 1). See instructions provided by manufacturer of
volt-ampere tester being used.Note: Certain diesel
equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, tester should be con-
nected to battery on left side of vehicle only.
Also, tester current reading must be taken from
positive battery cable lead that connects to
starter motor.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE,
ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE A FEW TIMES
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FOLLOWING STEP.(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start posi-
tion. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage)
draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
(a) If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin Diagnosis and Testing. If starter
motor is OK, refer toEngine Diagnosisin 9,
Engine for further testing of engine. If starter
motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.
(b) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current
(amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer
toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor does not turn, refer toControl Cir-
cuit Testingin this section.
(d) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed Cir-
cuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current
(amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery volt-
age reading.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wir-
ing circuit diagrams, refer 8, Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of
resistance between two points at which voltmeter
probes are attached.
Example:When testing resistance of positive bat-
tery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery
cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid.
If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable
connector at starter solenoid, you are reading com-
bined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-
terminal post connection and positive battery cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests,
be certain that following procedures are accom-
plished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
²Fully engage parking brake.
²If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Fig. 1 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 35
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative
battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp (Fig. 2).
Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position.
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor
contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
procedure must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive
battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of volt-
meter to battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate
and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and terminal post.Note: Cer-
tain diesel equipped models use dual batteries.
If equipped with dual battery system, this pro-
cedure must be performed twice, once for each
battery.
(3) Connect voltmeter to measure between battery
positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery
terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable
connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
this procedure must be performed on driver
side battery only.
(4) Connect voltmeter to measure between nega-
tive battery terminal post and a good clean groundon engine block (Fig. 5). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative bat-
tery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative
battery cable.Note: Certain diesel equipped mod-
els use dual batteries. If equipped with dual
battery system, this procedure must be per-
formed twice, once for each battery.
(5) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter
housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to nega-
tive battery terminal post (Fig. 6). Rotate and hold
ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to
engine block ground contact.Note: Certain diesel
Fig. 2 Test Negative Battery Cable Connection
Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 Test Positive Battery Cable Connection
Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 4 Test Positive Battery Cable
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
8F - 36 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, this procedure must
be performed on driver side battery only.
(6) If equipped with dual battery system (certain
diesel equipped models), connect positive lead of volt-
meter to positive battery cable clamp on battery
located on left side of vehicle. Connect negative lead
of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post on bat-
tery located on right side of vehicle. Rotate and hold
ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery
cables at both batteries. Repeat test. If reading is
still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery
cable.If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems,
refer toStarter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing.
CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING
The starter control circuit components should be
tested in the order in which they are listed, as fol-
lows:
²Starter Relay- Refer toStarter RelayDiag-
nosis and Testing.
²Starter Solenoid- Refer toStarter Motor
Diagnosis and Testing.
²Ignition Switch- Refer toIgnition Switch
and Key Lock Cylinder
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, refer toClutch Pedal
Position Switchin 6, Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchin 21, Transmission.
²Wire harnesses and connections- Refer to 8,
Wiring Diagrams.
INSPECTION - STARTING SYSTEM
The following starting system components should
be carefully inspected whenever any starting system
problem is encountered.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR AIRBAG SYSTEM
CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORM-
ING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS
THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM. FAILURE TO TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Battery
²Visually inspect battery for indications of physi-
cal damage and loose or corroded cable connections.
Determine state-of-charge and cranking capacity of
battery. Charge or replace battery, if required. Refer
toBatteryfor battery cleaning and inspection proce-
dures.
Ignition Switch
²Visually inspect ignition switch for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Clean corroded connections as required.
Refer toWiring Diagrams. Refer toIgnition
Switch and Key Lock Cylinderfor ignition switch
service procedures.
Fig. 5 Test Ground Circuit Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 6 Test Starter Ground - Typical
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - VOLTMETER
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 37
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)

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)