2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE Battery

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)

(b) If the voltage reads above 9.6 volts and the
current (amperage) draw reads below specifica-
tions, refer toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
the starter motor does not turn, refer toControl
Circuit Testingin this section.
(d) If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
the starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed
Circuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase the starter cur-
rent (amperage) draw reading, and reduce the bat-
tery voltage reading.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in the
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete circuit dia-
grams, refer toStarting Systemin the Contents of
Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that the voltage drop is giving an indica-
tion of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.
Example:When testing the resistance of the bat-
tery positive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the
battery positive cable clamp and the cable connector
at the starter solenoid. If you probe the battery pos-
itive terminal post and the cable connector at the
starter solenoid, you are reading the combined volt-
age drop in the battery positive cable clamp-to-termi-
nal post connection and the battery positive cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing the
tests, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin the Diagnosis and Testing section of
Group 8A - Battery for the procedures.
²Fully engage the parking brake.
²Place the automatic transmission gearshift selec-
tor lever in the Park position.
²
Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
²To 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.
(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 clamp (Fig. 2). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct the poor contact between
the cable clamp and the 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
clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate and hold the ignition switch in
the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage
is detected, correct the poor contact between the
cable clamp and the terminal post.
(3) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive terminal post and the starter sole-
noid battery terminal stud (Fig. 4). 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 cable connection at the solenoid.
Fig. 2 Test Battery Negative Connection Resistance
- Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 Test Battery Positive Connection Resistance -
Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
WJSTARTING 8F - 33
STARTING (Continued)

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 terminal post and a good clean
ground on the engine block (Fig. 5). 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 attachment on the
engine block. Repeat the test. If the reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace the faulty battery negative
cable.(5) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the starter housing. Connect the negative lead of the
voltmeter to the battery negative terminal post (Fig.
6). Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start
position. Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is
above 0.2 volt, correct the poor starter to engine
block ground contact.
If the resistance tests detect no feed circuit prob-
lems, refer toStarter Motorin the Diagnosis and
Testing section of this group.
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 Relayin the
Diagnosis and Testing section of this group for the
procedures.
²Starter Solenoid- Refer toStarter Motorin
the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group for
the procedures.
²Ignition Switch- Refer toIgnition Switch
and Key Lock Cylinderin the Diagnosis and Test-
ing section of Group 8D - Ignition System for the pro-
cedures.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- Refer to
Park/Neutral Position Switchin the Diagnosis
and Testing section of Group 21 - Transmission for
the procedures.
²Wire harnesses and connections- Refer to
Starting Systemin the Contents of Group 8W -
Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit diagrams.
Fig. 4 Test Battery Positive Cable Resistance -
Typical
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 5 Test Ground Circuit
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 6 Test Starter Ground - Typical
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - VOLTMETER
8F - 34 STARTINGWJ
STARTING (Continued)

OPERATION
These starter motors are equipped with a plane-
tary gear reduction (intermediate transmission) sys-
tem. The planetary gear reduction system consists of
a gear that is integral to the output end of the elec-
tric motor armature shaft that is in continual
engagement with a larger gear that is splined to the
input end of the starter pinion gear shaft. This fea-
ture makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of
the starter. At the same time, it allows higher arma-
ture rotational speed and delivers increased torque
through the starter pinion gear to the starter ring
gear.
The starter motors for both engines are activated
by an integral heavy duty starter solenoid switch
mounted to the overrunning clutch housing. This
electromechanical switch connects and disconnects
the feed of battery voltage to the starter motor and
actuates a shift fork that engages and disengages the
starter pinion gear with the starter ring gear.
Both starter motors use an overrunning clutch and
starter pinion gear unit to engage and drive a starter
ring gear that is integral to the torque converter
drive plate mounted on the rear crankshaft flange.
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 the starter
motor removed from the vehicle. Refer toStarting
Systemin the Specifications section of this group for
the starter motor specifications.
(1) Remove the starter motor from the vehicle.
Refer toStarter Motorin the Removal and Instal-
lation section of this group for the procedures.
(2) Mount the starter motor securely in a soft-
jawed bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped
on the mounting flange of the starter motor. Never
clamp on the starter motor by the field frame.
(3) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester and a
12-volt battery to the starter motor in series, and set
the ammeter to the 100 ampere scale. See the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the
volt-ampere tester being used.
(4) Install a jumper wire from the solenoid termi-
nal to the solenoid battery terminal. The starter
motor should operate. If the starter motor fails to
operate, replace the faulty starter motor assembly.
(5) Adjust the carbon pile load of the tester to
obtain the free running test voltage. Refer toStart-
ing Systemin the Specifications section of this
group for the starter motor free running test voltage
specifications.
(6) Note the reading on the ammeter and compare
this reading to the free running test maximum
amperage draw. Refer toStarting Systemin theSpecifications section of this group for the starter
motor free running test maximum amperage draw
specifications.
(7) If the ammeter reading exceeds the maximum
amperage draw specification, replace the faulty
starter motor assembly.
STARTER SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with the starter
motor removed from the vehicle.
(1) Remove the starter motor from the vehicle.
Refer toStarter Motorin the Removal and Instal-
lation section of this group for the procedures.
(2) Disconnect the wire from the solenoid field coil
terminal.
(3) Check for continuity between the solenoid ter-
minal and the solenoid field coil terminal with a con-
tinuity tester (Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If
OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, replace the faulty starter
motor assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between the solenoid ter-
minal and the solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be
continuity. If not OK, replace the faulty starter motor
assembly.
Fig. 7 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal
and Field Coil Terminal - Typical
1 - SOLENOID
2 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
3 - OHMMETER
4 - FIELD COIL TERMINAL
Fig. 8 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal
1 - SOLENOID
2 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
3 - OHMMETER
8F - 36 STARTINGWJ
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Raise and support the vehicle.
(3) Remove the lower (forward facing) mounting
screw securing the starter motor to the automatic
transmission torque converter housing (Fig. 9) or
(Fig. 10) .
(4) While supporting the starter motor with one
hand, use the other hand to remove the upper (rear
facing) mounting screw securing the starter motor to
the automatic transmission torque converter housing.
(5) Lower the starter motor from the front of the
automatic transmission torque converter housing far
enough to access and remove the nut that secures
the battery cable eyelet to the solenoid battery termi-
nal (Fig. 11) or (Fig. 12) . Always support the starter
motor during this process, do not let the starter
motor hang from the wire harness.
(6) Remove the battery cable eyelet from the sole-
noid battery terminal. Always support the starter
motor during this process, do not let the starter
motor hang from the wire harness.
(7) Disconnect the solenoid terminal wire harness
connector from the connector receptacle on the
starter solenoid. Always support the starter motor
during this process, do not let the starter motor hang
from the wire harness.
Fig. 9 Starter Motor Remove/Install - 4.0L Engine
1 - SCREW
2 - STARTER MOTOR
3 - SCREW
Fig. 10 Starter Motor Remove/Install - 4.7L Engine
1 - SCREW
2 - STARTER MOTOR
3 - SCREW
Fig. 11 Starter Wire Harness Remove/Install - 4.0L
Engine
1 - BATTERY, STARTER AND GENERATOR WIRE HARNESS
2 - GROUND EYELET
3 - SCREW
4 - NUT
5 - SOLENOID TERMINAL CONNECTOR
6 - SOLENOID BATTERY TERMINAL EYELET
7 - RETAINERS
WJSTARTING 8F - 37
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

(8) Remove the starter motor from the engine com-
partment.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the starter motor in the engine com-
partment.
(2) Reconnect the solenoid terminal wire harness
connector to the connector receptacle on the starter
solenoid. Always support the starter motor during
this process, do not let the starter motor hang from
the wire harness.
(3) Install the battery cable eyelet onto the sole-
noid battery terminal. Always support the starter
motor during this process, do not let the starter
motor hang from the wire harness.
(4) Install and tighten the nut that secures the
battery cable eyelet to the solenoid battery terminal.
Tighten the nut to 11.3 N´m (100 in. lbs.). Always
support the starter motor during this process, do not
let the starter motor hang from the wire harness.
(5) Position the starter motor to the front of the
automatic transmission torque converter housing and
loosely install both the upper and lower mounting
screws.
(6) Tighten the lower (forward facing) starter
motor mounting screw. On 4.0L engines, tighten the
screw to 41 N´m (30 ft. lbs.). On 4.7L engines, tighten
the screw to 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).(7) Tighten the upper (rearward facing) starter
mounting screw. Tighten the screw to 54 N´m (40 ft.
lbs.).
(8) Lower the vehicle.
(9) Reconnect the battery negative 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 the ignition switch is turned to
the Start position. The starter relay is located in the
Power Distribution Center (PDC), in the engine com-
partment. See the fuse and relay layout label affixed
to the inside surface of the PDC cover for starter
relay identification and location.
The starter relay is a International Standards
Organization (ISO) micro-relay. Relays conforming to
the ISO specifications have common physical dimen-
sions, current capacities, terminal patterns, and ter-
minal functions. The ISO micro-relay terminal
functions are the same as a conventional ISO relay.
However, the ISO micro-relay terminal pattern (or
footprint) is different, the current capacity is lower,
and the physical dimensions are smaller than those
of the conventional ISO relay.
The starter relay cannot be repaired or adjusted
and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
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 the elec-
tromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable
contact away from the normally closed fixed contact,
and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed
contact.
When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized,
spring pressure returns the movable contact to the
normally closed position. The resistor or diode is con-
nected in parallel with the electromagnetic coil in the
relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes that are
produced when the coil is de-energized.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER RELAY
The starter relay (Fig. 13) is located in the Power
Distribution Center (PDC), in the engine compart-
ment. Refer to the fuse and relay layout label affixed
to the underside of the PDC cover for starter relay
identification and location. For complete circuit dia-
grams, refer toStarting Systemin the Contents of
Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.
Fig. 12 Starter Wire Harness Remove/Install - 4.7L
Engine
1 - SOLENOID BATTERY TERMINAL EYELET
2 - NUT
3 - SOLENOID TERMINAL CONNECTOR
4 - BATTERY STARTER AND GENERATOR WIRE HARNESS
5 - RETAINERS
8F - 38 STARTINGWJ
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)

(1) Remove the starter relay from the PDC. Refer
toStarter Relayin the Removal and Installation
section of this group for the procedures.
(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   5 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, perform the Relay Circuit Test that
follows. If not OK, replace the 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 the open
circuit to the fuse in the PDC as required.
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
connected to terminal 30 in the 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 the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be
continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87
and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the
starter solenoid as required.
(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when
the ignition switch is held in the Start position.
Check for battery voltage at the cavity for relay ter-
minal 86 with the ignition switch in the Start posi-tion, and no voltage when the ignition switch is
released to the On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If
not OK, check for an open or short circuit to the igni-
tion switch and repair, if required. If the circuit to
the ignition switch is OK, refer toIgnition Switch
and Key Lock Cylinderin the Diagnosis and Test-
ing section of Group 8D - Ignition System for testing
of the ignition switch.
(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded
through the park/neutral position switch only when
the gearshift selector lever is in the Park or Neutral
positions. Check for continuity to ground at the cav-
ity for relay terminal 85. If not OK, check for an
open or short circuit to the park/neutral position
switch and repair, if required. If the circuit to the
park/neutral position switch is OK, refer toPark/
Neutral Position Switchin the Diagnosis and
Testing section of Group 21 - Transmission for testing
of the park/neutral position switch.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the cover from the Power Distribution
Center (PDC) (Fig. 14) .
Fig. 13 Starter Relay
30 - COMMON FEED
85 - COIL GROUND
86 - COIL BATTERY
87 - NORMALLY OPEN
87A - NORMALLY CLOSED
Fig. 14 Power Distribution Center
1 - RIGHT FENDER
2 - BATTERY
3 - POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER
4 - COVER
WJSTARTING 8F - 39
STARTER MOTOR RELAY (Continued)