2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER key battery

JUMP STARTING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - JUMP STARTING
WARNING: REVIEW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
AND WARNINGS IN THE BATTERY SYSTEM SEC-
TION OF THE SERVICE MANUAL. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE)
²DO NOT JUMP START A FROZEN BATTERY,
PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.
²IF EQUIPPED, DO NOT JUMP START WHEN
MAINTENANCE FREE BATTERY INDICATOR DOT IS
YELLOW OR BRIGHT COLOR.
²DO NOT JUMP START A VEHICLE WHEN THE
BATTERY FLUID IS BELOW THE TOP OF LEAD
PLATES.
²DO NOT ALLOW JUMPER CABLE CLAMPS TO
TOUCH EACH OTHER WHEN CONNECTED TO A
BOOSTER SOURCE.
²DO NOT USE OPEN FLAME NEAR BATTERY.
²REMOVE METALLIC JEWELRY WORN ON
HANDS OR WRISTS TO AVOID INJURY BY ACCI-
DENTAL ARCING OF BATTERY CURRENT.
²WHEN USING A HIGH OUTPUT BOOSTING
DEVICE, DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY VOLTAGE TO
EXCEED 16 VOLTS. REFER TO INSTRUCTIONS
PROVIDED WITH DEVICE BEING USED.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY
RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
CAUTION: When using another vehicle as a
booster, do not allow vehicles to touch. Electrical
systems can be damaged on either vehicle.
TO JUMP START A DISABLED VEHICLE:
(1) Raise hood on disabled vehicle and visually
inspect engine compartment for:
²Battery cable clamp condition, clean if necessary.
²Frozen battery.
²Yellow or bright color test indicator, if equipped.
²Low battery fluid level.
²Generator drive belt condition and tension.
²Fuel fumes or leakage, correct if necessary.
CAUTION: If the cause of starting problem on dis-
abled vehicle is severe, damage to booster vehicle
charging system can result.
(2) When using another vehicle as a booster
source, park the booster vehicle within cable reach.
Turn off all accessories, set the parking brake, place
the automatic transmission in PARK or the manual
transmission in NEUTRAL and turn the ignition
OFF.(3) On disabled vehicle, place gear selector in park
or neutral and set park brake. Turn off all accesso-
ries.
(4) Connect jumper cables to booster battery. RED
clamp to positive terminal (+). BLACK clamp to neg-
ative terminal (-). DO NOT allow clamps at opposite
end of cables to touch, electrical arc will result.
Review all warnings in this procedure.
(5) On disabled vehicle, connect RED jumper cable
clamp to positive (+) terminal. Connect BLACK
jumper cable clamp to engine ground as close to the
ground cable attaching point as possible.
(6) Start the engine in the vehicle which has the
booster battery, let the engine idle a few minutes,
then start the engine in the vehicle with the dis-
charged battery.
CAUTION: Do not crank starter motor on disabled
vehicle for more than 15 seconds, starter will over-
heat and could fail.
(7) Allow battery in disabled vehicle to charge to
at least 12.4 volts (75% charge) before attempting to
start engine. If engine does not start within 15 sec-
onds, stop cranking engine and allow starter to cool
(15 min.), before cranking again.
DISCONNECT CABLE CLAMPS AS FOLLOWS:
²Disconnect BLACK cable clamp from engine
ground on disabled vehicle.
²When using a Booster vehicle, disconnect
BLACK cable clamp from battery negative terminal.
Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery positive
terminal.
²Disconnect RED cable clamp from battery posi-
tive terminal on disabled vehicle.
TOWING
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOWING
WARNING: Do not tow the vehicle if the key cannot
be turned in the ignition lock. If the key cannot be
turned, the ignition lock remains locked and the
vehicle cannot be steered. With the engine not run-
ning there is no power assistance for the braking
and steering systems. In this case, it is important to
keep in mind that a considerably higher degree of
effort is necessary to brake and steer the vehicle.
The vehicle must not be towed with the front axle
raised and the key in position 2 in the ignition lock
as the drive wheels could then lock due to the
acceleration skid control (ASR)
0 - 6 LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCEVA

²Lights-On Warning- The EMIC chime tone
generator will generate repetitive chime tones at a
fast rate when either front door is opened with the
ignition switch in any position except On, and the
exterior lights are turned On. The EMIC uses inter-
nal programming and hard wired inputs from the left
(lighting) control stalk of the multi-function switch,
the ignition switch, and both front door jamb
switches to determine the current status of these
switches. This chime will continue to sound until the
exterior lighting is turned Off, until the ignition
switch is turned to the On position, or until both
front doors are closed, whichever occurs first.
²Key-In-Ignition Warning-
The EMIC chime
tone generator will generate repetitive chime tones at a
fast rate when the key is in the ignition lock cylinder,
the ignition switch is in any position except On, and
either front door is opened. The EMIC uses internal
programming and hard wired inputs from the key-in
ignition switch, the ignition switch, and both front door
jamb switches to determine the current status of these
switches. The chime will continue to sound until the key
is removed from the ignition lock cylinder, until the
ignition switch is turned to the On position, or until
both front doors are closed, whichever occurs first.
²Audible Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Sup-
port-
The EMIC contactless relay will generate repeti-
tive clicks at a slow rate during normal turn signal/
hazard warning operation, or at a fast rate when a turn
signal lamp bulb or circuit is inoperative, in concert with
the operation of the turn signal indicators in the cluster.
These clicks are designed to emulate the sound of the
opening and closing of the contact points in a conven-
tional electro-mechanical turn signal or hazard warning
flasher. The EMIC uses a hard wired input received from
the turn signal relay in the fuse block beneath the steer-
ing column through the turn signal or hazard warning
switch circuitry of the multi-function switch to determine
when to flash the turn signal indicators and activate the
contactless relay on the cluster electronic circuit board.
The turn signal clicks will continue to sound until the
turn signal switch is turned Off, or until the ignition
switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs
first. The hazard warning clicks will continue to sound
until the hazard warning switch is turned Off.
The EMIC provides chime service for all available
features in the chime warning system. The EMIC relies
upon its internal programming and hard wired inputs
from the front door ajar switches, the key-in ignition
switch, the ignition switch, the seat belt switch, and the
turn signal/hazard warning (multi-function) switches.
The EMIC relies upon electronic message inputs
received from other electronic modules over the CAN
data bus network to provide chime service for the low
engine oil level warning. Upon receiving the proper
inputs, the EMIC activates the chime tone generator orthe contactless relay to provide the audible warning to
the vehicle operator. The internal programming of the
EMIC determines the priority of each chime request
input that is received, as well as the rate and duration
of each tone that is to be generated. See the owner's
manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on
the features provided by the chime warning system.
The hard wired chime warning system inputs to
the EMIC, as well as other hard wired circuits for
this system may be diagnosed and tested using con-
ventional diagnostic tools and procedures. However,
conventional diagnostic methods may not prove con-
clusive in the diagnosis of the EMIC, the CAN data
bus network, or the electronic message inputs used
by the EMIC to provide chime warning system ser-
vice. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate means
to diagnose the EMIC, the CAN data bus network,
and the electronic message inputs for the chime
warning system requires the use of a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CHIME WARNING
SYSTEM
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS,
DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM
BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL,
STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER
AIRBAG, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DIS-
CONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE
(GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR
THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE
PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUP-
PLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE
THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
The hard wired chime warning system inputs to
the Electro-Mechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC),
as well as other hard wired circuits for this system
may be diagnosed and tested using conventional
diagnostic tools and procedures. However, conven-
tional diagnostic methods may not prove conclusive
in the diagnosis of the EMIC, the Controller Area
Network (CAN) data bus network, or the electronic
message inputs used by the EMIC to provide chime
warning system service. The most reliable, efficient,
and accurate means to diagnose the EMIC, the CAN
data bus network, and the electronic message inputs
for the chime warning system requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
8B - 2 CHIME/BUZZERVA
CHIME/BUZZER (Continued)

OPERATION
The central timer module (CTM) monitors many
hard wired switch and sensor inputs as well as those
resources it shares with other modules in the vehicle
through its communication over the programmable
communications interface (PCI) data bus network.
The internal programming and all of these inputs
allow the CTM to determine the tasks it needs to
perform and their priorities, as well as both the stan-
dard and optional features that it should provide.
The CTM then performs those tasks and provides
those features through both PCI data bus communi-
cation with other modules and hard wired outputs
through a number of driver circuits, relays, and
actuators.These outputs allow the CTM the ability to
control numerous accessory systems in the vehicle.
The CTM monitors its own internal circuitry as
well as many of its input and output circuits, and
will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in elec-
tronic memory for any failure it detects. These DTCs
can be retrieved and diagnosed using a DRBIIItscan
tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
HARD WIRED INPUTS
The hard wired inputs to the CTM include the fol-
lowing:
²Fused B(+)
²Fused ignition switch output (run-acc)
²Fused ignition switch output (run-start)
²Ground
²Key-in ignition switch sense
²Sliding door switch sense
²Passenger door switch sense
²Driver door switch sense
²PCI bus circuit
HARD WIRED OUTPUTS
The hard wired outputs of the CTM include the fol-
lowing:
²Door lock relay output
²Door unlock relay output
²VTSS indicator driver
MESSAGING
The CTM uses the following messages received
from other electronic modules over the PCI data bus:
²Airbag Deploy (ACM)
²Beep request (CMTC)
²Charging System Failure (PCM)
²Chime request (EMIC)
²Engine RPM (PCM)
²OK to Arm VTSS (PCM)
²Security indicator request (SKIM)
²System Voltage (PCM)
²Valid/Invalid Key (SKIM)
²Vehicle Distance (PCM)²Vehicle Speed (PCM)DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - CENTRAL TIMER
MODULE
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, OR INSTRU-
MENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SER-
VICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY
NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO
MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR
TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE
WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE
TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD
RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT
AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
The hard wired inputs to and outputs from the
central timer module (CTM) may be diagnosed and
tested using conventional diagnostic tools and meth-
ods. Refer to the appropriate wiring information.
However, conventional diagnostic methods may not
prove conclusive in the diagnosis of the CTM. In
order to obtain conclusive testing of the CTM, the
programmable communications interface (PCI) data
bus network and all of the modules that provide
inputs to or receive outputs from the CTM must also
be checked. The most reliable, efficient, and accurate
means to diagnose the CTM, the PCI data bus net-
work, and the modules that provide inputs to, or
receive outputs from, the CTM requires the use of a
DRBIIItscan tool. Refer to the appropriate diagnos-
tic information.
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Slide the driver seat to the full forward posi-
tion.
(3) Disconnect the wire harness connector for the
seat belt latch. (Fig. 1).
(4) Remove the screws that secure the closeout
panel beneathe the driver seat cushion and remove
the panel.
(5) Remove the screws that secure the central
timer module to the bracket.
(6) Disconnect the wire harness connectors from
the central timer module.
(7) Remove the central timer module from the
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the central timer module in the vehicle
8E - 2 ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULESVA
CENTRAL TIMER MODULE (Continued)

STANDARD PROCEDURE - OPEN-CIRCUIT
VOLTAGE TEST
A battery open-circuit voltage (no load) test will
show the approximate state-of-charge of a battery.
This test can be used in place of the hydrometer test
when a hydrometer is not available, or for mainte-
nance-free batteries with non-removable cell caps.
Before proceeding with this test, completely charge
the battery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY
SYSTEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(1) Before measuring the open-circuit voltage, the
surface charge must be removed from the battery.
Turn on the headlamps for fifteen seconds, then
allow up to five minutes for the battery voltage to
stabilize.
(2) Disconnect and isolate both battery cables, neg-
ative cable first.
(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts (see the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the voltmeter), measure the open-circuit volt-
age (Fig. 5).
See the Open-Circuit Voltage Table. This voltage
reading will indicate the battery state-of-charge, but
will not reveal its cranking capacity. If a battery has
an open-circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, it may be load tested to reveal its cranking
capacity (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYS-
TEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TABLE
Open Circuit Voltage Charge Percentage
11.7 volts or less 0%
12.0 volts 25%
12.2 volts 50%
12.4 volts 75%
12.6 volts or more 100%
STANDARD PROCEDURE - IGNITION-OFF
DRAW TEST
The term Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) identifies a nor-
mal condition where power is being drained from the
battery with the ignition switch in the Off position. A
normal vehicle electrical system will draw from five
to thirty-five milliamperes (0.005 to 0.035 ampere)
with the ignition switch in the Off position, and all
non-ignition controlled circuits in proper working
order. Up to thirty-five milliamperes are needed to
enable the memory functions for the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM), digital clock, electronically tuned
radio, and other modules which may vary with the
vehicle equipment.
A vehicle that has not been operated for approxi-
mately twenty days, may discharge the battery to an
inadequate level. When a vehicle will not be used for
twenty days or more (stored), remove the IOD fuse
from the fuseblock. This will reduce battery discharg-
ing.
Excessive IOD can be caused by:
²Electrical items left on.
²Faulty or improperly adjusted switches.
²Faulty or shorted electronic modules and compo-
nents.
²An internally shorted generator.
²Intermittent shorts in the wiring.
If the IOD is over thirty-five milliamperes, the
problem must be found and corrected before replac-
ing a battery. In most cases, the battery can be
charged and returned to service after the excessive
IOD condition has been corrected.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are off.
Turn off all lamps, remove the ignition key, and close
all doors. If the vehicle is equipped with an illumi-
nated entry system or an electronically tuned radio,
allow the electronic timer function of these systems
to automatically shut off (time out). This may take
up to three minutes.
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect the lamp wire harness
connector or remove the lamp bulb.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(4) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
Fig. 5 Testing Open-Circuit Voltage - Typical
8F - 10 BATTERY SYSTEMVA
BATTERY (Continued)

battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(5) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Fuse Blocks, one at a time until the
amperage reading becomes very low, or nonexistent.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information in this
service manual for complete fuseblock fuse, circuit
breaker, and circuit identification. This will isolate
each circuit and identify the circuit that is the source
of the high-amperage IOD. If the amperage reading
remains high after removing and replacing each fuse
and circuit breaker, disconnect the wire harness from
the generator. If the amperage reading now becomes
very low or nonexistent, refer to Charging System for
the proper charging system diagnosis and testing
procedures. After the high-amperage IOD has been
corrected, switch the multi-meter to progressively
lower amperage scales and, if necessary, repeat the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
to identify and correct all sources of excessive IOD. It
is now safe to select the lowest milliampere scale of
the multi-meter to check the low-amperage IOD.
CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(6) Observe the multi-meter reading. The low-am-
perage IOD should not exceed thirty-five milliam-
peres (0.035 ampere). If the current draw exceeds
thirty-five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
in Step 5. The multi-meter reading will drop to
within the acceptable limit when the source of the
excessive current draw is disconnected. Repair this
circuit as required; whether a wiring short, incorrect
switch adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING MICRO 420
BATTERY TESTER
Always use the Micro 420 Instruction Manual that
was supplied with the tester as a reference. If the
Instruction Manual is not available the following pro-
cedure can be used:
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE EYE
PROTECTION AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
WORKING WITH BATTERIES.
BATTERY TESTING
(1) If testing the battery OUT-OF-VEHICLE, clean
the battery terminals with a wire brush before test-
ing. If the battery is equipped with side post termi-
nals, install and tighten the supplied lead terminal
stud adapters. Do not use steel bolts. Failure to prop-
erly install the stud adapters, or using stud adapters
that are dirty or worn-out may result in false test
readings.
(2) If testing the battery IN-THE-VEHICLE, make
certain all of the vehicle accessory loads are OFF,
including the ignition.The preferred test position
is at the battery terminal. If the battery is not
accessible, you may test using both the positive and
negative jumper posts. Select TESTING AT JUMPER
POST when connecting to that location.
(3) Connect the tester (Fig. 6) to the battery or
jumper posts, the red clamp to positive (+) and the
black clamp to negative (±).
NOTE: Multiple batteries connected in parallel must
have the ground cable disconnected to perform a
battery test. Failure to disconnect may result in
false battery test readings.
(4) Using the ARROW key selectinoroutof vehi-
cle testing and press ENTER to make a selection.
(5) If not selected, choose the Cold Cranking Amp
(CCA) battery rating. Or select the appropriate bat-
tery rating for your area (see menu). The tester will
then run its self programmed test of the battery and
display the results. Refer to the test result table
noted below.
Fig. 6 Micro 420 Battery Tester
VABATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 11
BATTERY (Continued)

GENERATOR
DESCRIPTION
The generator is belt-driven by the engine using a
serpentine-type drive belt. It is serviced only as a
complete assembly. If the generator fails for any rea-
son, the entire assembly must be replaced.
On certain engines, the decoupler pulley may be
replaced separately.
OPERATION
As the energized rotor begins to rotate within the
generator, the spinning magnetic field induces a cur-
rent into the windings of the stator coil. Once the
generator begins producing sufficient current, it also
provides the current needed to energize the rotor.
The stator winding connections deliver the induced
AC current to 3 positive and 3 negative diodes for
rectification. From the diodes, rectified DC current is
delivered to the vehicle electrical system through the
generator battery terminal.
Although the generators appear the same exter-
nally, different generators with different output rat-
ings are used on this vehicle. Be certain that the
replacement generator has the same output rating
and part number as the original unit. Refer to Spec-
ifications and see Generator Ratings for amperage
ratings and part numbers.
Noise emitting from the generator may be caused
by: worn, loose or defective bearings; a loose or defec-
tive drive pulley (decoupler pulley); incorrect, worn,
damaged or misadjusted fan drive belt; loose mount-
ing bolts; a misaligned drive pulley or a defective sta-
tor or diode.
An instrument panel mounted, battery charge indi-
cator lamp is used. When the key is in the on posi-
tion, the lamp will be illuminated. This is done as a
bulb check. If this lamp remains illuminated while
the engine is running, a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC) has been detected for the charging system.
REMOVAL
CAUTION: DISCONNECT NEGATIVE CABLE FROM
BATTERY BEFORE REMOVING BATTERY OUTPUT
WIRE FROM GENERATOR. FAILURE TO DO SO
CAN RESULT IN INJURY.
CAUTION: Never force a belt over a pulley rim
using a screwdriver. The synthetic fiber of the belt
can be damaged.
CAUTION: When installing a serpentine accessory
drive belt, the belt MUST be routed correctly. The
water pump will be rotating in the wrong direction ifthe belt is installed incorrectly, causing the engine
to overheat. Refer to belt routing label in engine
compartment, or refer to Belt Schematics in Cooling
System.
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Remove generator drive belt. Refer to Cooling
System for procedure.
(3) Raise and support vehicle.
(4) Remove protective plastic cover from B+ stud
at top of generator.
(5) Remove nut securing battery output cable to
B+ terminal at top of generator.
(6) Unplug field terminal connector at rear of gen-
erator.
(7) Remove 4 generator mounting bolts (Torx-style
#12 bit) (Fig. 1).
(8) Remove generator from lower side of vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Position generator to engine.
(3) Install 4 generator mounting bolts (Fig. 1).
Refer to Torque Specifications.
Fig. 1 GENERATOR MOUNTING - 2.7L DIESEL
1 - GENERATOR
2 - DRIVE BELT
3 - MOUNTING BOLTS (4)
4 - GENERATOR WIRING HARNESS
8F - 18 CHARGING SYSTEMVA

STARTING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................24
OPERATION...........................24
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................25
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - STARTER - DIESEL...........29
SPECIFICATIONS - STARTER MOTOR -
DIESEL.............................29STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................29
REMOVAL.............................30
INSTALLATION.........................31
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................31
REMOVAL.............................31
INSTALLATION.........................32
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The starting system consists of:
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
Other components to be considered as part of start-
ing system are:
²Battery
²Battery cables
²Ignition switch and key lock cylinder
²Park/neutral position switch (automatic trans-
mission)
²Wire harnesses and connections.
The Battery, Starting, and Charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct operation of
starting/charging systems, all components used in
these 3 systems must perform within specifications.
When attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it
is important that you keep their interdependency in
mind.
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 Engine Control Module
(ECM). 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.
Certain starting system components are monitored
by the ECM and may produce a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC).
OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds thestarter motor high-amperage, 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 por-
tion of the starter solenoid, and the starter motor
itself. The low-amperage control circuit components
include the ignition switch, the park/neutral position
switch (automatic transmission), the starter relay,
the electromagnetic windings of the starter solenoid,
and the connecting wire harness components.
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, battery voltage is supplied through the low-
amperage 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 position 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 manual transmission flywheel or on
the automatic transmission torque converter or
torque converter 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.
8F - 24 STARTING SYSTEMVA

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 shiftlever 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 in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct starting/
charging system operation, all of the components
involved in these 3 systems must perform within
specifications.
Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO
OPERATE.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 relay faulty. 3. Refer to Starter Relay in Diagnosis and Testing.
Replace starter relay if required.
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
5. Clutch pedal position
switch faulty.5. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
6. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.6. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch. Replace
park/neutral position switch if required.
7. Starter solenoid faulty. 7. Refer to Starter Motor. Replace starter motor assembly
if required.
8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
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.
VASTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 25
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)