An electrically operated engine starting system is standard factory-installed equipment on this model. The starting
system is designed to provide the vehicle operator with a convenient, efficient and reliable means of cranking and
starting the internal combustion engine used to power the vehicle and all of its accessory systems from within the
safe and secure confines of the passenger compartment. See the owner’s manual in the vehicle glove box for more
information and instructions on the recommended use and operation of the factory-installed starting system.

The starting system consists of the following components:

•

Battery

•

Starter Motor

•

Starter Solenoid

•

Ignition Switch

•

Wire harnesses and connections (including the battery cables).

This section provides complete service information for the starter motor. Complete service information for the other
starting system components can be located as follows:

•

(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - DESCRIPTION).

•

(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL - DESCRIPTION).

•

(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - OPERATION) for complete service information
and circuit diagrams for the starting system wiring components.

Group 8F - Engine Systems covers the Battery, Starting Systems, and Charging System. We have combined these
systems to make it easier to locate the information you are seeking within this Service Manual. However, when
attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.

The battery, starting, and charging systems in the vehicle operate with one another, and must be tested as a com-
plete system. In order for the vehicle to start and charge properly, all of the components that are used in these
systems must perform within specifications.

The diagnostic procedures used in each of these groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to
the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an
induction-type milliampere ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt
test lamp may be required.

All OBD-sensed systems are monitored by the PCM. Each monitored circuit is assigned a Diagnostic Trouble Code
(DTC). The PCM will store a DTC in electronic memory for any failure it detects. Refer to On-Board Diagnostic
Test For Charging System in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Charging System for more information. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/STARTING - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

STARTING SYSTEM

8F - 35

OPERATION

The starting system components form two separate circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the starter
motor between 150 and 350 amperes, 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 portion of the
starter solenoid, and the starter motor. The low-amperage control circuit components include the ignition switch, the
pulse module, the electromagnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the connecting wire harness components.

Battery voltage is supplied through the low-amperage control circuit to the pulse module when the ignition switch is
turned to the momentary Start position. When the starter solenoid coil windings are energized, the solenoid pull-in
coil pulls in the solenoid 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 flywheel.

As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-amperage starter
feed circuit and energizes the solenoid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between the solenoid battery terminal
and the starter motor, energizing the starter.

When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-energized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the plunger to its
relaxed position. This causes the contact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift lever to disengage the
overrunning clutch and pinion gear from the starter ring gear.

Once the engine starts, the pulse module prevents starter motor damage by only allowing the starter to be engaged
until the engine is running. Once the engine fires and achieves an rpm threshold that the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) defines as “engine running”, the starter motor is automatically disengaged by the PCM through the pulse
module. The pulse module further prevents starter motor damage by not allowing the starter motor to be engaged
if the engine is already running.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING SYSTEM

The battery, starting, and charging systems operate with one another, and must be tested as a complete system. In
order for the vehicle to start and charge properly, all of the components involved in these systems must perform
within specifications.

Group 8F - Engine Systems covers the Battery, Starting System, and Charging System. We have combined these
systems to make it easier to locate the information you are seeking within this Service Manual. However, when
attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.

The diagnostic procedures used in this group includes most conventional diagnostic methods. The use of an induc-
tion-type milliampere ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test
lamp may be required.

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 8F - Engine Systems. 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. 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. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.

4. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch in the Diagnosis
and Testing section of Group 21 - Transmission. Replace
the park/neutral position switch, if required.

5. Starter solenoid faulty.

5. Refer to Starter Motor in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of Group 8F - Engine Systems. Replace the
starter motor assembly, if required.

8F - 36

STARTING SYSTEM

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSE

CORRECTION

6. Starter motor faulty.

6. 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 8F - Engine Systems. 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 Group 8F - Engine Systems. 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 Group 8F - Engine Systems. Tighten the starter
mounting hardware to the correct tightness specifications.

2. Ignition switch faulty.

2. 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.

3. Starter motor faulty.

3. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace the starter motor assembly.

INSPECTION

For complete wiring diagrams, refer to Starting System in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams. Before
removing any unit from the starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspections:

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COM-
PONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

•

Visually inspect the battery for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded cable connections. Deter-
mine the state-of-charge and cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace the battery, if required. in the
proper section of Group 8F - Engine Systems for complete service information for the battery. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY - DESCRIPTION).

•

- Visually inspect the ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness

connections. in the proper section of Group 8D - Ignition System for complete service information for the igni-
tion switch.(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/IGNITION CONTROL/IGNITION COIL - DESCRIPTION).

•

Visually inspect the starter motor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness con-

nections.

•

Visually inspect the starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness

connections.

•

Visually inspect the wire harnesses for damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required. Refer to the

proper section of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for complete service information and circuit diagrams for the
starting system wiring components. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION -
DESCRIPTION).

STARTING SYSTEM

8F - 37

TESTING

COLD CRANKING TEST

For complete wiring diagrams, refer to Starting System in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams. The bat-
tery must be fully-charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to Battery in the Diagnosis and Testing section
of Group 8F - Engine Systems for the procedures. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

1. Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester (3) to the

battery terminals (1,2). 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 or place the manual
transmission gearshift selector in the Neutral posi-
tion.

4. Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.

5. Prevent the engine from starting.

6. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start

position. Note the cranking voltage and current
(amperage) draw readings shown on the volt-am-
pere tester.

a. If the voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to

Starter Motor in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of this group (Refer to 8 - ELECTRI-
CAL/STARTING/STARTER MOTOR - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the starter motor is OK, refer to
Engine Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 9 - Engine for further testing of the engine
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If the starter motor is not OK, replace the faulty starter
motor.

b. If the voltage reads above 9.6 volts and the current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer to

Feed Circuit Test in this section.

c. If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and the starter motor does not turn, refer to Control Circuit Test-

ing in this section.

d. If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and the starter motor turns very slowly, refer to Feed Circuit Test

in this section.

Note: A cold engine will increase the starter current (amperage) draw reading, and reduce the battery volt-
age reading.

FEED CIRCUIT TEST

The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method) will determine if there is excessive resistance in the high-amper-
age feed circuit. For complete wiring diagrams, refer to Starting System in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring
Diagrams. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIRING DIAGRAM INFORMATION - DESCRIPTION).

When performing these tests, it is important to remember that the voltage drop is giving an indication of the resis-
tance between the two points at which the voltmeter probes are attached.

Example: When testing the resistance of the battery 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 positive terminal post and the
cable connector at the starter solenoid, you are reading the combined voltage drop in the battery positive cable
clamp-to-terminal 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:

8F - 38

STARTING SYSTEM

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