General Information - Engine Electrical: Troubleshooting

IGNITION SYSTEM SYMPTOM

Symptom	Suspect area	Remedy
Engine will not start or is hard to start (Cranks OK)	Ignition lock switch	Inspect ignition lock switch, or replace as required
	Ignition coil	Inspect ignition coil, or replace as required
	Spark plugs	Inspect spark plugs, or replace as required
	Ignition wiring disconnected or broken	Repair wiring, or replace as required
Rough idle or stalls	Ignition wiring	Repair wiring, or replace as required
Rough idle or stalls	Ignition coil	Inspect ignition coil, or replace as required
Engine hesitates/poor acceleration	Spark plugs and spark plug cables	Inspect spark plugs/cable, or replace as required
Engine hesitates/poor acceleration	Ignition wiring	Repair wiring, or replace as required
Poor mileage	Spark plugs and spark plug cables	Inspect spark plugs/cable, or replace as required

CHARGING SYSTEM SYMPTOM

Symptom	Suspect area	Remedy
Charging warning indicator does not light with ignition switch "ON" and engine off.	Fuse blown	Check fuses
	Light burned out	Replace light
	Wiring connection loose	Tighten loose connection
	Electronic voltage regulator	Disconnect the voltage regulator to see if light turns off. If light turns off, replace voltage regulator.
Charging warning indicator does not go out with engine running. (Battery requires frequent recharging)	Drive belt loose or worn	Adjust belt tension or replace belt
	Battery cable loose, corroded or worn Alternator wiring connection loose	Inspect cable connection, repair or replace cable
	Electronic voltage regulator or alternator	Disconnect the voltage regulator or alternator to see if light turns off. If light turns off, replace voltage regulator.
	Wiring	Repair or replace wiring
Overcharge	Electronic voltage regulator	Disconnect the voltage regulator to see if light turns off. If light turns off, replace voltage regulator.
Overcharge	Voltage sensing wire	Repair or replace wiring
Discharge	Drive belt loose or worn	Adjust belt tension or replace belt
	Wiring connection loose or short circuit	Inspect wiring connection, repair or replace wiring
	Electronic voltage regulator or alternator	Disconnect the voltage regulator or alternator to see if light turns off. If light turns off, replace voltage regulator.
	Poor grounding	Inspect ground or repair
	Worn battery	Replace battery

STARTING SYSTEM SYMPTOM

Symptom	Suspect area	Remedy
Engine will not crank	Battery charge low	Charge or replace battery
	Battery cables loose, corroded or worn out	Repair or replace cables
	Transaxle range switch (Vehicle with automatic transaxle only)	Refer to TR group-automatic transaxle
	Fuse blown	Replace fuse
	Starter motor faulty	Replace
	Ignition switch faulty	Replace
Engine cranks slowly	Battery charge low	Charge or replace battery
	Battery cables loose, corroded or worn out	Repair or replace cables
	Starter motor faulty	Replace
Starter keeps running	Starter motor	Replace
Starter keeps running	Ignition switch	Replace
Starter spins but engine will not crank	Short in wiring	Repair wiring
	Pinion gear teeth broken or starter motor	Replace
	Ring gear teeth broken	Replace fly wheel or torque converter