Trouble Shooting
WARNING:
When servicing the starter motor or performing other underhood work in the vicinity of the starter motor, be aware that the heavy gauge battery input lead at the starter solenoid is "electrically hot" at all times.
CAUTION:
A protective cap or boot is provided over the battery input terminal on all vehicle lines and must be replaced after servicing. Be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable before servicing the starter motor.
NOTE:
Always make the multimeter connections at the component terminal rather than at the wiring end connector. Making a connection at the wiring end connector could result in false readings because the meter will not pick up a high resistance between the wiring connector and the component.
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
| Problem | Possible Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| The Engine Does Not Crank. | Battery. Fuse. Starter motor. Ignition switch. Circuitry. Starter motor relay. Clutch pedal position (CPP) switch. Anti-theft system, if equipped. | See ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK . |
| The Engine Cranks Slowly. | Battery. Starter motor. Ignition switch. Circuitry. | Inspect the starting system. See STARTING SYSTEM INSPECTION . |
| Unusual Starter Noise | Starter motor mounting. Starter motor. Improper starter drive engagement. | See UNUSUAL STARTER NOISE . |
| The Starter Spins But The Engine Does Not Crank | ||
| - - - | Starter motor. | Inspect the starter motor mounting and engagement. See STARTER MOTOR - 2.3L , STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L , or STARTER MOTOR - 4.0L . |
| - - - | Damaged flywheel/ring gear teeth. | Inspect the flywheel/ring gear for damaged, missing or worn teeth. See STARTER DRIVE/FLYWHEEL RING GEAR . |
NOTE:
On models equipped anti-theft system, ensure anti-theft system is operating properly (horn sounds, lights flash, etc.) See appropriate IMMOBILIZER SYSTEMS - PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS
article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT for additional information.