Starting System
STARTING SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING
| Problem & Possible Cause | Action | |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Fails To Operate | ||
| Dead Battery | Check/Replace Battery | |
| Bad Connections/Wiring | Repair Connections/Wiring | |
| Faulty Ignition Switch | Check Switch Circuit | |
| Faulty Solenoid/Relay | Replace Solenoid/Relay | |
| Faulty Ground | Check/Repair Ground | |
| Starter Fails To Operate - Lights Dim | ||
| Faulty Battery | Replace Battery | |
| Bad Cable Connections | Check/Repair Connections | |
| Grounded Starter Windings | Test/Repair Starter | |
| Faulty Bearing/Bushing | Replace Bearing/Bushing | |
| Faulty Ground | Check/Repair Ground | |
| Corroded Terminals | Clean Terminals | |
| Starter Turns - Engine Does Not | ||
| Faulty Starter Drive | Replace Starter Drive | |
| Broken Drive Housing | Replace Drive Housing | |
| Faulty Pinion Shaft | Clean/Repair Shaft | |
| Faulty Flywheel | Check Flywheel/Starter | |
| Starter Does Not Crank Engine | ||
| Faulty Starter Drive | Replace Starter Drive | |
| Broken Drive Housing | Replace Drive Housing | |
| Missing Flywheel Teeth | Replace Flywheel | |
| Faulty Ground | Check/Repair Ground | |
| Frozen Engine | Check Engine | |
| Liquid-Locked Engine | Pressure Test Cooling System | |
| Starter Rotates Engine Slowly | ||
| Faulty Battery | Replace Battery | |
| Bad Connections/Wiring | Repair Connections/Wiring | |
| Grounded Starter Windings | Test/Repair Starter | |
| Faulty Starter Bearings | Replace Bearings | |
| Faulty Ground | Check/Repair Ground | |
| Broken Drive Housing | Replace Drive Housing | |
| Weak Starter Solenoid | Replace Starter Solenoid | |
| Starter Drive Does Not Engage | ||
| Bad Solenoid Contacts | Replace Solenoid | |
| Bad Solenoid Ground | Test Solenoid Ground | |
| Solenoid/Relay Does Not Close | ||
| Faulty Battery | Replace Battery | |
| Bad Connections/Wiring | Repair Connections/Wiring | |
| Faulty Safety Switch | Replace Safety Switch | |
| Faulty Solenoid/Relay | Replace Solenoid/Relay | |
| Starter Drive Will Not Disengage | ||
| Loose Starter Bolts | Tighten Starter Bolts | |
| Worn Drive End Bushing | Replace Drive End Bushing | |
| Missing Flywheel Teeth | Check Flywheel/Drive | |
| Faulty Ignition Switch | Replace Ignition Switch | |
| Solenoid Clicks | ||
| Weak Battery | Charge/Replace Battery | |
| Bad Solenoid Contacts | Replace Solenoid | |
| Bad Connections/Wiring | Repair Connections/Wiring | |
| Faulty Solenoid | Replace Solenoid | |
| High Current Draw | ||
| Dragging Armature | Replace Starter Bushings | |
| Shorted Armature Windings | Repair Starter | |
| Low Current Draw | ||
| Worn Starter Brushes | Replace Brushes | |
| Weak Brush Springs | Replace Brush Springs | |
| Faulty Engine Ground | Check Ground Cable | |
| High Resistance In Positive Battery Cable | Replace Cable | |
| Starter Whines During Cranking | ||
| Starter Alignment | Check Starter Alignment | |
| Incorrect Starter/Flywheel Clearance | Ensure Flywheel is Okay | |
| " | Ensure Starter is Correct | |
| Starter Whines After Starting | ||
| Starter Alignment | Check Starter Alignment | |
| Incorrect Starter/Flywheel Clearance | Ensure Flywheel is Okay | |
| " | Ensure Starter is Correct | |
- If a no-start condition exists and battery is known to be good, touch test light or voltmeter to starter solenoid terminal No. 50. See Figure.
- Turn ignition switch to START position. If test light or voltmeter does not indicate voltage, check main fusible links and large ampere main fuses in engine compartment relay box. If fusible links and fuses are okay, see IGNITION SWITCH & CIRCUIT TEST and/or STARTER RELAY TEST under ON-VEHICLE TESTING.