Starting System: Notes

2010 Jeep Commander Sport, 3.7 K, AWDSECTION Notes

The battery, starting, and charging systems operate 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 three systems must perform within specifications.

STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO OPERATE 1. Battery discharged or inoperative 1. Charge and test battery. Refer to Electrical/Battery System - Diagnosis and Testing . Replace battery, if required.
2. Starter motor or solenoid inoperative 2. Test the starter motor and solenoid. See Electrical/Starting/STARTER - Diagnosis and Testing . Replace starter motor, if required.
3. Starter relay inoperative 3. See appropriate Wiring Information. Test and replace the starter relay, if required
4. Clutch pedal position switch inoperative (if equipped with manual transmission) 4. See Clutch Pedal Position Switch. Test and adjust or replace switch, if required.
5. Park/Neutral position switch inoperative (if equipped with automatic transmission) 5. See Park/Neutral Position Switch. Test and adjust or replace switch, if required.
6. Ignition switch inoperative 6. Test the Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder. Replace ignition switch if required.
7. Starting circuit wiring inoperative 7. See appropriate Wiring Information. Test and repair starter feed and/or control circuits, if required.
STARTER ENGAGES, BUT FAILS TO TURN ENGINE 1. Battery discharged or inoperative 1. Charge and test battery. Refer to Electrical/Battery System - Diagnosis and Testing . Replace battery if required.
2. Starter motor or solenoid inoperative 2. Test the starter motor and solenoid. See Electrical/Starting/STARTER - Diagnosis and Testing . Replace starter motor if required.
3. Starting circuit wiring inoperative 3. See appropriate Wiring Information. Test and repair starter feed and/or control circuits, if required.
4. Engine seized 4. See - Engine. Test and repair engine as required.
STARTER ENGAGES, BUT THEN DISENGAGES BEFORE ENGINE STARTS 1. Starter motor or solenoid inoperative 1. Test the starter motor and solenoid. See Electrical/Starting/STARTER - Diagnosis and Testing . Replace starter motor, if required.
2. Starter ring gear damaged 2. Remove starter motor and inspect starter ring gear. See Electrical/Starting/STARTER - Removal . Replace starter ring gear, if required.
STARTER DOES NOT DISENGAGE 1. Starter motor incorrectly installed or solenoid inoperative 1. Inspect and test the starter motor and solenoid. See Electrical/Starting/STARTER - Diagnosis and Testing . Replace starter motor, if required.
2. Starter relay inoperative 2. See appropriate Wiring Information. Test and replace the starter relay, if required.
3. Ignition switch inoperative 3. Test the Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder. Replace ignition switch, if required.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.