Starter Circuit Troubleshooting

STARTER CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING

NOTE: The battery must be in good condition and fully charged.




1. Remove the fuel pump relay(A) from the fuse box.
2. With the shift lever in N or P (A/T) or clutch pedal pressed (M/T), turn the ignition switch to "START"

If the starter normally cranks the engine, starting system is OK. If the starter will not crank the engine at all, go to next step.

If it won't disengage from the ring gear when you release key, check for the following until you find the cause.
- Solenoid plunger and switch malfunction.
- Dirty pinion gear or damaged overrunning clutch.

3. Check the battery condition. Check electrical connections at the battery, battery negative cable connected to the body, engine ground cables, and the starter for looseness and corrosion. Then try starting the engine again.

If the starter cranks normally the engine, repairing the loose connection repaired the problem. The starting system is now OK.

If the starter still does not crank the engine, go to next step.

4. Disconnect the connector from the S-terminal of solenoid. Connect a jumper wire from the 8-terminal of solenoid to the S-terminal of solenoid.

If the starter cranks the engine, go to next step.
If the starter still does not crank the engine, remove the starter, and repair or replace as necessary.

5. Check the following items in the order listed until you find the open circuit.
- Check the wire and connectors between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the ignition switch, and between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the starter.
- Check the ignition switch
- Check the transaxle range switch connector or ignition lock switch connector.
- Inspect the starter relay.