Starter Operation Check on Vehicle (In Situ)

Before carrying out starter motor function checks, make sure that low battery charge is not the cause of the hard starting.

If the starter motor does not turn at all when the ignition key is turned to the START position, first carry out the following simple checks:

a) Check the battery charge level, and the condition and security of the cables on the battery terminals and the starter solenoid;
b) Check the condition of the battery cables (refer to Battery Cables Inspection and Replacement). Replace defective components;
c) Check the condition of the battery (refer to Battery Inspection and Replacement). If necessary, replace it with a new one;
d) Check the condition of the wiring and terminal connections of the starter motor;
e) Check that the starter motor mounting bolts are tightened securely;
f) On vehicles so equipped, check the condition of the fuses in the engine compartment fuse/relay box (refer to Electrical Equipment Section). If any fuse has blown, investigate and eliminate the cause of the overload. Also check the operation of the ignition switch circuit (refer to Electrical Equipment Section);
g) Check the operation of the starter enable switch (A/T models) / starter cut-off switch (M/T models). The engine can be started only when the gear selector lever is in the "P" or "N" position (A/T), or the clutch pedal is fully depressed (M/T);
h) Check the operation of the starter relay located in the fuse/relay box in the engine compartment (refer to Electrical Equipment Section).

If the starter motor does not start turning when the ignition key is turned to the START position, check that battery power is supplied to the starter solenoid. Connect a voltmeter to terminal "S" of the starter solenoid and ask an assistant to crank the engine. The voltmeter should show a reading equal to battery voltage. If a voltmeter is not available, refer to the wiring diagrams in the Electrical Equipment Section of this Manual and check the condition of all fuses and relays connected in series in the engine cranking circuit. Locate the fuse box on the left under the instrument panel and check fuse No. 13, 7.5 A. Also check the operation of the starter cut-off relay. If voltage is present but the starter motor does not crank, remove the starter motor assembly from the engine (refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation) and test it on a workbench.

If the starter motor cranks the crankshaft too slowly, check the supply voltage to the starter motor. This check is carried out without removing the starter motor from the vehicle. Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more than 10 seconds. While cranking the engine, the voltage must not drop below 8.0 V on M/T models and below 8.5 V on A/T models. Using an ammeter, measure the current flowing in the starter circuit. Nominal values are not more than 380 A for A/T models and not more than 280 A for M/T models; otherwise, replace the assembly. Various factors can affect starter motor operation. The battery must be fully charged, its cable terminal connections must not be corroded, and the engine block must not be overcooled.

If the starter motor does not turn although power is supplied to it, remove the assembly and take it to a workbench. Most likely there is an internal fault in the electric motor. In some cases the cause is an engine seizure; to rule this out, check that the crankshaft turns freely by hand using the pulley (refer to Engine Section). Clamp the starter motor assembly with the solenoid in a vice with soft jaws, and use a jumper wire to connect its negative terminal (-) to the body. Use a second jumper wire to connect the positive battery terminal to the B+ terminal of the starter motor. Connect the starter switch and supply power to the S terminal of the solenoid (for no more than 10 seconds). Make sure the solenoid plunger extends forward, moving the drive lever and overrunning clutch accordingly, and that the extended pinion gear begins to rotate properly. If the pinion extends but does not rotate, the electric motor is faulty. If the plunger does not extend although the relay clicks properly, any component of the assembly may be faulty. In good condition, the pinion gear should extend and rotate when power is supplied.