Engine Starting System

GENERAL INFORMATION

If the starter does not engage when the ignition key is turned, the following may be the cause: – faulty battery; – contamination of the power cable contacts (starter and solenoid); – faulty starter solenoid; – faulty starter.

Inspection

PROCEDURE

1. Check the battery by switching on the high beam headlights.

2. If the headlights are dim, check and charge (or replace) the battery.

3. If the headlights are bright, engage the starter. If the headlights dim, the starter is faulty.

4. If the headlights stay on but no click is heard, the starter solenoid or its supply circuit is faulty.

5. If the starter turns slowly and the battery is good, either the starter is faulty or the resistance of its supply circuit has increased.

6. If the circuit is suspected to be in poor condition, disconnect all wires, clean the contacts, including the engine-to-body ground strap, and reconnect the wires.

7. If the battery and wires are in satisfactory condition, check whether voltage is supplied to the starter solenoid.

8. To do this, disconnect the wire from the solenoid blade terminal and connect it to ground through a test lamp or voltmeter.

9. Turn the ignition key.

10. If voltage is present at the solenoid, the circuit is good; otherwise check the wiring (see subsection 14.2.1).

11. Check the solenoid power contacts by connecting a test lamp or voltmeter to them.

12. If the lamp does not light (or there is no voltage) when the starter is engaged, replace the starter solenoid.

13. If the circuit and solenoid are good, replacing the starter is recommended.