Starting System Cadillac Eldorado X

DESCRIPTION

All models are equipped with Delco-Remy starters. When the ignition switch is turned to the START position, the Delco-Remy starter solenoid windings are energized. This causes the solenoid plunger to move the shift lever, which engages the pinion with the engine flywheel ring gear. The movement of the plunger also closes the main solenoid contacts, applying battery voltage to the starter motor. (Scheme 1)

When the engine starts, the pinion will overrun, protecting the armature from excessive speed and the flywheel from damage. When the ignition switch is released, the plunger return spring disengages the pinion.

All Cadillacs have a starter inhibit function that prevents engagement of the starter once the engine is running. The PCM checks for an engine RPM signal greater than engine cranking speed. Once the engine is running, the Pass-Key(R) decoder module provides the starter inhibit signal to the PCM, the relay control is prevented from closing and ignition key input is ignored.

Starters with the PG designation, used on large displacement gasoline engines, have a pinion that is driven by a gear reduction system. These starters are easily identified by 3 Torx bolts that retain the solenoid and should not be dissembled for any reason. They are serviceable only by complete replacement.

Scheme 1

COMPONENT LOCATIONS

COMPONENT LOCATIONS

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. For information not covered in this article, see TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

TROUBLE SHOOTING HINTS

On all models, note condition of SECURITY indicator light. If indicator stays on or flashes continuously, see ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM in appropriate ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT article. Check starter solenoid terminals and battery grounds. Check for proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment. Perform self-diagnostic system test, to be certain no trouble codes are stored in PCM memory which may lead to misdiagnosis. See appropriate TESTS W/CODES article in ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.

Check for open 50-amp BATT1 fuse and 30-amp BATT2 fuse. If ether fuse is open, check for a short to ground in Purple wire between starter enable relay connector terminal "E" and starter solenoid terminal "S". Also check for short in Yellow wire between ignition switch and park/neutral position switch connector C1, terminal "G". Check for BATTERY VOLTS LOW, BATTERY NO CHARGE or SERVICE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM massages on instrument panel. Check Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Power Control Module (PCM) for related trouble codes.

STARTER NOISE

Note. 4.6L engines can not be shimmed. Noise condition, requiring shims, can only be corrected by replacing starter.

1. A high-pitched whine, heard while cranking (before engine starts), indicates excessive distance between starter pinion and flywheel. If high-pitched whine is heard after engine starts and key is released, distance between starter pinion and flywheel is too small. Pinion-to-flywheel clearance should be.020 In (0.5 mm). (Scheme 2)
2. If loud, siren-like "whoop" sound is heard after the engine starts, drive assembly is likely defective. If "rumble", "growl" or "knock" is present as starter is coasting to a stop after starting engine, starter armature is bent or unbalanced. NOTE: Check flywheel ring gear for damage.
3. If diagnosis indicates pinion should be closer to flywheel, ensure proper starter motor was installed. During initial starter motor installation, shim(s) are not used. If shim(s) are present, remove as necessary.
4. If diagnosis indicates pinion should be moved away from flywheel, add one shim. If using.039 In (1.0 mm) double shims, do not install more then 2 shims. If using.015 In (.38 mm) double shims, do not install more then 3 shims. If condition is not corrected, and pinion-to-flywheel clearance has been reached, single shims may be added to outer side of starter motor bolt using.015 In (.38 mm) shims. See «REMOVAL & INSTALLATION»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system__removal-installation).

Scheme 2

ON-VEHICLE TESTING

Note. The following tests assume that engine and battery are operating normally and are at operating temperature, battery is charged, there are no engine problems that would cause a no-start condition, and no diagnostic trouble codes are present.

SLOW OR NO CRANK AFTER EXTENDED PERIODS OF VEHICLE NON-USE

There may be a parasitic load on electrical system. See PARASITIC LOAD EXPLANATION & TEST PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK, STARTER SOLENOID DOES NOT CLICK

1. Place gear selector in Park. Turn ignition switch to START position and observe SECURITY indicator on instrument cluster. SECURITY indicator should illuminate for 5 seconds, then go out. STARTING DISABLED DUE TO THEFT SYSTEM, REMOVE IGNITION KEY message should not appear on Driver Information Center (DIC).
2. If SECURITY indicator does not remain illuminated as specified or does not flash continuously and STARTING DISABLED DUE TO THEFT SYSTEM, REMOVE IGNITION KEY message is not displayed on DIC, go to next step. If SECURITY indicator remains illuminated as specified or flashes continuously and STARTING DISABLED DUE TO THEFT SYSTEM, REMOVE IGNITION KEY message is displayed on DIC, problem exists within anti-theft system. See appropriate «ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#anti-theft-system) article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section.
3. Load test battery. Replace battery if it fails load test. Check battery cables and battery cable connections. If battery cables and connections are okay, go to next step. If battery cables and connections are faulty, repair or replace battery cables and connections as necessary.
4. Remove two 10-amp INJ fuses, located in engine compartment fuse/relay block. Turn ignition switch to START position. Using DVOM, measure voltage between starter solenoid terminal "S" (Purple wire) and ground. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) . If voltage is 9.5 volts or greater, go to next step. If voltage is less than 9.5 volts, go to step 6).
5. Check starter solenoid terminal "S" for a poor connection. Check between starter and engine block for dirty or poor ground. If connection and ground are okay, repair or replace starter.
6. Disconnect 2-pin C131 connector (Purple wire) located on right rear of engine, near valve cover. Turn ignition switch to START position. Using DVOM, measure voltage between female side of C131 connector (Purple wire) and ground. If voltage is 9.5 volts or greater, go to next step. If voltage is less than 9.5 volts, go to step 8).
7. Check C131 connector for a poor connection. Check Purple wire between C131 connector and starter solenoid terminal "S" (Purple wire) for an open circuit. If connection and Purple wire are okay, replace starter solenoid.
8. Reconnect C131 connector. Disconnect starter enable relay connector. See «COMPONENT LOCATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. Connect test light between starter enable relay connector terminal "D" (Yellow/Black wire) and battery positive terminal. Turn ignition switch to START position and observe test light. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, check for poor connections in Yellow/Black wire between starter enable relay connector terminal "D" and instrument panel cluster connector C2 terminal A8. If connections are okay, problem exists within anti-theft system. See appropriate «ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#anti-theft-system) article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section.
9. Connect test light between starter enable relay connector terminal "F" (Yellow wire) and ground. Turn ignition switch to START position and observe test light. If test light illuminates, go to step 12). If test light does not illuminate, go to next step.
10. Connect test light between park/neutral position switch connector C1 terminal "G" and ground. Turn ignition switch to START position and observe test light. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, check for open in Yellow wire between park/neutral position switch connector C1, terminal "G" and ignition switch. Also check for open in Red wire between ignition switch and 30-amp BATT2 fuse connector terminal A5, located in right maxi-fuse block. See «COMPONENT LOCATION»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. Check for open in BATT2 fuse.
11. Check for open in Yellow wire between starter enable relay connector terminal "F" and park/neutral position switch connector C1, terminal "E". Also check park/neutral position switch.
12. Connect test light between starter enable relay connector terminal "B" (Red wire) and ground. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, check for open circuit in Red wire between starter enable relay and 50-amp BATT1 fuse, located in right maxi-fuse block, near engine compartment fuse/relay block. Check BATT1 fuse. Also, check starter enable relay connector for poor connections. If Red wire, fuse and connections are okay, replace starter enable relay.
13. Connect a 30-amp fused jumper wire between starter enable relay connector terminals "B" (Red wire) and "E" (Purple wire). Try to crank engine. If engine does not crank, repair open or high resistance in Purple wire between starter enable relay and starter solenoid terminal "S". If engine cranks, check starter enable relay connector for poor connections. If connections are okay, replace starter enable relay.

ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK, SOLENOID CLICKS

1. Remove two 10-amp INJ fuses, located in engine compartment fuse/relay block. Turn ignition switch to START position. Using a DVOM, measure voltage between battery positive and negative terminals. Crank engine for at least 15 seconds. If voltage is greater than 9.5 volts, go to step 3). If voltage is 9.5 volts or less, go to next step.
2. Load test battery. If load test is not okay, replace battery. If load test is okay, check battery and starter terminals for corrosion or poor contact. If okay, repair or replace starter motor.
3. Using DVOM, measure voltage between battery negative terminal and engine block while cranking engine for 15 seconds. If voltage is less than 0.5 volt, go to next step. If voltage is .5 volts or greater, clean negative battery cable connections and retest. If voltage is still 0.5 volt or greater, replace battery negative cable.
4. Using DVOM, measure voltage between battery positive terminal and starter solenoid terminal "B" while cranking engine for 15 seconds. If voltage is less than 0.5 volt, repair or replace starter motor assembly. If voltage is 0.5 volts or greater, clean positive battery cable connections and retest. If voltage is still 0.5 volt or greater, replace battery positive cable.

PRELIMINARY TESTS

Note. On all PG260 starter motors, starter is serviced as an assembly. If test values do not meet specifications, replace starter and solenoid as an assembly.

Remove starter from vehicle. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . Check starter for damage such as broken or stripped electrical terminals, broken or cracked drive end housing, etc. If no obvious damage is found, perform starter no-load test and pinion clearance check before disassembling starter motor.

SOLENOID WINDINGS TESTS

Note. To prevent overheating, DO NOT allow solenoid pull-in current to flow for more than 15 seconds.

Note. Current flow will decrease as windings heat up.

Hold-In Windings Test

1. If solenoid is not removed from starter motor assembly, disconnect field lead from terminal "M" on solenoid and insulate field lead from solenoid motor terminal. Connect an ammeter and switch in series with 12-volt battery and starter solenoid terminal "S" as illustrated. (Scheme 3) Connect a voltmeter between solenoid terminal "S" and ground. Connect a carbon pile across battery.
2. Turn switch on and quickly adjust carbon pile load until voltage reads as specified. See «HOLD-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. Check ammeter reading. Turn off carbon pile and open switch. Refer to the «HOLD-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. If amperage reading is not as specified, replace starter solenoid.

Pull-In Windings Test

Connect test equipment as in hold-in windings test. See HOLD-IN WINDINGS TEST. (Scheme 3) Ground starter solenoid terminal "M". Turn switch on and quickly adjust carbon pile load until voltage reads as specified. See the PULL-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS table. Check ammeter reading. Turn off carbon pile and open switch. Refer to the PULL-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS table. If ammeter reading is not as specified, replace starter solenoid.

Scheme 3

STARTER NO-LOAD TEST

1. Secure starter in vise. Turn carbon pile off and open switch. Connect test equipment to starter as illustrated. (Scheme 4) Turn switch on and adjust carbon pile until voltage reads as specified. See «STARTER NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. Check ammeter reading and pinion speed on RPM indicator. Turn off carbon pile and open switch. Compare RPM and amperage readings with specifications. See «STARTER NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. CAUTION: DO NOT apply more voltage than specified. Excessive voltage may cause armature to throw windings due to excessive speed.
2. If amperage and RPM readings are as specified, starter motor is okay. If test indicates low free speed and/or high current draw, unit may have tight, dirty or worn bearings or bushings, shorted or grounded armature, or a grounded field.
3. High current draw with pinion moving into cranking position but no pinion rotation indicates a direct ground in field, or frozen bearings or bushings. No pinion movement and a normal current reading indicates plunger is unable to move into solenoid or drive is unable to move on armature shaft. No pinion movement and very low or no current draw indicates an open or ground in solenoid windings.
4. Pinion moving into cranking position but not turning and very low current draw indicates an open in field circuit or armature windings, or no current flow between solenoid battery and motor field terminals while motor is engaged. Connect a jumper wire between solenoid battery and motor field terminal "M". If motor now turns at specified RPM, replace solenoid.
5. Low no-load and low current draw indicates high internal resistance due to poor brush lead connections; a dirty commutator; an open in armature windings; broken, worn or weak brush springs; or worn, damaged or dirty brushes. High no-load speed and high current draw indicates shorted field coils or shorted armature windings. If starter vibrates or is noisy, armature may be rubbing against inside of frame and field.

Scheme 4

ARMATURE TEST

Note. Any ball bearings that are removed from armature must be replaced witch new bearings.

1. Inspect solder joints between armature windings and commutator bars. If any have come loose, replace armature. Replace armature assembly if commutator outer diameter is less than 1.378 in (36 mm) or if undercut depth is less than .008 in (.2 mm). DO NOT undercut insulation. If commutator is rough or damaged, replace armature. DO NOT turn commutator in lathe or undercut spaces between bars. If commutator is dirty, clean with 400 grit emery cloth and blow away any copper dust.
2. Using growler, check armature for shorts. Hold a flat steel strip on armature parallel to armature core or shaft. Rotate armature in growler. Steel strip will vibrate on area of short circuit.
3. Using self-powered test light, place one lead on armature shaft and other lead on commutator. Test light should not illuminate. If test light illuminates, armature is shorted or grounded and must be replaced.
4. If no-load test indicated armature may be rubbing against inside of frame and field assembly, inspect outside of armature for signs of rubbing. If armature is scored only on one side of laminations, armature shaft may be bent and armature should be replaced. If scoring is all around armature laminations, check frame and field assembly for an out-of-position pole or for a foreign object lodged inside. Repair or replace frame and field assembly.

FIELD COIL OPEN TEST

Remove armature from frame and field assembly. Using self-powered test light, place one lead on field lead connection and other lead on one insulated brush. (Scheme 5) Test light should illuminate. If test light does not illuminate, field coil is open. Repair or replace field and frame assembly. Repeat test for each insulated brush.

Scheme 5

FIELD COIL GROUND TEST

Remove armature from field and frame assembly. On starters with shunt lead, separate field and shunt lead connections during test. Ensure field lead connection is NOT touching ground during test. Using self-powered test light, place one lead on grounded brush holder and other lead on one insulated brush. (Scheme 6) Test light should not illuminate. If test light illuminates, field coil is grounded. Repair or replace field and frame assembly. Repeat test for each insulated brush.

Scheme 6

BRUSHES, SPRINGS & HOLDERS CHECK

If any brushes are damaged (oil-soaked or pitted) or worn more than 90 percent, replace, frame and fields. If brushes are not damaged and still have more than 50 percent of brush material left, use a soft cloth to clean contact face of brushes. Check brush spring tension and replace springs if weak, discolored or distorted. Ensure brush holders are clean and brushes are not binding in holders. Ensure full surface of brush contacts commutator for proper performance.

COMMUTATOR END FRAME & BEARING

Ensure commutator end bearing has not spun in frame. If bearing has spun, replace frame and bearing. DO NOT lubricate bearing. If bearing is dry or damaged, replace bearing. Install new bearing no deeper then .080 in (2.1 mm).

DRIVE END HOUSING & BEARING

Ensure drive end bearing has not spun in housing. If bearing has spun, replace housing and bearing. DO NOT lubricate bearing. If bearing is dry or damaged, replace bearing. Install new bearing no deeper then .010 in (.4 mm).

DRIVE ASSEMBLY CHECK

1. Check pinion teeth for chips, cracks or excessive wear. If pinion teeth are damaged, replace drive assembly. Also check flywheel for damage. Check drive assembly for slipping before disassembly from armature. With drive assembly attached to armature, cover armature with shop towels and secure in a vise.
2. Using a 12-point socket and a torque wrench, turn pinion counterclockwise. Pinion should lock and withstand a torque of 50 ft. lbs. (68 N.m) without slipping. If pinion slips before 50 ft. lbs. (68 N.m) is reached, replace drive assembly.
3. Using a 12-point socket and a torque wrench, turn pinion clockwise. Pinion should turn freely in overrunning direction (clockwise) only. If pinion does not turn freely in clockwise direction, replace drive assembly.

PINION CLEARANCE CHECK

Note. Pinion clearance is not adjustable. If clearance is not within specification, disassemble and check starter motor for worn or damaged components.

1. Secure starter motor in vise with opening in housing accessible for measurement. Disconnect field lead at solenoid terminal "M" and insulate from solenoid field terminal "M". Connect battery negative terminal lead to starter frame. Connect 12 volts to starter solenoid terminal "S". Momentarily touch jumper lead from starter solenoid terminal "M" to starter frame, shifting pinion into cranking position. (Scheme 7)
2. Push pinion as far as possible away from retainer. Using a feeler gauge, ensure there is.010-.160 in (.25-4.06 mm) clearance between pinion and retainer. (Scheme 8)

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Note. Vehicles are designed for starter mounting without shims. A single shim or double shims may have been added to correct a noise or engagement condition. When installing starter any previously installed shims should be replaced in original location to ensure proper pinion to flywheel clearance.

STARTER

Note. On all models, disconnect negative battery cable.

Removal

1. Disconnect negative battery cable, then positive battery cable. Remove intake manifold cover. Loosen fuel filler cap to relieve tank vapor pressure. Connect Fuel Pressure Gauge (J-34730-1) to fuel pressure connection. Place fuel pressure gauge bleed hose in a container and open gauge bleed valve to relieve fuel system pressure.
2. Disconnect Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor electrical connector. Disconnect crankcase vent pipe at air intake duct. Remove air intake duct and air cleaner housing. Disconnect transaxle vent hose and vacuum lines at Idle Speed Control (ISC) actuator bracket.
3. Disconnect vacuum manifold at throttle body. Disconnect Throttle Position (TP) sensor and ISC actuator electrical connectors. Disconnect cruise control servo vacuum hoses and electrical connector. Disconnect cruise control cable at throttle body. Remove cruise control servo and bracket.
4. Disconnect accelerator cable at throttle body and ISC actuator bracket. Disconnect front bank spark plug wires and position aside. Disconnect throttle body coolant hoses at throttle body and surge tank pipe. Disconnect Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) pipe at throttle body spacer. Disconnect brake booster vacuum hose at intake manifold vacuum fitting. Disconnect fuel rail ground wire at rear cylinder head.
5. Holding both sides of fuel line fittings twist female connector 1/4 turn in each direction in order to loosen any dirt within fitting. Blow any dirt out of fitting using compressed air. Using a Quick-Disconnect Tool (J37088), disconnect quick-connect fittings at fuel rail. Wipe off male pipe end. Inspect both ends of fitting for dirt and burrs. Clean or replace components as required.
6. Remove fuel rail bracket at EGR valve. Disconnect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) hose at intake manifold. Disconnect injector harness main connector. Remove 6 bolts and 4 studs securing intake manifold, and remove intake manifold. Inspect intake manifold gaskets and replace if necessary.
7. Remove starter solenoid terminal "S" nut and battery cable nut. Separate wiring from starter. Remove starter mounting bolts. Remove shims and note arrangement for reassembly. Remove starter.

Installation

1. Before installing starter onto engine, tighten inner solenoid terminal nuts to ensure they are secure in cap. Starter failure may occur due to terminal or cap damage. Install starter and wiring. Tighten starter mounting bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) .
2. Install intake manifold with throttle body attached. Tighten intake manifold bolts and studs to specification by staring at center of manifold and working outward in a circular pattern. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) . When connecting fuel line quick connect fittings apply a few drops of clean engine oil to male ends. After reconnecting fuel lines, turn ignition switch to ON position for 2 seconds, then turn ignition switch to OFF position for 10 seconds. Turn ignition switch back to ON position and check for fuel leaks. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten starter mounting bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/cadillac/eldorado/x-1992-2002/remont/starter/#starting-system) .

STARTER & SOLENOID

Note. When reassembling starter and solenoid, use grease (10477431 or 1960954) for lubrication. Use of other greases may cause starter failure.

Disassembly

1. Remove solenoid by turning 90 degrees while pulling solenoid out of starter. (Scheme 9)
2. If shift lever shaft needs to be drilled out, a new shaft and retaining ring will be needed for reassembly.
3. Check starter drive for slippage before removing from armature shaft. Assembly
4. Apply a small amount of lubricant to armature shaft and to starter drive contact points.
5. Use 2 sets of pliers to snap pinion stop collar over retainer ring.
6. Pinion stop color ring is not re-used.
7. Lubricate solenoid core with grease. Apply grease evenly around inside edge or solenoid core. Apply thickly to first 1/2 (13 mm) inside edge of core. Plunger movement will distribute grease properly.
8. Soak new drive end bushing in oil, for at least 30 minutes, before installation.

Scheme 9

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS

HOLD-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS

PULL-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS

STARTER NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES
• ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM
• TESTS W/CODES
• AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM
• PARASITIC LOAD EXPLANATION & TEST PROCEDURES
• COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES
• REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
• WIRING DIAGRAMS