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Starting System: Diagnosis Chevrolet Malibu V facelift

Starter 2 illustrations ~1437 words

TROUBLE SHOOTING

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

Note condition and operation of SECURITY (Alero & Grand Am) or THEFT SYSTEM (Malibu) indicator light. If indicator stays on or flashes continuously, see appropriate ANTI-THEFT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT. Check starter solenoid terminals and battery grounds. Check for proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment. Check IGN SW-BATT 1 (40-amp) fuse in underhood junction block. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS. On models equipped with V6 engine, check for correct starter usage. (Scheme 2)and (Scheme 3). If problem is found, repair as necessary. If problem is not found, perform self-diagnostics. See SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: TROUBLE SHOOTING
Scheme 2: TROUBLE SHOOTING

Scheme 3

Scheme 3
Scheme 3

ON-VEHICLE TESTING

WARNINGVehicles are equipped with air bag supplemental restraint system. Before attempting any repairs involving steering column, instrument panel or related components, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS and DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM in appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION before disconnecting battery.

Note. Before making electrical checks, visually inspect all terminals for clean, tight connections. Ensure all charging system related fuses are okay. Check generator mounting bolts and drive belt tension. Ensure battery is in good condition prior to testing starting system.

BATTERY TESTING & INSPECTION

Note. Manufacturer recommends using Battery Tester (J-42000) for testing battery. Follow instructions provided with tester.

  1. Inspect battery for a cracked, broken or damaged case. If battery case is okay, go to next step. If battery case is not okay, go to step 19 .
  2. Compare battery cold cranking amperage and reserve capacity rating to specifications. See «BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-127854-S00485688382001102900000) table. If battery meets or exceeds specifications, go to next step. If battery does not meet or exceed specifications, go to step 19 . BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS Application Specification 2.4L (L61) Engine (GM P/N 19001806) Replacement Battery Number 75-5YR Cold Cranking Amps 525 Amps Reserve Capacity Rating 90 Minutes 3.1L (LG8) & 3.4L (LA1) Engines (GM P/N 19001807) Replacement Battery Number 75-6YR Cold Cranking Amps 600 Amps Reserve Capacity Rating 90 Minutes
  3. Inspect battery hydrometer display. If hydrometer display shows a Yellow dot, go to next step. If hydrometer display does not show a Yellow dot, go to step 5 .
  4. Using a small screwdriver, tap top of hydrometer display to dislodge any air bubbles inside. If hydrometer display still shows a Yellow dot, go to step 19 . If hydrometer display does not show a Yellow dot, go to next step.
  5. Turn ignition switch off. Attempt to rotate negative battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. If negative connector rotates, go to next step. If negative connector does not rotate, go to step 7 .
  6. Using an INCH lb. torque wrench, record torque value while loosening negative battery cable bolt. If torque is equal to or greater than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to step 8 . If torque is less than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to next step.
  7. Disconnect negative battery cable and go to step 9 .
  8. Disconnect negative battery cable. Inspect battery and cable terminals for corrosion and defects. Repair as necessary. Go to next step.
  9. Attempt to rotate positive battery cable connector clockwise with light finger pressure. If battery cable rotates, go to next step. If battery cable does not rotate, go to step 11 .
  10. Using an INCH lb. torque wrench, record torque value while loosening positive battery cable bolt. If torque is equal to or greater than 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to step 12 . If torque is below 89 INCH lbs. (10 N.m), go to next step.
  11. Disconnect positive battery cable and go to step 13 .
  12. Disconnect positive battery cable. Inspect battery and cable terminals for corrosion and defects. Repair as necessary. Go to next step.
  13. Clean and wire brush lead face of both battery terminals and metal contact surfaces on both cable connectors. Remove bolts from both battery cable connectors and inspect for corrosion and defects. Repair or replace as necessary. If battery and cables terminals are clean and in good condition, go to next step.
  14. Connect positive battery cable to battery and tighten bolt to 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m). Go to next step.
  15. Connect negative battery cable to battery and tighten bolt to 11 ft. lbs. (15 N.m). Go to next step.
  16. Ensure all electrical loads are off. Follow manufacturers instructions and install Battery Tester (J-42000) to vehicle battery. Follow any instructions displayed on battery tester. If battery tester passed battery, go to next step. If battery tester did not pass battery, go to step 18 .
  17. Press CODE button on battery tester. Record displayed code on vehicle repair order for warranty purposes. Battery is okay.
  18. Press CODE button on battery tester. Record displayed code on vehicle repair order for warranty purposes. Replace battery.
  19. Replace battery.

SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM

Note. Diagnostic trouble code tests are written specifically for use with GM Tech I or Tech II scan tools. Generic scan tool can be used but may have limited functions.

TEST B: ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK, SOLENOID CLICKS

  1. If diagnostic system check was not performed, go to «ENGINE ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK»(ref-127854-S33022709532001102900000) under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. If diagnostic system check was performed, go to next step.
  2. Turn ignition to START position. If starter solenoid clicks, go to next step. If starter solenoid does not click, see «TEST A: STARTER SOLENOID DOES NOT CLICK»(ref-127854-S31645640912001102900000) .
  3. Inspect engine and belt drive system for mechanical binding. If engine moves freely, go to next step. If engine does not move freely, repair as necessary.
  4. Check for an open or high resistance in positive battery cable between battery and starter. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(ref-127854-S06394272342001102900000) . If problem exists, repair as necessary and go to step 8 . If problem does not exist, go to next step.
  5. Check for open or high resistance in negative battery cable between battery and ground point. If problem exists, repair as necessary and go to step 8 . If problem does not exist, go to next step.
  6. Check for poor connections at starter motor. If problem exists, repair as necessary and go to step 8 . If problem does not exist, go to next step.
  7. Replace starter motor. See «STARTER»(ref-127854-S19211542772001102900000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. When repair is complete, go to next step.
  8. Operate system and verify repair. If condition is corrected, system is okay. If not, go to step 2 .

TEST C: ENGINE CRANKS SLOWLY

  1. Ensure battery is in good condition. See «BATTERY TESTING & INSPECTION»(ref-127854-S19850273192001102900000) under ON-VEHICLE TESTING. If problem exists, repair as necessary. If problem does not exist, go to next step.
  2. Inspect wiring system for damage or poor connections at starter motor, starter solenoid, battery and all grounds. If problem exits, repair as necessary. If problem does not exist, go to next step.
  3. Inspect engine and belt drive system for mechanical binding. If engine moves freely, go to next step. If engine does not move freely, repair as necessary.
  4. Replace starter motor. See «STARTER»(ref-127854-S19211542772001102900000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

TEST D: STARTER NOISE DIAGNOSIS

  1. If diagnostic system check was not performed, go to «ENGINE ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK»(ref-127854-S33022709532001102900000) under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. If diagnostic system check was performed, go to next step.
  2. Start engine. If starter operates normally, check wiring system for intermittent or poor connection condition. If starter does not operate normally, go to next step.
  3. Start engine while listening to starter motor turn. If there is a loud "whoop", go to step 6 . If there is not a loud "whoop", go to next step.
  4. If there is a "rumble", a "growl", or a "knock" as starter is slowing down to a stop after starting engine, go to step 7 . If there is not a "rumble", a "growl", or a "knock" as starter is slowing down to a stop after starting engine, go to next step.
  5. If there is a high pitched "whine" after engine cranks and starts normally, go to step 8 . If there is not a high pitched "whine" after engine cranks and starts normally, go to step 7 .
  6. Inspect flywheel ring gear for chipped, missing, or milled gear teeth and/or if flywheel is damaged or bent. If problem exists, go to step 9 . If problem does not exist, go to step 10 .
  7. Remove starter motor. See «STARTER»(ref-127854-S19211542772001102900000) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Inspect starter motor bushings and clutch gear. If problem exists, go to step 10 . If problem does not exist, go to step 9 .
  8. Shim starter motor away from flywheel by adding shims between engine block and starter motor. After repairs, go to step 11 .
  9. Replace flywheel. After repairs, go to step 11 .
  10. Replace starter motor. See «STARTER»(ref-127854-S19211542772001102900000) . When repair is complete, go to step 11 .
  11. Retest system to verify repair. If condition is corrected, system is okay. If condition is not corrected, go to step 3 .

BENCH TESTING

Information is not available from manufacturer.

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