Starter Dodge Dynasty I

DESCRIPTION

A Bosch permanent magnet gear reduction starter is used on some 2.2L, 2.5L and 3.0L engines. (Scheme 3) A planetary gear train transmits power between starter and pinion shaft. Six permanent magnets are used, eliminating potential field wire-to-frame shorts. A Nippondenso field coil gear reduction starter is used on some models equipped with 3.0L and 3.3L engines. (Scheme 4)

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. See the TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING section.

CIRCUIT TEST

1. Using an inductive ammeter, clamp amp probe to positive battery cable. Using a voltmeter, connect positive voltmeter lead to positive battery post and negative lead to negative battery post.
2. Disconnect ignition coil secondary wire from distributor cap and connect jumper wire between coil wire and ground.
3. Ensure all lights and accessories are off. Place A/T in Park or M/T in Neutral. Apply parking brake.
4. Crank engine and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage reads below 9.6 volts and ammeter reads more than 250 amps, proceed to «CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST»(/dodge/dynasty/i-1987-1993/remont/starter/#starter__circuit-resistance-test) .
5. If voltage reads 12.4 volts or greater and amperage reads 0-10 amps, proceed to «SOLENOID ON-VEHICLE TEST»(/dodge/dynasty/i-1987-1993/remont/starter/#starter__solenoid-on-vehicle-test) . CAUTION: DO NOT overheat starter or draw battery voltage less than 9.6 volts during cranking.
6. If starter cranks engine freely at times, but problem with starter is still suspected, engage starter several times while observing volt/ammeter readings. A starter that has a problem should fail when performing this procedure.
7. After starter problems have been corrected and test completed, charge battery as required. Disconnect all test equipment. Remove jumper wire from secondary coil wire. Reconnect coil wire. Start vehicle several times to ensure problem has been corrected.

CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST

1. Disconnect ignition coil secondary wire from distributor cap and connect jumper wire between coil wire and ground. Using a voltmeter, connect positive voltmeter lead to negative battery post and negative lead to battery cable clamp.
2. Crank engine and observe voltmeter reading. Repeat procedure on positive battery cable. If voltage is detected, correct poor connection between battery cable clamp and battery post. Repeat test.
3. Connect voltmeter positive lead to negative battery post and negative lead to battery cable connection on engine block. Crank engine and observe voltmeter reading.
4. If voltmeter reads more than .2 volt, correct poor connection at battery ground cable attaching point. If voltage still reads more than .2 volt, replace ground cable.
5. Remove starter heat shield (if equipped) to gain access to starter solenoid connections. Connect positive voltmeter lead to starter housing and negative lead to negative battery post.
6. Crank engine and observe voltmeter reading. If voltage reads more than .2 volt, correct poor starter to engine ground connection.
7. Connect positive voltmeter lead to positive battery post and negative lead to battery cable terminal on starter solenoid. Crank engine and observe voltmeter reading.
8. If voltage reads more than .2 volt, correct poor battery cable to solenoid connection. If reading is still more than .2 volt, replace positive battery cable.
9. If excessive resistance is not found in circuits being tested, remove starter and proceed to «BENCH TESTING»(/dodge/dynasty/i-1987-1993/remont/starter/#starter) in this article.

SOLENOID ON-VEHICLE TEST

Note. Solenoid and relay should be tested in order described. Ensure ignition is disabled to prevent engine from starting during cranking.

Connect a jumper wire between solenoid and battery terminals on starter relay. (Scheme 1) If engine fails to crank, or if solenoid chatters, check wiring and connectors from relay to starter for loose or corroded connections. Clean and retest. If engine cranks, solenoid is good. Proceed to STARTER RELAY TEST.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

1. Place A/T in Park or M/T in Neutral. Apply parking brake. DO NOT remove relay connector. Using a test light, check for battery voltage between starter relay battery terminal and ground. Connect jumper wire on starter relay between ignition and battery terminals. (Scheme 2) Starter relay is okay if engine cranks.
2. If engine fails to crank, connect a second jumper wire between starter relay ground terminal and a good ground. (Scheme 2) If engine does not crank, replace starter relay. If engine cranks, neutral safety switch on A/T models or clutch neutral start switch on M/T models may be defective or require adjustment.

IGNITION SWITCH

If both starter solenoid and relay check out okay, problem probably exists with ignition switch or wiring. Check all wiring for opens and shorts. Check for loose or corroded connections.

SOLENOID BENCH TEST

1. Remove field coil wire from field coil terminal. Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between solenoid terminal and field coil terminal. Continuity should exist.
2. Check for continuity between solenoid terminal and solenoid housing. Continuity should exist. If no continuity exists in either test, replace solenoid.

SHORTED ARMATURE

Place armature in a growler. Hold a thin steel blade parallel and just above armature while armature is rotating in growler. Replace armature if blade vibrates.

GROUNDED ARMATURE

Place armature in growler. Touch one lead of a self-powered test light to armature core and remaining lead to each commutator bar. If test light is activated, armature is grounded. Replace armature.

COMMUTATOR RUNOUT

Place armature in a pair of "V" blocks. Using a dial indicator, check commutator and shaft runout. If runout exceeds specification, resurface or replace the armature. Refer to the STARTER SPECIFICATIONS table.

GROUNDED FIELD BRUSHES

1. Place one test lead of a self-powered test light to each field brush and remaining lead against brush holder. One set of brush holders is grounded 180 degrees apart. Test light should activate on these brushes.
2. Repeat procedure on remaining brushes. On these insulated brush holders, test light should not activate. If test light is activated on insulated brush holders, brush holders and plate are grounded. Replace brush holder plate assembly.

FIELD WINDINGS

Place one test lead of a self-powered test light to one field brush and remaining lead against field frame. Test light will glow if windings are grounded. If assembly is grounded, replace field housing.

CLUTCH DRIVE

While holding clutch housing, rotate pinion. Drive pinion should rotate smoothly in one direction (not necessarily easily), but should not rotate in opposite direction. If drive unit does not function properly, or if pinion is worn or burred, replace drive unit.

OVERHAUL

Note. Overhaul information is not provided. (Scheme 3)and (Scheme 4) for overhaul reference.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES
• CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TEST
• SOLENOID ON-VEHICLE TEST
• BENCH TESTING