Inspection and Verification
| WARNING | When using a remote starter switch or jumper wire, be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF position and the transmission is in PARK with the parking brake control fully applied. |
| WARNING | When working underhood in the vicinity of the starter motor, be aware that the heavy gauge battery input lead at the starter solenoid is "electrically hot" at all times. A protective cap or boot is provided over the terminal of this lead and must be reinstalled after repairing. |
| WARNING | When working in the area of the starter motor, be careful to avoid touching hot exhaust components. |
Note. When working on the starter system, make sure the anti-theft system is operational.
- Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.
- Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply. VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical Starter motor Brackets Battery Battery junction box (BJB) fuses: 1 (25A) 17 (50A) Smart junction box (SJB) fuse: 4 (10A) Wiring harness Starter relay Anti-theft system Loose or corroded connections
- If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
- If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom. GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(ref-232203-S33261342892006051600000) .
Symptom Chart
| Condition | Possible Sources | Action |
|---|
| The engine does not crank | Battery Fuse(s) Starter motor Circuitry Starter motor relay Anti-theft system TR sensor | GO to PINPOINT TEST A . |
| The engine cranks slowly | Battery Starter motor Circuitry | CARRY OUT the Starter Motor Component Test. |
| Unusual starter noise | Starter motor mounting Starter motor Incorrect starter drive engagement | GO to PINPOINT TEST B . |
| The starter spins but the engine does not crank | Starter motor | INSPECT the starter motor mounting and engagement. REPAIR as necessary. |
| Damaged flywheel/ring gear teeth | INSPECT the flywheel/ring gear for damaged, missing or worn teeth. REPAIR as necessary. |
Pinpoint Test B: Unusual Starter Noise
- B1 CHECK THE STARTER MOUNTING Inspect the starter motor mounting bolts and brackets for looseness. Is the starter motor mounted correctly? Yes : GO to B2. No : INSTALL the starter motor correctly. REFER to «STARTER MOTOR - 2.3L»(ref-232203-S13615494892006051600000) or «STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L»(ref-232203-S25888077632006051600000) . TEST the system for normal operation.
- B2 CHECK FOR ENGINE NOISE Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Connect a fused jumper wire from the B-terminal to the S-terminal of the starter motor. Engage the starter motor and verify that the noise is due to the starter operation. Is the noise due to the starter motor engagement? Yes : GO to B3. No : REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-232214) to continue the diagnosis.
- B3 CHECK FOR UNUSUAL WEAR Remove the starter motor. Refer to «STARTER MOTOR - 2.3L»(ref-232203-S13615494892006051600000) or «STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L»(ref-232203-S25888077632006051600000) . Inspect the ring gear for damaged or worn teeth. Is the noise due to flywheel ring gear tooth damage? Yes : INSTALL a new flywheel ring gear. EXAMINE the starter pinion teeth. If damaged, INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to «STARTER MOTOR - 2.3L»(ref-232203-S13615494892006051600000) or «STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L»(ref-232203-S25888077632006051600000) . TEST the system for normal operation. No : INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to «STARTER MOTOR - 2.3L»(ref-232203-S13615494892006051600000) or «STARTER MOTOR - 3.0L»(ref-232203-S25888077632006051600000) . TEST the system for normal operation.
