Starting System: Overview Ford Escape III

Overview

The starting system controls the cranking of the engine. The starter motor is enabled by the starter relay when the relay is activated by the PCM. The ignition switch provides voltage to the BCM and PCM to initiate cranking of the engine.

The starting system controls the starting of the vehicle. The starter motor is enabled by the starter relay when the relay is activated by the PCM. The PCM receives inputs from the start/stop switch, BCM and TR sensor before activating the starter relay to crank the engine.

Diagnostic Overview

Diagnostics in this information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in SERVICE INFORMATION for information about these practices.

Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS - STARTING SYSTEM .

Normal Operation and Fault Conditions

When the ignition switch is turned to the START position, the PCM receives a voltage input signal to crank the engine. The PCM supplies voltage and ground to the starter relay coil if the PCM receives the correct inputs from the automatic transmission that the gear selector is in PARK or NEUTRAL. The energized coil causes the starter relay contacts to close allowing voltage to be supplied from the BJB to the starter solenoid coil. The starter solenoid coil is grounded at the starter motor. Energizing the starter solenoid closes the solenoid contacts allowing voltage from the battery to the starter motor, engaging the starter drive into the ring gear, causing the engine to crank. The PCM disengages the starter motor once an engine rpm threshold is reached, a set crank time is exceeded, or the ignition switch has been turned to the OFF position.

Diagnostics in this information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in SERVICE INFORMATION for information about these practices.

Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS - STARTING SYSTEM .

Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS - TURN SIGNAL/STOP/HAZARD LAMPS .

When the start/stop switch is pressed in combination with the brake pedal, the RFA module, BCM and PCM receive signals to crank and start the engine. The PCM supplies voltage and ground to the starter relay coil if the PCM receives the correct inputs from the automatic transmission that the gear selector is in PARK or NEUTRAL. The energized coil causes the starter relay contacts to close allowing voltage to be supplied from the BJB to the starter solenoid coil. The starter solenoid coil is grounded at the starter motor. Energizing the starter solenoid closes the solenoid contacts allowing voltage from the battery through the high current BJB to the starter motor engaging the starter drive into the ring gear causing the engine to crank. The PCM disengages the starter motor once an engine rpm threshold is reached, a set crank time is exceeded or the start/stop switch is pressed indicating an engine shutdown.

Diagnostics in this information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in SERVICE INFORMATION for information about these practices.

1. Starter motor
2. Starter motor mounting
3. Starter motor engagement
4. Flexplate ring gear

Scheme 1

1. C1 CHECK THE STARTER MOUNTING Inspect the starter mounting bolts for looseness. Is the starter motor mounted correctly? Yes : GO to C2. No : TIGHTEN the starter bolts to specifications, REFER to «STARTER MOTOR - 1.6L GTDI»(ref-569607-S07569985962013072700000) , «STARTER MOTOR - 2.0L GTDI»(ref-569607-S15799749212013072700000) , or «STARTER MOTOR - 2.5L»(ref-569607-S24143822182013072700000) . TEST the system for normal operation, if noise is still present GO to C2
2. C2 CHECK FOR ENGINE NOISE Ignition OFF. Connect a remote starter switch between the starter solenoid C197A-1, circuit SBF01 (RD) ("B" terminal) and C197B-1, circuit CDC25 (BN/GN) ("S" terminal). Engage the starter and verify the noise is due to starter operation. Is the noise due to the starter engagement? Yes : GO to C3. No : REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-569567) to continue diagnosis.
3. C3 STARTER MOTOR DRIVE GEAR AND RING GEAR INSPECTION Remove the starter motor. REFER to «STARTER MOTOR - 1.6L GTDI»(ref-569607-S07569985962013072700000) , «STARTER MOTOR - 2.0L GTDI»(ref-569607-S15799749212013072700000) , or «STARTER MOTOR - 2.5L»(ref-569607-S24143822182013072700000) Inspect the wear patterns on the starter drive and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear. Is the wear pattern normal? Yes : REPLACE the starter. REFER to «STARTER MOTOR - 1.6L GTDI»(ref-569607-S07569985962013072700000) , «STARTER MOTOR - 2.0L GTDI»(ref-569607-S15799749212013072700000) , or «STARTER MOTOR - 2.5L»(ref-569607-S24143822182013072700000) No : If the starter drive gear and the flywheel or flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing or the gears are milled or damaged, INSTALL a new flywheel or flexplate and a new starter motor. REFER to «ENGINE - 1.6L GTDI»(ref-569555) , «ENGINE - 2.0L GTDI»(ref-569556) , or «ENGINE - 2.5L»(ref-569568) and Starter Motor - 1.6L GTDI, Starter Motor - 2.0L GTDI or Starter Motor - 2.5L.

Diagnostics in this information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in SERVICE INFORMATION for information about these practices.

Refer to the SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article for the appropriate ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS diagrams.

The wake up control circuit is used to wake up the PCM prior to engine cranking. The PCM needs to wake up prior to a crank request so that it has time to go through its own initialization. The wake up control circuit is controlled by the Body Control Module (BCM).

The BCM activates the wake up control circuit when

1. the driver door is opened.
2. a remote start request is received (if equipped with factory remote start).
3. a key is inserted into the ignition.
4. the ignition is in the RUN or START position.
5. the start/stop switch is pressed, (if equipped with Intelligent Access (IA)).

FAULT TRIGGER CONDITIONS

Diagnostics in this information assume a certain skill level and knowledge of Ford-specific diagnostic practices. Refer to Diagnostic Methods in SERVICE INFORMATION for information about these practices.

Refer to the SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article for the appropriate ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS diagrams.

When the ignition is turned to the START position or the start/stop switch has been pressed, the PCM receives a voltage signal on the crank detect circuit. the PCM supplies voltage and ground to the starter relay coil when the required inputs have been received.

FAULT TRIGGER CONDITIONS

Refer to STARTING SYSTEM WITH IA .