Starter: Diagnosis Geo Prizm II

ON-VEHICLE TESTING

Note. Before testing, ensure battery is fully charged, battery cables and terminal ends are clean and tight and engine grounds are good.

CRANKING TEST

1. Connect voltmeter and ammeter to battery. (Scheme 3) Ensure battery is fully charged. Disconnect ignition coil secondary wire from distributor cap, and attach it to ground. Crank engine, and observe meters.
2. Ensure cranking voltage more than 9.5 volts and current draw is less than 230 amps. If readings are not as specified, repair or replace starter.

Scheme 3

CIRCUIT TEST

If a no-start condition exists, touch test light to starter solenoid "S" terminal. Put gear selector in Park (A/T) or Neutral (M/T) position. On M/T, fully depress clutch pedal. On all models turn ignition switch to START position. If test light does not glow, check ignition switch, relays and wiring circuit. See appropriate relay and switch tests below. If test light glows, check battery cable connections. If connections are okay, remove the starter, and go to BENCH TESTING .

IGNITION SWITCH TEST

1. Using test light connected to ground, backprobe White wire terminal of ignition switch connector. Connector is located behind lower instrument panel. Test light should glow.
2. If test light does not glow, check fusible link AM1. Fuse and Relay box is located on positive battery cable. Check for open in wiring circuit to ignition switch. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(ref-31216-S28058531672001011700000) .
3. Turn ignition switch to START position. Using a test light, backprobe Black/White wire terminal at ignition switch connector (start circuit). Test light should glow. If test light does not glow, replace ignition switch.

NO-LOAD TEST

1. Remove starter. Connect ammeter in series with starter motor and fully charged 12-volt battery. (Scheme 4) Connect voltmeter to battery to observe voltage draw readings.
2. Connect remote starter or jumper wire to battery and starter terminal of solenoid. Crank starter for maximum of 5 seconds. Starter drive pinion should extend completely and quickly. Starter should spin rapidly and smoothly. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-31216-S09878817242001011700000) table for current draw specification. If current draw is not as specified, repair or replace starter.

Scheme 4

SOLENOID PULL-IN COIL TEST

Note. Perform the following solenoid tests with starter assembled and field lead disconnected from starter at solenoid.

1. Disconnect field lead from solenoid field lead (solenoid-to-starter wire) terminal. Ensure field lead does not touch starter housing. Connect negative lead of 12-volt battery to solenoid field lead terminal (terminal "C").
2. Connect another negative battery lead to starter drive housing. Connect positive battery lead to solenoid ST terminal.
3. Pinion gear should extend quickly and completely when solenoid is energized. If pinion gear does not operate as indicated, replace solenoid.

SOLENOID HOLD-IN COIL TEST

If pull-in coil tests okay, disconnect negative battery lead from solenoid field lead terminal (terminal "C"). Pinion gear should remain extended. If pinion gear does not operate as indicated, replace solenoid.