Starting System: Diagnosis Mercury Sable V

Inspection and Verification

Note. The anti-theft system must be functioning correctly before a logical starting system diagnosis can be carried out. Address anti-theft system concerns before continuing.

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.
2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply. VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical Starter motor Starter motor bolts Flexplate Battery Open fuse Battery junction box (BJB) fuse: 10 (30A) 33 (20A) Damaged wiring harness Starter relay Anti-theft system Loose or corroded connections
3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
4. If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).
5. If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM: check the VCM connection to the vehicle. check the scan tool connection to the VCM. refer to «MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK»(ref-293472) article, No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no communication with the scan tool.
6. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle: verify the ignition key is in the ON position. verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle. refer to «MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK»(ref-293472) article to diagnose no response from the PCM.
7. Carry out the network test. If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to «MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK»(ref-293472) article. If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory DTCs.
8. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the PCM.
9. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to «PCM DTC TABLE»(ref-293499-S17634968892008080700000) or the «PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) DTC TABLE»(ref-293499-S31822353382008080700000) . For all other DTCs, refer to «MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC MODULES»(ref-293473) article.
10. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, go to «Symptom Chart»(ref-293499-S14849696342008080700000) .

PCM DTC TABLE

PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) DTC TABLE

Symptom Chart

Symptom Chart

Pinpoint Test A: The Engine Does Not Crank

Refer to appropriate SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article, Starting System for schematic and connector information.

Pinpoint Test B: One-Touch Integrated Start (OTIS) Does Not Operate Correctly

Refer to appropriate SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article, Starting System for schematic and connector information.

Pinpoint Test C: Unusual Starter Noise

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following

1. Starter motor
2. Ring gear

Scheme 16

1. C1 CHECK THE STARTER MOUNTING Inspect the starter mounting bolts for looseness. Is the starter motor mounted correctly? YES : Go to C2 . NO : INSTALL the starter motor correctly. REFER to «Starter Motor»(ref-293499-S09408905102008080700000) . TEST the system for normal operation.
2. C2 CHECK FOR ENGINE NOISE Key in OFF position. Connect a remote starter switch between the starter solenoid B- and S-terminals. Engage the starter motor and verify the noise is due to the starter operation. Is the noise due to the starter motor engagement? YES : Go to C3 . NO : REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-293455) article to continue diagnosis.
3. C3 CHECK FOR UNUSUAL WEAR Remove the starter motor. Inspect the ring gear for damaged or worn teeth. Refer to «ENGINE - 3.5L»(ref-293494) article. Is the noise due to ring gear tooth damage? YES : INSTALL a new flexplate ring gear. REFER to «ENGINE - 3.5L»(ref-293494) article. EXAMINE the starter pinion teeth. If damaged, INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to «Starter Motor»(ref-293499-S09408905102008080700000) . TEST the system for normal operation. NO : INSTALL a new starter motor. REFER to «Starter Motor»(ref-293499-S09408905102008080700000) . TEST the system for normal operation.

Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

1. Remove the starter motor. For additional information, refer to «Starter Motor»(ref-293499-S09408905102008080700000) .
2. Check the wear patterns on the starter drive gear and the flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. For additional information, refer to «Starter Motor»(ref-293499-S09408905102008080700000) .
3. If the starter drive gear and the flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing and both of the gears are scored or damaged, install a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to «Starter Motor»(ref-293499-S09408905102008080700000) . If necessary, install a new flexplate. For additional information, refer to «ENGINE - 3.5L»(ref-293494) article.

Scheme 17

Scheme 18