Starting System: Other Pontiac Firebird IV

SLOW OR NO CRANK ONLY AFTER EXTENDED PERIODS OF VEHICLE

NON-USE

There may be a parasitic load on electrical system. See PARASITIC LOAD EXPLANATION & TEST PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK, STARTER SOLENOID DOES NOT CLICK

1. Disconnect anti-theft relay connector. Connect test light between anti-theft relay connector terminal A1 (Yellow/Black wire) and battery positive terminal. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(ref-32827-S00353677542001011700000) . Turn ignition switch to START position and observe test light. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, problem exists within anti-theft system. See appropriate «ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM»(ref-32824) article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT section.
2. Connect test light between anti-theft relay connector terminal C1 (Yellow wire) and ground. Turn ignition switch to START position and observe test light. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, check for open circuit in Yellow wire between anti-theft relay connector terminal C1, ignition switch connector C2, terminal "A" and clutch start switch connector terminal "B" (A/T) or transmission range switch connector terminal "E" (A/T). Also check Red wire between ignition switch connector C2, terminal "B" and fusible link "E". Check for poor connection at ignition switch connector. If connector is okay, replace ignition switch.
3. Connect test light between anti-theft relay connector terminal C2 (Brown wire) and ground. Turn ignition switch to START position and observe test light. If test light does not illuminate, go to next step for M/T models or to step 5) for A/T models. If test light illuminates, go to step 6).
4. On M/T models, if test light does not illuminate, check for open circuit in Brown wire between anti-theft relay connector terminal C2 and clutch start switch connector terminal "A". Check clutch start switch for poor connection. Check for open circuit in Yellow wire between clutch start switch connector terminal "B" and first splice from clutch start switch. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(ref-32827-S00353677542001011700000) . If a problem is found, repair as necessary. If no problem was found, replace clutch start switch.
5. On A/T models, if test light does not illuminate, check for open circuit in Brown wire between anti-theft relay connector terminal C2 and transmission range switch connector terminal "F". Check for poor connection at transmission range switch. Check for open in Yellow wire between transmission range switch connector terminal "E" and first splice form transmission range switch. Refer to the «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(ref-32827-S00353677542001011700000) . If a problem is found, repair as necessary. If no problem was found, adjust or replace transmission range switch. CAUTION: Damage to starter may occur if starter is allowed to crank longer than 15 seconds.
6. Connect a 30-amp fused jumper wire between anti-theft relay connector terminal C1 (Yellow wire) and terminal A2 (Purple wire). Place gear selector in Park or Neutral (A/T), or depress clutch pedal (M/T). Turn ignition switch to START position. If engine cranks, go to next step. If engine does not crank, go to step 8).
7. Check anti-theft relay for poor connection. If connection is okay, replace anti-theft relay. Check Purple wire between anti-theft relay connector terminal A2 and starter solenoid terminal "S" for a short circuit. A short in this circuit could cause the anti-theft relay to fail.
8. With 30-amp fused jumper still connected, connect a test light between starter solenoid terminal "S" (Purple wire) and ground. Place gear selector in Park or Neutral (A/T), or depress clutch pedal (M/T). Turn ignition switch to START position and observe test light. If test light does not illuminate, go to next step. If test light illuminates, check starter solenoid terminal "S" (Purple wire) for a poor connection. If connection is okay, replace starter solenoid.
9. Repair open or poor connection in Purple wire between theft deterrent relay connector terminal A2 and starter solenoid terminal "S".

ENGINE DOES NOT CRANK, SOLENOID CLICKS

1. Turn ignition switch to START position. Using a DVOM, measure voltage between battery positive and negative terminals. Crank engine for at least 15 seconds. If voltage is greater 9.5 volts, go to step 3). If voltage is 9.5 volts or less, go to next step.
2. Load test battery. If load test is not okay, replace battery. If load test is okay, repair or replace starter motor.
3. Using DVOM, measure voltage between battery negative terminal and engine block while cranking engine for 15 seconds. If voltage is less than 0.5 volt, go to next step. If voltage is 0.5 volts or greater, replace battery negative cable.
4. Using DVOM, measure voltage between battery positive terminal and starter solenoid terminal "B" (Black wire) while cranking engine for 15 seconds. If voltage is less than 0.5 volt, repair or replace starter motor assembly. If voltage is 0.5 volts or greater, replace battery positive cable.

PRELIMINARY TESTS

Note. On all PG260 starter motors, starter is serviced as an assembly. If test values do not meet specifications, replace starter and solenoid as an assembly.

Remove starter from vehicle. See REMOVAL & INSTALLATION . Check starter for damage such as broken or stripped electrical terminals, broken or cracked drive end housing, etc. If no obvious damage is found, perform starter no-load test and pinion clearance check before disassembling starter motor.

SOLENOID WINDINGS TESTS

Note. To prevent overheating, DO NOT allow solenoid pull-in current to flow for more than 15 seconds.

Note. Current flow will decrease as windings heat up.

Hold-In Windings Test

1. If solenoid is not removed from starter motor assembly, disconnect field lead from terminal "M" on solenoid and insulate field lead from solenoid motor terminal. Connect an ammeter and switch in series with 12-volt battery and starter solenoid terminal "S" as illustrated. (Scheme 7) Connect a voltmeter between solenoid terminal "S" and ground. Connect a carbon pile across battery.
2. Turn switch on and quickly adjust carbon pile load until voltage reads as specified. See «HOLD-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-32827-S05237221422001011700000) table. Check ammeter reading. Turn off carbon pile and open switch. Refer to the «HOLD-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-32827-S05237221422001011700000) table. If amperage reading is not as specified, replace starter solenoid.

Pull-In Windings Test

Connect test equipment as in hold-in windings test. See HOLD-IN WINDINGS TEST. (Scheme 7) Ground starter solenoid terminal "M". Turn switch on and quickly adjust carbon pile load until voltage reads as specified. See the PULL-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS table. Check ammeter reading. Turn off carbon pile and open switch. Refer to the PULL-IN WINDINGS SPECIFICATIONS table. If ammeter reading is not as specified, replace starter solenoid.

Scheme 7

BRUSHES, SPRINGS & HOLDERS CHECK

If any brushes are damaged (oil-soaked or pitted) or worn more than 90 percent, replace, frame and fields. If brushes are not damaged and still have more than 50 percent of brush material left, use a soft cloth to clean contact face of brushes. Check brush spring tension and replace springs if weak, discolored or distorted. Ensure brush holders are clean and brushes are not binding in holders. Ensure full surface of brush contacts commutator for proper performance.

COMMUTATOR END FRAME & BEARING

Ensure commutator end bearing has not spun in frame. If bearing has spun, replace frame and bearing. DO NOT lubricate bearing. If bearing is dry or damaged, replace bearing. Install new bearing no deeper then .080 in (2.1 mm).

DRIVE END HOUSING & BEARING

Ensure drive end bearing has not spun in housing. If bearing has spun, replace housing and bearing. DO NOT lubricate bearing. If bearing is dry or damaged, replace bearing. Install new bearing no deeper then .010 in (.4 mm).

PINION CLEARANCE CHECK

Note. Pinion clearance is not adjustable. If clearance is not within specification, disassemble and check starter motor for worn or damaged components.

1. Secure starter motor in vise with opening in housing accessible for measurement. Disconnect field lead at solenoid terminal "M" and insulate from solenoid field terminal "M". Connect battery negative terminal lead to starter frame. Connect 12 volts to starter solenoid terminal "S". Momentarily touch jumper lead from starter solenoid terminal "M" to starter frame, shifting pinion into cranking position. (Scheme 8)
2. Push pinion as far as possible away from retainer. Using a feeler gauge, ensure there is.010-.160 in (.25-4.06 mm) clearance between pinion and retainer. (Scheme 9)

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

STARTER

Note. On all models, disconnect negative battery cable.

STARTER & SOLENOID

Note. When reassembling starter and solenoid, use grease (10477431 or 1960954) for lubrication. Use of other greases may cause starter failure.