The starter motors are non-repairable starter motors. They have pole pieces that are arranged around the armature. Both solenoid windings are energized. The pull-in winding circuit is completed to the ground through the starter motor. The windings work together magnetically to pull and hold in the plunger. The plunger moves the shift lever. This action causes the starter drive assembly to rotate on the armature shaft spline as it engages with the flywheel ring gear on the engine. Moving at the same time, the plunger also closes the solenoid switch contacts in the starter solenoid. Full battery voltage is applied directly to the starter motor and it cranks the engine.
As soon as the solenoid switch contacts close, current stops flowing thorough the pull-in winding because battery voltage is applied to both ends of the windings. The hold-in winding remains energized. Its magnetic field is strong enough to hold the plunger, shift lever, starter drive assembly, and solenoid switch contacts in place to continue cranking the engine. When the engine starts, pinion overrun protects the armature from excessive speed until the switch is opened. When the ignition switch is released from the START position, the START relay opens and battery voltage is removed from the starter solenoid S terminal. Current flows from the motor contacts through both windings to the ground at the end of the hold-in winding. However, the direction of the current flow through the pull-in winding is now opposite the direction of the current flow when the winding was first energized.
The magnetic fields of the pull-in and hold-in windings now oppose one another. This action of the windings, along with the help of the return spring, causes the starter drive assembly to disengage and the solenoid switch contacts to open simultaneously. As soon as the contacts open, the starter circuit is turned off.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
- 2. Listen for an audible click when the crank relay operates. Turn the ignition switch back and forth from the ON to START positions. Repeat this as necessary.
- 3. This step tests the ground circuit of the crank relay.
- 4. This step verifies that the ECM is providing 12 volts to the control circuit of crank relay.
- 5. This step tests for an open in the control circuit to the crank relay.
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schematic Reference: STARTING AND CHARGING SCHEMATICS Connector End View Reference: POWER AND GROUNDING CONNECTOR END VIEWS | |||
| 1 | Did you perform the DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - VEHICLE ? | Go to Step 2 | Go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION |
| 2 | Install a scan tool. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Turn the ignition back and forth from the ON to START positions. Does the crank relay click with each command? | Go to Step 3 | Go to STARTER SOLENOID DOES NOT CLICK |
| 3 | Turn OFF the ignition. Remove the crank relay. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Test the ground circuit of the crank relay with a test lamp that is connected to battery positive. Does the test lamp illuminate? | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 8 |
| 4 | Connect a test lamp between the crank relay control circuit and the crank relay ground circuit of the crank relay. Turn the ignition back and forth from the ON to START positions. Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF with each command? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Test the control circuit of the crank relay for an open or a high resistance. Refer to CIRCUIT TESTING and WIRING REPAIRS . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 7 |
| 6 | Inspect for poor connections at the starter relay. Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR CONNECTIONS and CONNECTOR REPAIRS . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 9 |
| 7 | Inspect for poor connections at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR CONNECTIONS and CONNECTOR REPAIRS . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 10 |
| 8 | Repair the ground circuit of the crank relay. Refer to CONNECTOR REPAIRS . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 9 | Replace the crank relay. Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 10 | Replace the ECM. Refer to CONTROL MODULE REFERENCES for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 11 | Review and record the scan tool Failure Records data. Clear the DTCs. Operate the vehicle within the Failure Records conditions as noted. Using a scan tool, monitor the Specific DTC Information for DTC P0615. Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0615 failed this ignition? | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
- 5. A starter motor that remains engaged after engine start up can be cause by a starter relay that hangs up or a low current short to B+ on the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit. Verify the integrity of the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit before replacing the starter motor.
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you perform the DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - VEHICLE ? | Go to Step 2 | Go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION |
| 2 | Start the engine. Does the starter operate normally? | Go to TESTING FOR INTERMITTENT CONDITIONS AND POOR CONNECTIONS | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Start the engine while listening to the starter motor turn. Is there a loud "whoop", that may sound like a siren if the engine is revved while the starter is engaged, after the engine starts, but while the starter is still held in the engaged position? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Do you hear a "rumble", a "growl", or, in some cases, a "knock" as the starter is coasting down to a stop after starting the engine? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | NOTE: This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid. When the engine is cranked, do you hear a high-pitched whine after the engine cranks and starts normally? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 |
| 6 | Inspect the flywheel ring gear for the following: Chipped gear teeth Missing gear teeth Milled teeth Is the flywheel bent, or does it have damaged teeth? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Remove the starter motor. Refer to REMOVAL PROCEDURE . Inspect the starter motor bushings and clutch gear. Does the clutch gear have chipped or milled teeth or worn bushings? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 10 |
| 8 | Replace the flywheel. Refer to ENGINE FLYWHEEL REPLACEMENT . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 10 | |
| 9 | Replace the starter motor. Refer to STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 10 | |
| 10 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| NOTE |
|---|
| This is often diagnosed as a starter drive gear hang-in or a weak solenoid. |
DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE
Scheme 1
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to «REMOVAL PROCEDURE»(ref-268417-S03593080392007102300000) .
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(ref-268408-S26898100292007102300000) .
- Remove the front catalytic convertor. Refer to «REMOVAL PROCEDURE»(ref-268435-S39884259272007102300000) .
- Remove the starter solenoid BAT terminal nut.
- Disconnect the engine harness electrical connector.
- Remove the starter bolts and starter.
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
- Position the starter motor in the engine block. CAUTION: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(ref-268407-S42682275612007102300000) .
- Install the starter bolts. Tightening torque Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
- Connect the engine harness electrical connector to the starter.
- Install the starter solenoid BAT terminal nut. Tightening torque Tighten the bolts/nuts to 13 N.m (115 lb in).
- Install the front catalytic convertor. Refer to «INSTALLATION PROCEDURE»(ref-268435-S26008271992007102300000) .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to «INSTALLATION PROCEDURE»(ref-268417-S10198044422007102300000) .