motor JEEP LIBERTY 2002 KJ / 1.G Owner's Manual

nection at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery positive cable.
(4) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and a good
clean ground on the engine block (Fig. 22). Rotate
and hold the ignition switch in the Start position.
Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2
volt, clean and tighten the battery negative cable
eyelet terminal connection to the engine block.
Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt,
replace the faulty battery negative cable.THERMAL GUARD
DESCRIPTION
A flexible plastic bubble-wrap style thermal guard
(Fig. 23) slides over the battery case to enclose the
sides of the battery. The thermal guard consists of a
heavy black plastic outer skin and two lighter plies of
plastic that have been formed into a sheet with hun-
dreds of small air pockets entrapped between them.
The resulting material is very similar to the bubble-
wrap used to protect items in many parcel packaging
and shipping applications.
OPERATION
The thermal guard protects the battery from
engine compartment temperature extremes. The tem-
perature of the battery can affect battery perfor-
mance. The air trapped between the plastic plies of
the thermal guard create a dead air space, which
helps to insulate the sides of the battery case from
the air temperature found in the surrounding engine
compartment.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the battery and the battery thermal
guard from the battery tray as a unit. Refer to Bat-
tery Removal for the proper battery removal proce-
dures.
(2) Carefully and evenly slide the battery thermal
guard up off of the battery case (Fig. 24).
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery thermal guard.
Refer to Battery System Cleaning for the proper
cleaning procedures, and refer to Battery System
Inspection for the proper inspection procedures.
Fig. 21 TEST BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE
RESISTANCE - TYPICAL
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
Fig. 22 TEST GROUND CIRCUIT RESISTANCE -
TYPICAL
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 23 Battery Thermal guard
1 - THERMAL GUARD
2 - BATTERY
8F - 20 BATTERY SYSTEMKJ
BATTERY CABLES (Continued)

STARTING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................32
OPERATION...........................32
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................33
INSPECTION - STARTING SYSTEM.........37
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - GAS POWERED.............38
STARTER MOTOR - GAS POWERED......39
STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................39REMOVAL.............................39
INSTALLATION.........................41
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................41
OPERATION...........................42
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING -
STARTER RELAY......................42
REMOVAL.............................43
INSTALLATION.........................43
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION
The starting system consists of:
²Starter relay
²Starter motor (including an integral starter sole-
noid)
Other components to be considered as part of start-
ing system are:
²Battery
²Battery cables
²Ignition switch and key lock cylinder
²Clutch pedal position switch (manual transmis-
sion)
²Park/neutral position switch (automatic trans-
mission)
²Wire harnesses and connections.
The Battery, Starting, and Charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct operation of
starting/charging systems, all components used in
these 3 systems must perform within specifications.
When attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it
is important that you keep their interdependency in
mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in each of these
groups include the most basic conventional diagnostic
methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diag-
nostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Mod-
ule (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere
ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile
rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.Certain starting system components are monitored
by the PCM and may produce a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC). Refer to Emission Control. See Diagnos-
tic Trouble Codes for additional information and a
list of codes.
OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the
starter motor between 150 and 350 amperes (700
amperes - diesel engine), and a low-amperage control
circuit that operates on less than 20 amperes. The
high-amperage feed circuit components include the
battery, the battery cables, the contact disc portion of
the starter solenoid, and the starter motor. The low-
amperage control circuit components include the igni-
tion switch, the clutch pedal position switch (manual
transmission), the park/neutral position switch (auto-
matic transmission), the starter relay, the electro-
magnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the
connecting wire harness components.
If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmis-
sion, it has a clutch pedal position switch installed in
series between the ignition switch and the coil bat-
tery terminal of the starter relay. This normally open
switch prevents the starter relay from being ener-
gized when the ignition switch is turned to the
momentary Start position, unless the clutch pedal is
depressed. This feature prevents starter motor oper-
ation while the clutch disc and the flywheel are
engaged. The starter relay coil ground terminal is
always grounded on vehicles with a manual trans-
mission.
8F - 32 STARTING SYSTEMKJ

If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, battery voltage is supplied through the low-
amperage control circuit to the coil battery terminal
of the starter relay when the ignition switch is
turned to the momentary Start position. The park/
neutral position switch is installed in series between
the starter relay coil ground terminal and ground.
This normally open switch prevents the starter relay
from being energized and the starter motor from
operating unless the automatic transmission gear
selector is in the Neutral or Park positions.
When the starter relay coil is energized, the nor-
mally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts
connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay
normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts
energize the starter solenoid coil windings.
The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the sole-
noid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift
lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter
overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter
ring gear on the manual transmission flywheel or on
the automatic transmission torque converter or
torque converter drive plate.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its
travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-
amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the sole-
noid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows betweenthe solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor,
energizing the starter.
Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch pro-
tects the starter motor from damage by allowing the
starter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion
shaft. When the driver releases the ignition switch to
the On position, the starter relay coil is de-energized.
This causes the relay contacts to open. When the
relay contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger
hold-in coil is de-energized.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-ener-
gized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the
plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the con-
tact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift
lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion
gear from the starter ring gear.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM
The battery, starting, and charging systems oper-
ate in conjunction with one another, and must be
tested as a complete system. For correct starting/
charging system operation, all of the components
involved in these 3 systems must perform within
specifications.
Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER FAILS TO
OPERATE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery, if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits, if required.
3. Starter relay faulty. 3. Refer to Starter Relay in Diagnosis and Testing.
Replace starter relay if required.
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
5. Clutch pedal position
switch faulty.5. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
6. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.6. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch. Replace
park/neutral position switch if required.
7. Starter solenoid faulty. 7. Refer to Starter Motor. Replace starter motor assembly
if required.
8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 33
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN
ENGINE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery if required.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.2. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Test and repair starter
feed and/or control circuits if required.
3. Starter motor faulty. 3. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor assembly.
4. Engine seized. 4. Refer to Engine Diagnosis in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of 9, Engine.
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring gear.
Replace starter ring gear if required.
2. Starter motor faulty. 2. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor assembly.
STARTER DOES NOT
DISENGAGE.1. Starter motor
improperly installed.1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
Tighten starter mounting hardware to correct torque
specifications.
2. Starter relay faulty. 2. Refer to Starter Relay Diagnosis and Testing. Replace
starter relay if required.
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.
Replace ignition switch if required.
4. Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components and circuits test
OK, replace starter motor.
INSPECTION
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. Before removing any unit
from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform
the following inspections:
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO 8, PASSIVE RESTRAINT SYS-
TEMS, BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING
WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT
PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
²Battery- Visually inspect battery for indica-
tions of physical damage and loose or corroded cable
connections. Determine state-of-charge and cranking
capacity of battery. Charge or replace battery if
required. Refer toBatteryin 8, Battery.Note: If
equipped with diesel engine, a dual battery sys-
tem may be used, and both batteries must be
inspected.
²Ignition Switch- Visually inspect ignition
switch for indications of physical damage and loose
or corroded wire harness connections. Refer toIgni-
tion Switch and Key Lock Cylinder.²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, visually inspect clutch
pedal position switch for indications of physical dam-
age and loose or corroded wire harness connections.
Refer toClutch Pedal Position Switchin 6,
Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, visually inspect park/
neutral position switch for indications of physical
damage and loose or corroded wire harness connec-
tions. Refer toPark/Neutral Position Switchin
21, Transmission.
²Starter Relay- Visually inspect starter relay
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Motor- Visually inspect starter motor
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections.
²Starter Solenoid- Visually inspect starter sole-
noid for indications of physical damage and loose or
corroded wire harness connections.
²Wiring- Visually inspect wire harnesses for
damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as
required. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
8F - 34 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

TESTING
COLD CRANKING TEST
For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer
to 8, Wiring Diagrams. The battery must be fully-
charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
(1) Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals
(Fig. 1). See instructions provided by manufacturer of
volt-ampere tester being used.Note: Certain diesel
equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, tester should be con-
nected to battery on left side of vehicle only.
Also, tester current reading must be taken from
positive battery cable lead that connects to
starter motor.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
WARNING: IF EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL ENGINE,
ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE A FEW TIMES
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FOLLOWING STEP.(6) Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start posi-
tion. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage)
draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
(a) If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motorin Diagnosis and Testing. If starter
motor is OK, refer toEngine Diagnosisin 9,
Engine for further testing of engine. If starter
motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.
(b) If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current
(amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer
toFeed Circuit Testin this section.
(c) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor does not turn, refer toControl Cir-
cuit Testingin this section.
(d) If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
starter motor turns very slowly, refer toFeed Cir-
cuit Testin this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current
(amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery volt-
age reading.
FEED CIRCUIT TEST
The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in
high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wir-
ing circuit diagrams, refer 8, Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of
resistance between two points at which voltmeter
probes are attached.
Example:When testing resistance of positive bat-
tery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery
cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid.
If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable
connector at starter solenoid, you are reading com-
bined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-
terminal post connection and positive battery cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests,
be certain that following procedures are accom-
plished:
²Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Batteryin 8, Battery.
²Fully engage parking brake.
²If equipped with manual transmission, place
gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block
clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped
with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector
lever in Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent a gasoline engine from starting,
remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent
a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump
Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution
Fig. 1 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 35
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay
location.
(1) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative
battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of
voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp (Fig. 2).
Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position.
Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor
contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
procedure must be performed twice, once for
each battery.
(2) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive
battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of volt-
meter to battery positive cable clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate
and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact
between cable clamp and terminal post.Note: Cer-
tain diesel equipped models use dual batteries.
If equipped with dual battery system, this pro-
cedure must be performed twice, once for each
battery.
(3) Connect voltmeter to measure between battery
positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery
terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable
connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still
above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.
Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual
batteries. If equipped with dual battery system,
this procedure must be performed on driver
side battery only.
(4) Connect voltmeter to measure between nega-
tive battery terminal post and a good clean groundon engine block (Fig. 5). Rotate and hold ignition
switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If read-
ing is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative bat-
tery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If
reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative
battery cable.Note: Certain diesel equipped mod-
els use dual batteries. If equipped with dual
battery system, this procedure must be per-
formed twice, once for each battery.
(5) Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter
housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to nega-
tive battery terminal post (Fig. 6). Rotate and hold
ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to
engine block ground contact.Note: Certain diesel
Fig. 2 Test Negative Battery Cable Connection
Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 3 Test Positive Battery Cable Connection
Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 4 Test Positive Battery Cable
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
8F - 36 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped
with dual battery system, this procedure must
be performed on driver side battery only.
(6) If equipped with dual battery system (certain
diesel equipped models), connect positive lead of volt-
meter to positive battery cable clamp on battery
located on left side of vehicle. Connect negative lead
of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post on bat-
tery located on right side of vehicle. Rotate and hold
ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter.
If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery
cables at both batteries. Repeat test. If reading is
still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery
cable.If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems,
refer toStarter Motorin the Diagnosis and Testing.
CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING
The starter control circuit components should be
tested in the order in which they are listed, as fol-
lows:
²Starter Relay- Refer toStarter RelayDiag-
nosis and Testing.
²Starter Solenoid- Refer toStarter Motor
Diagnosis and Testing.
²Ignition Switch- Refer toIgnition Switch
and Key Lock Cylinder
²Clutch Pedal Position Switch- If equipped
with manual transmission, refer toClutch Pedal
Position Switchin 6, Clutch.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- If equipped
with automatic transmission, refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchin 21, Transmission.
²Wire harnesses and connections- Refer to 8,
Wiring Diagrams.
INSPECTION - STARTING SYSTEM
The following starting system components should
be carefully inspected whenever any starting system
problem is encountered.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR AIRBAG SYSTEM
CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORM-
ING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS
THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM. FAILURE TO TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOY-
MENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
Battery
²Visually inspect battery for indications of physi-
cal damage and loose or corroded cable connections.
Determine state-of-charge and cranking capacity of
battery. Charge or replace battery, if required. Refer
toBatteryfor battery cleaning and inspection proce-
dures.
Ignition Switch
²Visually inspect ignition switch for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Clean corroded connections as required.
Refer toWiring Diagrams. Refer toIgnition
Switch and Key Lock Cylinderfor ignition switch
service procedures.
Fig. 5 Test Ground Circuit Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
Fig. 6 Test Starter Ground - Typical
1 - STARTER MOTOR
2 - BATTERY
3 - VOLTMETER
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 37
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

Clutch Pedal Position Switch
²If vehicle is equipped with a manual transmis-
sion, visually inspect clutch pedal position switch for
indications of physical damage and loose or corroded
wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections
as required. Refer toClutch Hydraulic Linkagefor
clutch pedal position switch service procedures.
Park/Neutral Position Switch
²If vehicle is equipped with an automatic trans-
mission, visually inspect park/neutral position switch
for indications of physical damage and loose or cor-
roded wire harness connections. Clean corroded con-
nections as required. Refer toPark/Neutral
Position Switchfor park/neutral position switch
service procedures.
Starter Relay
²Visually inspect starter relay for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Clean corroded connections as required.
Refer toStarter Relayfor starter relay service pro-
cedures.
Starter Motor
²Visually inspect starter motor for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. Clean corroded connections as required.
If problem being diagnosed involves improper starter
engagement, disengagement or noise complaints,
starter motor should be removed. With starter motor
removed, inspect starter pinion and ring gears for
damaged or missing teeth. Replace faulty compo-
nents as required. Refer toStarter Motorfor
removal/installation procedures.
Starter Solenoid
²Visually inspect starter solenoid for indications
of physical damage and loose or corroded wire har-
ness connections. Clean corroded connections as
required. Refer toStarter Motorfor starter solenoid
service procedures.
Wiring
²Visually inspect starting system wire harnesses
for indications of physical damage. Repair or replace
any faulty wiring, as required. Refer toWiring Dia-
gramsfor repair or connector and terminal service
procedures.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - GAS POWERED
DESCRIPTION N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Starter Solenoid Battery
Cable Nut11 - 100
Starter Mounting Bolts -
2.4L54 40 -
Starter Mounting Bolts
-3.7L54 40 -
Starter Heat Shield
Mounting Bolts6-55
8F - 38 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

STARTER MOTOR - GAS POWERED
Starter Motor and Solenoid
Manufacturer Mitsubishi
Engine Application 2.4L / 3.7L
Power Rating 1.4 Kilowatt (1.9 Horsepower)
Voltage12 Volts
** Number of Permanent Magnets 6
Number of Brushes 4
Drive Type Planetary Gear Reduction
Free Running Test Voltage 11.2 Volts
Free Running Test Maximum Amperage Draw 90 Amperes
Free Running Test Minimum Speed 2400 rpm
Solenoid Closing Maximum Voltage Required 7.8 Volts
* Cranking Amperage Draw Test 160 Amperes
*Test at operating temperature. Cold engine, tight (new) engine, or heavy oil will increase starter amperage draw.
**The starter is equipped with permanent magnets. Never strike the starter case to attempt to loosen a sticking/
stuck armature as permanent magnets may crack or break.
STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER MOTOR
Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed
by performing the following free running bench test.
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle. Refer to Specifications for
starter motor specifications.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Mount starter motor securely in a soft-jawed
bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on the
mounting flange of starter motor. Never clamp on
starter motor by field frame.
(3) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester and a
12-volt battery to starter motor in series, and set
ammeter to 100 ampere scale. See instructions pro-
vided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being
used.
(4) Install jumper wire from solenoid terminal to
solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should
operate. If starter motor fails to operate, replace
faulty starter motor assembly.
(5) Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free
running test voltage. Refer to Specifications for
starter motor free running test voltage specifications.
(6) Note reading on ammeter and compare reading
to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer
to Specifications for starter motor free running test
maximum amperage draw specifications.(7) If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amper-
age draw specification, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
STARTER SOLENOID
This test can only be performed with starter motor
removed from vehicle.
(1) Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to
Starter Motor Removal and Installation.
(2) Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil termi-
nal.
(3) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid field coil terminal with a continuity
tester (Fig. 7). There should be continuity. If OK, go
to Step 4. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor
assembly.
(4) Check for continuity between solenoid terminal
and solenoid case (Fig. 8). There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
REMOVAL
2.4L 4±Cylinder
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove solenoid wire from solenoid terminal
(Fig. 11).
(4) Remove battery cable from stud on starter sole-
noid (Fig. 11).
(5) Remove 2 starter mounting bolts (Fig. 9) and
remove starter from vehicle.
KJSTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 39
STARTING SYSTEM (Continued)

3.7L V-6
(1) Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Remove 2 flange bolts securing left exhaust
downpipe to crossover pipe. Lower pipe slightly to
allow front propeller shaft removal.
(4) Remove front propeller shaft.
(5) Remove 2 starter heat shield bolts at side of
starter (Fig. 10).
(6) Remove starter heat shield nut at front of
starter (Fig. 10).
(7) Remove starter heat shield.
(8) Remove solenoid wire from solenoid terminal
(Fig. 11).
(9) Remove battery cable from stud on starter sole-
noid (Fig. 11).
(10) Remove 2 starter mounting bolts (Fig. 12).
(11) Position front of starter to face rear of vehicle.
Rotate starter until solenoid position is located below
starter.
(12) Remove starter from vehicle by passing it
between exhaust pipe and transmission bellhousing.
Fig. 7 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID AND
FIELD COIL TERMINALS - TYPICAL
1 - OHMMETER
2 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
3 - FIELD COIL TERMINAL
Fig. 8 CONTINUITY BETWEEN SOLENOID
TERMINAL AND CASE - TYPICAL
1 - SOLENOID TERMINAL
2 - OHMMETER
3 - SOLENOID
Fig. 9 STARTER - 2.4L
1-STARTER
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS (2)
Fig. 10 STARTER HEAT SHIELD - 3.7L
1 - STARTER HEAT SHIELD
2 - HEAT SHIELD BOLTS
3 - HEAT SHIELD BOLTS
4-STARTER
8F - 40 STARTING SYSTEMKJ
STARTER MOTOR (Continued)