ignition MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER 2006 Service Manual

(3) Using a voltmeter connected to the battery
posts (see the instructions provided by the manufac-
turer of the voltmeter), measure the open-circuit volt-
age (Fig. 5).
See the Open-Circuit Voltage Table. This voltage
reading will indicate the battery state-of-charge, but
will not reveal its cranking capacity. If a battery has
an open-circuit voltage reading of 12.4 volts or
greater, it may be load tested to reveal its cranking
capacity (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYS-
TEM/BATTERY - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE TABLE
Open Circuit Voltage Charge Percentage
11.7 volts or less 0%
12.0 volts 25%
12.2 volts 50%
12.4 volts 75%
12.6 volts or more 100%
STANDARD PROCEDURE - IGNITION - OFF
DRAW TEST
The term Ignition-Off Draw (IOD) identifies a nor-
mal condition where power is being drained from the
battery with the ignition switch in the Off position. A
normal vehicle electrical system will draw from five
to thirty-five milliamperes (0.005 to 0.035 ampere)
with the ignition switch in the Off position, and all
non-ignition controlled circuits in proper working
order. Up to thirty-five milliamperes are needed to
enable the memory functions for the Powertrain Con-
trol Module (PCM), digital clock, electronically tuned
radio, and other modules which may vary with the
vehicle equipment.A vehicle that has not been operated for approxi-
mately twenty days, may discharge the battery to an
inadequate level. When a vehicle will not be used for
twenty days or more (stored), remove the IOD fuse
from the fuseblock. This will reduce battery discharg-
ing.
Excessive IOD can be caused by:
²Electrical items left on.
²Faulty or improperly adjusted switches.
²Faulty or shorted electronic modules and compo-
nents.
²An internally shorted generator.
²Intermittent shorts in the wiring.
If the IOD is over thirty-five milliamperes, the
problem must be found and corrected before replac-
ing a battery. In most cases, the battery can be
charged and returned to service after the excessive
IOD condition has been corrected.
(1) Verify that all electrical accessories are off.
Turn off all lamps, remove the ignition key, and close
all doors. If the vehicle is equipped with an illumi-
nated entry system or an electronically tuned radio,
allow the electronic timer function of these systems
to automatically shut off (time out). This may take
up to three minutes.
(2) Determine that the underhood lamp is operat-
ing properly, then disconnect the lamp wire harness
connector or remove the lamp bulb.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable.
(4) Set an electronic digital multi-meter to its
highest amperage scale. Connect the multi-meter
between the disconnected battery negative cable ter-
minal clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
Make sure that the doors remain closed so that the
illuminated entry system is not activated. The multi-
meter amperage reading may remain high for up to
three minutes, or may not give any reading at all
while set in the highest amperage scale, depending
upon the electrical equipment in the vehicle. The
multi-meter leads must be securely clamped to the
battery negative cable terminal clamp and the bat-
tery negative terminal post. If continuity between the
battery negative terminal post and the negative cable
terminal clamp is lost during any part of the IOD
test, the electronic timer function will be activated
and all of the tests will have to be repeated.
(5) After about three minutes, the high-amperage
IOD reading on the multi-meter should become very
low or nonexistent, depending upon the electrical
equipment in the vehicle. If the amperage reading
remains high, remove and replace each fuse or circuit
breaker in the Fuse Blocks, one at a time until the
amperage reading becomes very low, or nonexistent.
Refer to the appropriate wiring information in this
service manual for complete fuseblock fuse, circuit
breaker, and circuit identification. This will isolate
Fig. 5 Testing Open Circuit Voltage
8F - 10 BATTERY SYSTEMVA

each circuit and identify the circuit that is the source
of the high-amperage IOD. If the amperage reading
remains high after removing and replacing each fuse
and circuit breaker, disconnect the wire harness from
the generator. If the amperage reading now becomes
very low or nonexistent, refer to Charging System for
the proper charging system diagnosis and testing
procedures. After the high-amperage IOD has been
corrected, switch the multi-meter to progressively
lower amperage scales and, if necessary, repeat the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
to identify and correct all sources of excessive IOD. It
is now safe to select the lowest milliampere scale of
the multi-meter to check the low-amperage IOD.
CAUTION: Do not open any doors, or turn on any
electrical accessories with the lowest milliampere
scale selected, or the multi-meter may be damaged.
(6) Observe the multi-meter reading. The low-am-
perage IOD should not exceed thirty-five milliam-
peres (0.035 ampere). If the current draw exceeds
thirty-five milliamperes, isolate each circuit using the
fuse and circuit breaker remove-and-replace process
in Step 5. The multi-meter reading will drop to
within the acceptable limit when the source of the
excessive current draw is disconnected. Repair this
circuit as required; whether a wiring short, incorrect
switch adjustment, or a component failure is at fault.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - USING MICRO 420
BATTERY TESTER
Always use the Micro 420 Instruction Manual that
was supplied with the tester as a reference. If theInstruction Manual is not available the following pro-
cedure can be used:
WARNING: ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE EYE
PROTECTION AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN
WORKING WITH BATTERIES.
BATTERY TESTING
(1) If testing the battery OUT-OF-VEHICLE, clean
the battery terminals with a wire brush before test-
ing. If the battery is equipped with side post termi-
nals, install and tighten the supplied lead terminal
stud adapters. Do not use steel bolts. Failure to prop-
erly install the stud adapters, or using stud adapters
that are dirty or worn-out may result in false test
readings.
(2) If testing the battery IN-THE-VEHICLE, make
certain all of the vehicle accessory loads are OFF,
including the ignition.The preferred test position
is at the battery terminal. If the battery is not
accessible, you may test using both the positive and
negative jumper posts. Select TESTING AT JUMPER
POST when connecting to that location.
(3) Connect the tester (Fig. 6) to the battery or
jumper posts, the red clamp to positive (+) and the
black clamp to negative (±).
NOTE: Multiple batteries connected in parallel must
have the ground cable disconnected to perform a
battery test. Failure to disconnect may result in
false battery test readings.
(4) Using the ARROW key selectinoroutof vehi-
cle testing and press ENTER to make a selection.
(5) If not selected, choose the Cold Cranking Amp
(CCA) battery rating. Or select the appropriate bat-
tery rating for your area (see menu). The tester will
then run its self programmed test of the battery and
display the results. Refer to the test result table
noted below.
CAUTION: If REPLACE BATTERY is the result of the
test, this may mean a poor connection between the
vehicle's cables and battery exists. After discon-
necting the vehicle's battery cables from the bat-
tery, retest the battery using the OUT-OF-VEHICLE
test before replacing.
(6) While viewing the battery test result, press the
CODE button and the tester will prompt you for the
last 4 digits of the VIN. Use the UP/DOWN arrow
buttons to scroll to the correct character; then press
ENTER to select and move to the next digit. Then
press the ENTER button to view the SERVICE
CODE. Pressing the CODE button a second time will
return you to the test results.
Fig. 6 Micro 420 Battery Tester
VABATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 11

BATTERY TEST RESULTS
GOOD BATTERY Return to service
GOOD - RECHARGE Fully charge battery and
return to service
CHARGE & RETEST Fully charge battery and
retest battery
REPLACE BATTERY Replace the battery and
retest complete system
BAD-CELL REPLACE Replace the battery and
retest complete system
NOTE: The SERVICE CODE is required on every
warranty claim submitted for battery replacement.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHECKING BATTERY
ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
(1) Remove the battery cell caps (Fig. 7).
(2) Look through the battery cap holes to deter-
mine the level of the electrolyte in the battery (Fig.
8). The electrolyte should be approximately 1 centi-
meter above the battery plates or until the hook
inside the battery cap holes is covered.(3) Add only distilled water until the electrolyte
level is approx. one centimeter above the plates.
REMOVAL
UNDER HOOD BATTERY REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Loosen the battery negative cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(3) Disconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp from the battery negative terminal post. If
necessary, use a battery terminal puller to remove
the terminal clamp from the battery post.
(4) Loosen the battery positive cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(5) Disconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp from the battery positive terminal post. If nec-
essary, use a battery terminal puller to remove the
terminal clamp from the battery post.
(6) Remove the battery hold downs from the bat-
tery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY HOLDDOWN - REMOVAL).
WARNING: WEAR A SUITABLE PAIR OF RUBBER
GLOVES (NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE) WHEN
REMOVING A BATTERY BY HAND. SAFETY
GLASSES SHOULD ALSO BE WORN. IF THE BAT-
TERY IS CRACKED OR LEAKING, THE ELECTRO-
LYTE CAN BURN THE SKIN AND EYES.
(7) Remove the battery from the battery tray.
Fig. 7 Battery Cell Caps
1 - BATTERY CELL CAP
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 8 Hook Inside Battery Cap Holes
1 - BATTERY SURFACE COVER
2 - HOOK
8F - 12 BATTERY SYSTEMVA

AUXILIARY BATTERY REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Remove the passenger front seat assembly.
Refer to the Body section for procedure.
(3) Remove the top cover from the seat base
assembly.
(4) Loosen the battery negative cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(5) Disconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp from the battery negative terminal post. If
necessary, use a battery terminal puller to remove
the terminal clamp from the battery post.
(6) Loosen the battery positive cable terminal
clamp pinch-bolt hex nut.
(7) Disconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp from the battery positive terminal post. If nec-
essary, use a battery terminal puller to remove the
terminal clamp from the battery post.
(8) Remove the battery hold downs from the bat-
tery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY HOLDDOWN - REMOVAL).
WARNING: WEAR A SUITABLE PAIR OF RUBBER
GLOVES (NOT THE HOUSEHOLD TYPE) WHEN
REMOVING A BATTERY BY HAND. SAFETY
GLASSES SHOULD ALSO BE WORN. IF THE BAT-
TERY IS CRACKED OR LEAKING, THE ELECTRO-
LYTE CAN BURN THE SKIN AND EYES.
(9) Remove the battery from the battery tray.
INSTALLATION
UNDER HOOD BATTERY INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery onto the battery tray.
Ensure that the battery positive and negative termi-
nal posts are correctly positioned. The battery cable
terminal clamps must reach the correct battery ter-
minal post without stretching the cables.
(2) Reinstall the battery hold downs onto the bat-
tery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY HOLDDOWN - INSTALLATION).
CAUTION: Be certain that the battery cable terminal
clamps are connected to the correct battery termi-
nal posts. Reverse battery polarity may damage
electrical components of the vehicle.
(3) Reconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp to the battery positive terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 11.8 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 7.9 N´m (70
in. lbs.).(5) Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or chas-
sis grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery cable
terminal clamps and the battery terminal posts.
AUXILIARY BATTERY INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery onto the battery tray.
Ensure that the battery positive and negative termi-
nal posts are correctly positioned. The battery cable
terminal clamps must reach the correct battery ter-
minal post without stretching the cables.
(2) Reinstall the battery hold downs onto the bat-
tery (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/
BATTERY HOLDDOWN - INSTALLATION).
CAUTION: Be certain that the battery cable terminal
clamps are connected to the correct battery termi-
nal posts. Reverse battery polarity may damage
electrical components of the vehicle.
(3) Reconnect the battery positive cable terminal
clamp to the battery positive terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 11.8 N´m
(105 in. lbs.).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable terminal
clamp to the battery negative terminal post. Tighten
the terminal clamp pinch-bolt hex nut to 7.9 N´m (70
in. lbs.).
(5) Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly or chas-
sis grease to the exposed surfaces of the battery cable
terminal clamps and the battery terminal posts.
(6) Install the top cover on the seat base assembly.
(7) Install the passenger front seat assembly. Refer
to the Body section for procedure.
BATTERY HOLDDOWN
DESCRIPTION
The battery hold down hardware includes two hex
nuts with washers and two hold down brackets. The
battery hold down brackets are formed of stamped
steel. The hold down assembly is coated for corrosion
protection.
When installing a battery into the battery tray, be
certain that the hold down hardware is properly
installed and that the fasteners are tightened to the
proper specifications. Improper hold down fastener
tightness, whether too loose or too tight, can result in
damage to the battery, the vehicle or both.
REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Remove the two nuts that secure the battery
hold down brackets to the battery tray.
(3) Remove the battery hold down brackets.
VABATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 13

The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
²The battery is fully-charged and tested. (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
²Fully engage the parking brake.
²Place the automatic transmission gearshift selec-
tor lever in the Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²Prevent the engine from starting.
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative terminal post. Connect the neg-
ative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative
cable terminal clamp (Fig. 9). Rotate and hold the
ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the poor con-
nection between the battery negative cable terminal
clamp and the battery negative terminal post.
(2) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery positive terminal post. Connect the nega-
tive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive cable
terminal clamp (Fig. 10). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct the poor connection
between the battery positive cable terminal clamp
and the battery positive terminal post.(3) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive cable terminal clamp and the starter
solenoid B(+) terminal stud (Fig. 11). 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 positive cable eyelet terminal con-
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. 12). Rotate
and hold the ignition switch in the Start position.
Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2
Fig. 9 Test Battery Negative Connection Resistance
- Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 10 Test Battery Positive Connection Resistance
- Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
Fig. 11 Test Battery Positive Cable Resistance -
Typical
1 - BATTERY
2 - VOLTMETER
3 - STARTER MOTOR
VABATTERY SYSTEM 8F - 15

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.
REMOVAL
(1) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position. Be
certain that all electrical accessories are turned off.
(2) Disconnect and isolate the remote battery neg-
ative cable terminal.
(3) One at a time, trace and disconnect the battery
cable retaining pushpins, fasteners and routing clips
until the cables are free from the vehicle.
(4) Feed the battery cable assembly out of the
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the battery cable in the vehicle.
(2) One at a time, install the battery cable retain-
ing pushpins, fasteners and routing clips until the
cable is installed exactly in the factory installed loca-
tion in the vehicle. Refer to the Wiring Diagram sec-
tion of the service manual for reference.
(3) Connect the battery negative cable terminal.
BATTERY TRAY
DESCRIPTION
The battery is mounted in a stamped steel battery
tray located in the left front corner of the engine
compartment. The battery tray is secured with bolts
to the left front wheelhouse inner steel panel. A hole
in the bottom of the battery tray is fitted with aformed drain tube. A second hole in the bottom of the
tray is fitted with a battery temperature sensor.
OPERATION
The battery tray provides a mounting location and
support for the vehicle battery. The battery tray sup-
port supports the battery tray and provides an
anchor point for the inboard battery hold down hard-
ware. The battery tray and the battery hold down
hardware combine to secure and stabilize the battery
in the engine compartment, which prevents battery
movement during vehicle operation. Unrestrained
battery movement during vehicle operation could
result in damage to the vehicle, the battery or both.
The battery tray drain tube directs spilled water or
electrolyte from a leaking battery to the ground
through another hole in the front extension of the
left front wheelhouse inner panel.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the battery from the battery tray.
(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BAT-
TERY - REMOVAL).
(2) Remove the battery temperature sensor from
the battery tray. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARG-
ING/BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR -
REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the bolts that secure the battery tray
to the battery tray support.
(4) Remove the battery tray from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean and inspect the battery tray. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM - CLEANING).
(2) Position the battery tray onto the battery tray
support.
(3) Install and tighten the bolts that secure the
battery tray to the battery tray support. Tighten the
screws to 11.8 N´m (105 in. lbs.).
(4) Install the battery temperature sensor onto the
battery tray. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/CHARGING/
BATTERY TEMPERATURE SENSOR - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Install the battery onto the battery tray. (Refer
to 8 - ELECTRICAL/BATTERY SYSTEM/BATTERY -
INSTALLATION).
Fig. 12 Test Ground Circuit Resistance - Typical
1 - VOLTMETER
2 - BATTERY
3 - ENGINE GROUND
8F - 16 BATTERY SYSTEMVA

STARTING SYSTEM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
STARTING SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION.........................28
OPERATION...........................28
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING
SYSTEM............................29
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE - STARTER - DIESEL...........33
SPECIFICATIONS - STARTER MOTOR -
DIESEL.............................33STARTER MOTOR
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTER
MOTOR .............................33
REMOVAL.............................34
INSTALLATION.........................35
STARTER MOTOR RELAY
DESCRIPTION.........................35
REMOVAL.............................35
INSTALLATION.........................36
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
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 Engine Control Module
(ECM). Use of an induction-type milliampere amme-
ter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheo-
stat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be
required.
Certain starting system components are monitored
by the ECM and may produce a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC).
OPERATION
The starting system components form two separate
circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the
starter motor high-amperage, and a low-amperagecontrol circuit that operates on less than 20 amperes.
The high-amperage feed circuit components include
the battery, the battery cables, the contact disc por-
tion of the starter solenoid, and the starter motor
itself. The low-amperage control circuit components
include the ignition switch, the park/neutral position
switch (automatic transmission), the starter relay,
the electromagnetic windings of the starter solenoid,
and the connecting wire harness components.
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 between
the 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
8F - 28 STARTING SYSTEMVA

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 SYS-
TEM
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 re-
quired.
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. Re-
place starter relay if required.
4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder. Re-
place ignition switch if required.
5. Clutch pedal position
switch faulty.5. Refer to Clutch Pedal Position Switch.
6. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or misad-
justed.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 assem-
bly if required.
8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits
test OK, replace starter motor.
STARTER ENGAGES,
FAILS TO TURN EN-
GINE.1. Battery discharged or
faulty.1. Refer to Battery. Charge or replace battery if re-
quired.
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 Test-
ing section of 9, Engine.
STARTER ENGAGES,
SPINS OUT BEFORE
ENGINE STARTS.1. Starter ring gear
faulty.1. Refer to Starter Motor Removal and Installation. Re-
move 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.
VASTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 29

Starting System Diagnosis
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
STARTER DOES NOT
DISENGAGE.1. Starter motor improp-
erly 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. Re-
place starter relay if required.
3. Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder. Re-
place 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.
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.
²Park/Neutral Position Switch- Visually
inspect park/neutral position switch for indications of
physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness
connections. 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 or corrosion. Repair or replace any faulty
wiring, as required. Refer to 8, Wiring Diagrams.
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.
(2) Fully engage parking brake.
(3) Place gearshift selector lever in Park position.
(4) Verify that all lamps and accessories are
turned off.
(5) To prevent engine from starting, remove Fuel
Pump Relay. This relay is located in Power Distribu-
tion 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.
Fig. 1 VOLTS-AMPS TESTER CONNECTIONS -
TYPICAL
1 - POSITIVE CLAMP
2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
8F - 30 STARTING SYSTEMVA

(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.
²Place gearshift selector lever in Park position.
²Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
²To prevent engine from starting, remove Fuel
Pump Relay. This relay is located in Power Distribu-
tion 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 poorcontact between cable clamp and terminal post.
(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.
(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.
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
VASTARTING SYSTEM 8F - 31