Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, a signal is supplied to the starter relay. Providing that the transmission is in Park/Neutral or the clutch is depressed. The engine will crank.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Starting and Charging Schematics [1][2]Electrical Diagrams
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views Fuel Pump and Level Sensor Assembly
Description and Operation
Starting System Description and Operation Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing
* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
Transmission range selector in park or neutral or clutch depressed on a manual transmission, attempt to start the vehicle. The starter solenoid should click and the engine should begin cranking.
If the starter solenoid does not click or the engine does not crank, refer to Circuit/System Testing.
Circuit/System Testing
Manual Transmission (without Clutch Pedal Position Switch)
1. Disconnect the harness connector at the ignition switch.
2. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition switch B+ circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the fuse is open, test the ignition switch output terminal 3 for a short to ground.
3. Ensure the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in Neutral.
4. Momentarily install a 30 A fused jumper wire between the ignition switch B+ circuit terminal 2 and the ignition switch output circuit terminal 3. The starter solenoid should engage and the engine should begin cranking.
• If the solenoid does not engage, test the ignition switch output circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the starter motor.
5. If all circuits test normal, replace the ignition switch.
Manual Transmission (with Clutch Pedal Position Switch)
1. Disconnect the harness connector at the ignition switch.
2. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition switch B+ circuit terminal 2 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the fuse is open, test the ignition switch output terminal 3 for a short to ground.
3. Connect the harness connector at the ignition switch.
4. Connect a test lamp between the ignition switch output terminal 3 and ground.
5. Transmission in neutral and clutch pedal depressed, cycle the ignition between the OFF and Crank position. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the Crank and OFF positions.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the ignition switch output circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ignition switch.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the ignition switch output circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ignition switch.
6. Connect a test lamp between the clutch start switch output terminal 3 and ground.
7. Transmission in neutral and clutch pedal depressed, cycle the ignition between the OFF and Crank position. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the Crank and OFF positions.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the clutch start switch output circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, adjust or replace the clutch pedal position sensor, refer to Clutch Pedal Position Sensor Replacement Service and Repair.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the clutch start switch output circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, adjust or replace the clutch pedal position sensor, refer to Clutch Pedal Position Sensor Replacement Service and Repair.
8. If all circuits test normal, replace the starter motor.
Automatic Transmission
1. Verify DTC P0851, P0852, B1370, B1380, B1440, or B1441 are not set.
• If either DTC is set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
2. Ignition Off, disconnect the starter relay.
3. Test for less than 10 ohms between the relay ground coil terminal 85 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the fuse is open, test the relay switch control output terminal 87 for a short to ground.
5. Ensure the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in park/neutral.
6. Momentarily install a 30 A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the relay switch output terminal 87.
7. The starter solenoid should engage and the engine should begin cranking
• If the solenoid does not engage, test the relay switch output circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the starter motor.
8. Connect a test lamp between the starter relay coil control circuit terminal 86 and the coil ground terminal 85.
9. Transmission in park/neutral, cycle the ignition between the OFF and Crank position. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the Crank and OFF positions.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
10. If all circuits tests normal, replace the starter relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Clutch Pedal Position Sensor Replacement Service and Repair
* Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness)
* Starter Replacement (LUW) Service and RepairStarter Replacement (LUV) Service and Repair
* Control Module References Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup and programming