Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

The following components of the starting system should be carefully inspected whenever any starting system problem is encountered.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Battery
Visually inspect the battery for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded cable connections. Determine the state-of-charge and cranking capacity of the battery. Charge or replace the battery, if required. Refer to Battery for cleaning and inspection procedures.

Ignition Switch
Visually inspect the ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder for service procedures.

Clutch Pedal Position Switch
If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, visually inspect the clutch pedal position switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required.

Refer to Clutch Hydraulic Linkage for clutch pedal position switch service procedures.

Park/Neutral Position Switch
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, visually inspect the park/neutral position switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch for park/neutral position switch service procedures.

Starter Relay
Visually inspect the starter relay for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Wiring Diagrams for wiring repair or connector and terminal service procedures. Refer to Starter Relay for starter relay service procedures.

Starter Motor
Visually inspect the starter motor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Wiring Diagrams for connector and terminal service procedures. If the problem being diagnosed involves improper starter engagement, disengagement or noise complaints the starter motor should be removed. With the starter motor removed, inspect the starter pinion and ring gears for damaged or missing teeth. Replace faulty components as required. Refer to Starter Motor for starter motor removal and installation procedures.

Starter Solenoid
Visually inspect the starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Wiring Diagrams for wiring repair or connector and terminal service procedures. Refer to Starter Motor for starter solenoid service procedures.

Wiring
- Visually inspect the starting system wire harnesses for indications of physical damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required. Refer to Starting System for starting system wiring diagrams. Refer to Wiring Diagrams for wiring repair or connector and terminal service procedures.