Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

INSPECTION - STARTING SYSTEM

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

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, disable airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable airbag system. Failure to take proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.


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


Ignition Switch
- Visually inspect ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required.

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


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


Starter Relay
- Visually inspect starter relay for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required.

Starter Motor
- Visually 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 components as required.

Starter Solenoid
- Visually inspect starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required.


Wiring
- Visually inspect starting system wire harnesses for indications of physical damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required.