Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

STARTING SYSTEM

Inspection and Verification

WARNING:
- When using a remote starter switch or jumper wire, be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF position and the transaxle is in PARK with the parking brake control fully applied. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.
- When working underhood in the vicinity of the starter motor, be aware that the heavy gauge battery input lead at the starter solenoid is "electrically hot" at all times. A protective cap or boot is provided over the terminal of this lead and must be reinstalled after repairing. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.
- When working in the area of the starter motor, be careful to avoid touching hot exhaust components. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.

NOTE: When working on the starter system, make sure the anti-theft system is operational.

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.
2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.

Visual Inspection Chart:

3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.

4. If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).
5. If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:
- check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM.
- See COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - TROUBLESHOOTING, No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no communication with the scan tool.

NOTE: The vehicle communication module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.

6. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle
- See COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - TROUBLESHOOTING, to diagnose no response from the PCM.

7. Carry out the network test.
If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, see COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - TROUBLESHOOTING. If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory DTCs.
8. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the PCM.
9. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to Starter and Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) DTC Chart. Starter and Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) DTC Chart For all other DTCs, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) CHART - B, C AND U CODES. Engine Control System
10. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, see SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART - STARTING SYSTEM. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures