Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Starter Control Circuit Test


NOTE: The starter control circuit consists of starter solenoid, starter relay, ignition switch, neutral safety switch and all related wiring and connections.

STARTER SOLENOID TEST

1. Disable ignition system.
2. Connect heavy jumper wire on starter relay between battery and solenoid terminals. If engine cranks, perform starter relay test.
3. If engine does not crank or solenoid chatters, check wiring and connectors from relay to starter for loose or corroded connections.
4. Repeat test and, if engine still does not crank properly, repair or replace starter as necessary.

STARTER RELAY TEST

1. Disable ignition system.
2. Place transmission in NEUTRAL and apply parking brake.
3. Check for battery voltage between starter relay battery terminal and ground.
4. Connect jumper wire on starter relay between battery and ignition terminals.
5. If engine does not crank, connect a second jumper wire to starter relay between ground terminal and good ground and repeat test.
6. If engine cranks in step 4, transmission linkage is improperly adjusted or neutral safety switch is defective.
7. If engine does not crank in step 4, starter relay is defective.

IGNITION SWITCH TEST

After testing starter solenoid and relay, test ignition switch and wiring. Check all wiring for opens or shorts and all connectors for being loose or corroded.