Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Circuit/System Description
When the ignition switch is placed in the start position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the start position. The BCM sends a serial data message to the engine control module (ECM) that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the automatic transmission is in Park or Neutral, and that the immobilizer is not disabling engine starting. If conditions are acceptable for cranking, then the ECM supplies 12 volts to the control circuit of the STRTR relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the STRTR relay to terminal A of the starter solenoid, and the engine cranks. The ECM monitors the voltage on the STRTR relay control circuit. If the ECM detects that the STRTR relay control circuit is open, shorted to ground, or shorted to voltage, then DTC P0615 sets.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Starting and Charging Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Starting System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, verify that no starter relay, immobilizer, clutch, or automatic transmission DTCs are set that would cause the ECM to disable starting.
• If the specified DTCs are set, Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions) .
2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool BCM Current Power Mode parameter. Place the ignition switch in the start position, the parameter should display Crank Request.
• If not the specified value, Refer to Power Mode Mismatch (Power Mode Mismatch) .
3. Transmission range selector in park, verify the scan tool ECM PNP Switch and TCM IMS parameters display Park/Neutral. (automatic only)
• If the TCM IMS parameter does not indicate Park/Neutral, Refer to Transmission Internal Mode Switch Logic (Transmission Internal Mode Switch Logic) .
• If the ECM Park/Neutral parameter does not indicate Park/Neutral, Refer to PNP Switch Circuit Malfunction.
4. Attempt to start the engine. The STRTR relay should click and the engine should begin cranking.
• If the STRTR relay does not click or the engine does not crank, Refer to STRTR Relay Circuit Malfunction.
Circuit/System Testing
PNP Switch Circuit Malfunction (4T45-E)
1. Inspect the shift control cable for proper adjustment. Refer to Shift Control Cable Adjustment (Adjustments) .
2. Ignition OFF. Disconnect the harness connector at the PNP switch.
3. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 ohms between the following switch ground circuit terminals and ground:
* Terminal 1 X1 (ME7)
* Terminal 11 X1 (MN5)
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
4. Ignition ON, switch disconnected, verify that the scan tool ECM PNP Switch parameter is In Gear.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 7 X1 (MN5) or terminal 12 X1 (ME7) for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the ground circuit and the signal circuit. Verify that the scan tool PNP Switch parameter is Park/Neutral.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the PNP switch.
PNP Switch Circuit Malfunction (6T70/6T75)
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the AT Inline 20-Way Connector.
2. Ignition ON, install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 20 and ground. Verify the scan tool ECM PNP switch parameter displays Park/Neutral.
• If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 20 for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
3. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the internal mode switch (IMS).
STRTR Relay Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the STRTR relay.
2. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door, and wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5 ohms between the relay ground circuit terminal 85 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch 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.
4. Ensure that the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in park. Momentarily install a 40A fused jumper wire between the relay switch B+ circuit terminal 30 and the relay controlled output circuit terminal 87. The starter solenoid should engage and the engine should begin cranking.
• If the solenoid does not engage, test the relay controlled output circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the starter motor.
5. Connect a test lamp between the relay coil control circuit terminal 86 and the relay coil ground circuit terminal 85.
6. Transmission range selector in park, cycle the ignition key between the OFF and start position. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
• 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.
7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the STRTR relay.
Component Testing
STRTR Relay
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the STRTR relay.
2. Test for 60-180 ohms between terminals 85 and 86 of the relay.
• If not within the specified range, replace the STRTR relay.
3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:
* 30 and 86
* 30 and 87
* 30 and 85
* 85 and 87
• If not the specified value, replace the relay.
4. Install a 20 amp fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 ohms between terminals 30 and 87 of the relay.
• If greater than specified range, replace the relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement (4T45-E - Automatic Transaxle) for the 4T45-E transmission
* Manual Shift Detent Lever with Shaft Position Switch Assembly and Park Pawl Actuator Removal (Overhaul) for the 6T70 and 6T75 transmissions
* Starter Motor Replacement (LZ4-3.5L) (Service and Repair)Starter Motor Replacement (LE5 2.4L and LAT-2.4L) (Service and Repair)Starter Motor Replacement (LY7 3.6L) (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming.