Starter System Circuit Troubleshooting

  1. Make sure the shift lever is in P or N (A/T model) or neutral (M/T model), then disconnect the starter subharness 1P connector (A) from the left engine compartment wire harness 1P connector (B). Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive terminal to the starter subharness 1P connector.
Does the starter crank the engine?
YES -
Go to Step 10 .
NO -
Check the BLK/WHT wire between the starter subharness 1P connector and the starter. If the wire is OK, remove the starter, and repair or replace it as necessary. ■
  1. Check the following items in the order listed until you find the open circuit:■
    • The YEL wire and connectors between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the ignition switch.
    • The BLK/WHT wire and connectors between the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box and the left engine compartment wire harness 1P connector.
    • The ignition switch.
    • The transmission range switch (A/T model) and connector.
    • The starter cut relay (A/T model).
Does these items OK?
YES -
Go to Step 12 .
NO -
Repair or replace it, then go to Step 13 .
  1. While cranking the engine, check the cranking voltage and the current draw.
Is the cranking voltage greater than or equal to 8.5 V and is the current draw less than or equal to 380 A?
YES -
Go to Step 12 .
NO -
Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check for these problems:■
  • Drag in the starter armature
  • Shorted the armature winding
  • Excessive drag in the engine
  • Open circuit in the starter armature commutator segments
  • Excessively worn starter brushes
  • Open circuit in the starter brushes
  • Dirty or damaged helical splines or drive gear
  • Faulty drive gear clutch
  1. Remove the starter, and inspect its drive gear and the flywheel ring gear (M/T model) or torque converter ring gear (A/T model) for damage. Replace any damaged parts.
  1. Select ECM/PCM reset to cancel ALL INJECTORS STOP on the HDS.