Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (Automatic M30)
Starter Solenoid Does Not Click (Automatic M30)
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
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 then sends a message to the engine control module (ECM) that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, then the ECM then supplies 12 volts to the control circuit of the PCM CNTRL relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the PCM CNTRL relay to the terminal A X1 of the starter solenoid.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Starting and Charging Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector End Views By Name)
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)
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, verify that the scan tool ECM Ignition 1 Signal parameter displays B+.
• If less than the specified value, test the PCM-1 fuse, the RUN/CRNK relay, and the ignition voltage circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
2. Verify that no starter relay, theft deterrent, or automatic transmission DTCs are set that would cause the ECM to disable starting.
• If DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions).
3. Observe the scan tool ECM Crank Request Signal parameter. Place ignition switch in the crank position. Verify that the scan tool displays Yes.
• If not the specified value, refer to Power Mode Mismatch (Power Mode Mismatch).
4. Transmission range selector in park. Verify that the scan tool ECM PNP Switch parameter displays Park/Neutral.
• If the ECM PNP Switch parameter does not indicate Park/Neutral, refer to PNP Switch Circuit Malfunction.
5. Transmission range selector in park or neutral. Attempt to start the vehicle. The PCM CNTRL relay should click and the engine should begin cranking.
• If the PCM CNTRL relay does not click or the engine does not crank, refer to PCM CNTRL Relay Circuit Malfunction.
6. If all circuits test normal, replace the ECM.
Circuit/System Testing
PNP Switch Circuit Malfunction
1. Inspect the range selector lever cable for proper adjustment. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (3.7L) (Adjustments)Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (5.3L) (Adjustments).
2. Inspect the park/neutral position switch for proper adjustment. Refer to Manual Shift Detent Lever with Shaft Position Switch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair).
3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector from the park/neutral switch.
4. With the PNP switch in the following positions, test for infinite resistance between the ground terminal 7 and the signal terminal 3.
* R
* OD
* D
* 2
* 1
• If not the specified value, replace the PNP switch.
5. With the PNP switch in the following positions, test for less than 2 Ohms between the ground terminal 7 and the signal terminal 3.
* P
* N
• If greater than the specified range, replace the PNP switch.
PCM CNTRL Relay Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the PCM CNTRL relay.
2. With the ignition OFF and the scan tool disconnected, open and close the drivers door, and wait 30 seconds. Test for less than 1.5 Ohms between the 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 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 the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in PARK. Momentarily install a 40A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control circuit terminal 87. The starter solenoid should engage and the engine should begin cranking.
• If the solenoid does not engage, test the starter control 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 control circuit terminal 86 and the ground circuit terminal 85.
6. With the transmission range selector in park or neutral, cycle the ignition between the OFF and CRANK 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 PCM CNTRL relay.
Component Testing
PNP Switch Test
1. Inspect the range selector lever cable for proper adjustment. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (3.7L) (Adjustments)Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (5.3L) (Adjustments).
2. Inspect the park/neutral position switch for proper adjustment. Refer to Manual Shift Detent Lever with Shaft Position Switch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair).
3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector from the park/neutral switch. Refer to Manual Shift Detent Lever with Shaft Position Switch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair).
4. With the PNP switch in the following positions, test for infinite resistance between the ground terminal 7 and the signal terminal 3.
* R
* OD
* D
* 2
* 1
• If not the specified value, replace the PNP switch.
5. With the PNP switch in the following positions, test for less than 2 Ohms between the ground terminal 7 and the signal terminal 3.
* P
* N
• If greater than the specified range, replace the PNP switch.
Relay Test
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the relay.
2. Test for 60-180 Ohms between terminals 85 and 86.
• If not within the specified range, replace the 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 A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 V. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 Ohms between terminals 30 and 87.
• If greater than specified range, replace the relay.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (3.7L) (Adjustments)Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (5.3L) (Adjustments)
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Manual Shift Detent Lever with Shaft Position Switch Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Starter Replacement (LLR) (Service and Repair)Starter Replacement (LH8) (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for ECM replacement, setup, and programming