FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Inspection and Verification

INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION

WARNING:
- 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.
- When working in area of the starter motor, be careful to avoid touching hot exhaust components.


NOTE: The anti-theft system must be functioning correctly before a logical starting system diagnosis can be carried out. Address anti-theft system concerns
before continuing.

1. Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.


Visual Inspection Chart:






2. Inspect to determine if any of the mechanical or electrical concerns apply.
3. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

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

If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).

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

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.
- refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network), No power to the scan tool, to diagnose no communication with the scan tool.

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.
- refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network) to diagnose no response from the powertrain control module (PCM).

7. Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Information Bus (Module Communications Network).
- If the network test passes, retrieve and record continuous memory diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

8. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the powertrain control module (PCM).
9. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to Starter and Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index. For all other DTCs, refer to Body Control Systems (Multifunction Electronic Control Module). Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures
10. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures