Checking Control Solenoid and Starter Motor
Checking the control solenoid and starter motor
Preparatory checks
There are three starter motor checks that should be performed to avoid extra work.
The checks are and should be troubleshot in the following order:
1. Checking voltage drop in the starter motor and battery circuits
2. Checking solenoid and starter motor
3. Checking the starter motor
Before continuing troubleshooting of the starter motor, check as above.
Continue - Checking terminal.
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Checking terminal.
Note! To carry out this test, the battery must be fault free and the starter motor relay must be checked and there must be no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored for the symptom.
Warning! If the engine cooling fan (FC) is running, wait until it has stopped.
- Ignition off.
- The gear lever shall be in neutral position.
- Parking brake applied.
- Check the fuse for the starter motor.
Check terminal #1(30). Check for:
- Damaged terminal.
- Loose terminal.
- Rust, oxidation or other deposit.
Remedy as necessary.
Check terminal #2(50). Check for:
- Damaged terminal.
- Loose terminal.
- Rust, oxidation or other deposit.
The terminal must be replaced if any of the above faults are found on terminal #2(50).
When replacing, connection with P/N 30765120 must be used. The terminal is supplied with corresponding cable. The cable must be adapted to a suitable length. The cable must not be stretched when the terminal is installed.
Remedy as necessary.
Other information
- For further information, see the wiring diagram.
- Connector Connector
- Joining cables Joining Cables
- Cable terminals surface treatment Cable Terminals Surface Treatment
Select an alternative to continue
1. If faults are found on any of the terminals and remedied.
2. If no faults are found on the terminals.
1 - Verification
2 - Checking the control solenoid
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Checking the control solenoid
Note! The test assumes that the battery is fault free, that the starter motor circuit has been checked and that no relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for the symptom are stored.
Warning! If the engine cooling fan (FC) is running, wait until it has stopped.
- Ignition off
- Select neutral (automatic transmissions: "N"). Apply the parking brake
- The function of the control solenoid must be checked by temporarily bridging the power supply for the control solenoid terminal #1 (30) and the control signal from the starter motor relay #2(50) on the control solenoid. The control solenoid should click when bridged.
Other information
- For further information, see the wiring diagram.
Does the starter motor turn?
Yes - Voltage-drop in cables to solenoid
No - Checking the starter motor
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Voltage-drop in cables to solenoid
- Ignition off
- Reconnect the connectors and relay
- Connect a voltmeter to control solenoid terminal #2 (50)
- Check the voltage at the start position.
If the voltage falls below approximately 9 V in the cranking position, there is a voltage drop in the wiring circuit for the solenoid.
Select an alternative to continue
1. For extended information about voltage drops in the solenoid wiring
2. The voltage dropped too low in the cranking position. A fault was found
3. No fault detected during the test.
1 - Checking voltage drop in the starter motor and battery circuits
2 - FAULT FOUND
3 - No Fault Found
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Checking voltage drop in the starter motor and battery circuits
Checking voltage drop in the starter motor and battery circuits
Checking voltage drop in the starter motor and battery circuits
Note! The conditions for this test are that:
- The battery is fully charged
- The car and engine temperatures exceed 20 °C (68 °F).
Warning! If the engine cooling fan (FC) is running, wait until it has stopped.
- Ignition off
- Select neutral (automatic transmissions: "N"). Apply the parking brake
- Expose the starter motor relay in the integrated relay/fusebox in the engine compartment. For the location of the relays, see the wiring diagram. Remove the relay
- Expose the battery
- Connect a voltmeter between the battery positive and negative terminals
- Temporarily connect two cables to relay base terminals #3 (30) and #5 (87)
- Check the voltage of the battery while the starter motor is operating by temporarily short-circuiting the cables to each other so that the control solenoid is powered and the starter motor engages. Make a note of the value!
Note! Do not bridge directly in the relay base or the connections in the base may be damaged.
Hint: A starter motor relay without a protective cover can be used to create the short-circuit. Closes the switches manually.
The voltage can vary slightly depending on the engine compression action, therefore an average value should be taken
- Connect a voltmeter between the starter motor power supply terminal #1 (30) and the cylinder block
- Check the voltage across the starter motor while the starter motor is operating by temporarily short-circuiting the cables to each other so that the control solenoid is powered and the starter motor engages. Make a note of the value!
Note! Measure the voltage between the battery's positive pole and negative pole, as well as between the power supply to the starter motor terminal #1(30) and the starter motor's ground as illustrated.
The difference between the voltage at the battery and the starter motor respectively must not exceed 1 V. If the difference is greater it indicates excessively high resistance in the supply voltage to the starter motor and in the ground circuit from the battery.
Is the value OK?
Yes - No Fault Found
No - Checking wiring and terminals in the positive and negative circuits
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Checking wiring and terminals in the positive and negative circuits
When the voltage drop is too high it indicates excessively high resistance in the circuit.
The ground terminals on a car are a vital part of the car electrical system as all sub-system voltage levels have the ground terminal as a reference (as 0 V). The three illustrations show the ground terminal screwed connections to the cylinder block (the left-hand illustrations) and to the chassis (right-hand illustration), and the path of the current in the joint. A poor contact on the ground terminal will have a negative impact on the car electrical systems. It is therefore very important that the ground terminal contact is in good order, that the screws are tight and the cable terminals are correctly crimped to the cable. Ground terminals where several cables are connected to one ground terminal are especially important.
Note! There should be no corrosion between the cable terminals and the screw head.
Check the starter motor terminal for power supply and the terminal for grounding to the cylinder block. Check for contact resistance and oxidation. Check the connection of the terminal to the cable in particular.
Check the engine ground terminal. Check for contact resistance and oxidation. Check the connection of the terminals to the cables in particular.
Check the start assistance terminals in the engine compartment. Check for contact resistance and oxidation. Check the connection of the terminals to the cable in particular.
Check the battery positive and negative terminals. Check for contact resistance and oxidation. Check the connection of the terminals to the cables in particular.
Check the terminal for the battery negative lead in the bodywork.
Hint: If it is necessary to locate a voltage drop in a circuit measure between different points in the circuit. The location of voltage drop in the circuit will be shown.
Remedy as necessary.
Other information
- Checking wiring and terminals Checking Wiring and Terminals. Permanent Faults
Continue - Verification
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Verification
Hint: After carrying out the repair, check that the fault has been remedied.
Warning! If the engine cooling fan (FC) is running, wait until it has stopped.
- Ignition off
- Reinstall the connectors, components etc.
- Select neutral (automatic transmissions: "N"). Apply the parking brake
- Expose the starter motor relay. Remove the relay. For the location of the relays, see the wiring diagram
- Expose the battery
- Connect a voltmeter between the battery positive and negative terminals
- Temporarily connect two cables to relay base terminals #3 (30) and #5 (87)
- Check the voltage of the battery while the starter motor is operating by temporarily short-circuiting the cables to each other so that the control solenoid is powered and the starter motor engages. Make a note of the value!
The voltage can vary slightly depending on the rate of engine compression, therefore an average value should be taken.
Note! Do not bridge directly in the relay base or the connections in the base may be damaged.
- Connect a voltmeter between the starter motor power supply terminal #1 (30) and the cylinder block
- Check the voltage across the starter motor while the starter motor is operating by temporarily short-circuiting the cables to each other so that the control solenoid is powered and the starter motor engages. Make a note of the value!
The difference between the voltage at the battery and the starter motor respectively must not exceed 1 V. If the difference is greater it indicates excessively high resistance in the supply voltage to the starter motor or in the ground circuit from the battery.
Is the value OK?
Yes - FAULT FOUND
No - Fault-tracing information
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Fault-tracing information
Information
Fault-tracing information
The fault should have been detected and remedied. As this is not the case fault-tracing has failed.
Exit fault-tracing for this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) or make another attempt.
Do you want to exit fault-tracing?
Yes - Exit fault-tracing
No - Attempt New Test
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Attempt New Test - Checking voltage drop in the starter motor and battery circuits
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FAULT FOUND - DONE
No Fault Found - DONE
FAULT-TRACING FAILED - DONE
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Checking the starter motor
There is an internal fault in the starter motor if the starter motor does not function despite having power supply.
Check the brush holders and carbon brushes for the starter motor. Check for wear.
Check if the starter motor rotor or other components have jammed so that the starter motor is blocked.
Hint: If the starter motor is blocked the interior lighting will dim when the starter motor is activated.
Try a new starter motor if no fault is found.
Remedy as necessary.
Other information:
- Checking wiring and terminals Checking Wiring and Terminals. Permanent Faults
Continue - Verification
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Verification
Hint: After carrying out the repair, check that the fault has been remedied.
Warning! If the engine cooling fan (FC) is running, wait until it has stopped.
- Ignition off
- Reinstall the connectors, components etc.
- Select neutral (automatic transmissions: "N"). Apply the parking brake
- The function of the control solenoid must be checked by temporarily bridging the power supply for the control solenoid terminal #1 (30) and the control signal from the starter motor relay #2(50) on the control solenoid. The control solenoid should click when bridged.
Other information
- For further information about the fuses and relays, see the Wiring Diagram.
Does the control solenoid click?
Yes - FAULT FOUND
No - Fault-tracing information
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Fault-tracing information
Information
Attempt New Test - Checking the control solenoid
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