GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1997 🢒 Venture 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Charging System Diagnosis

Starter System
  1. Check the hydrometer eye that is built into the vehicle Battery before troubleshooting the starter system.
    2. • Green eye -- battery is charged.
    • Dark eye -- battery is discharged. Recharge battery.
    • Clear or yellow eye -- battery fluid is low. Replace battery.
  2. Check that the starter solenoid terminals "S" and "B" are clean and tight.
  3. Check that all the battery grounds are clean and tight.
  4. Check IGN MAIN 1 MaxiFuse. If open, check circuits 42, 5, and 6 for a short to ground.
    5. • Check for a broken (or partially broken) wire inside of the insulation which could cause system malfunction but prove GOOD in a continuity/voltage check with a system disconnected. These circuits may be intermittent or resistive when loaded, and if possible, should be checked by monitoring for a voltage drop with the system operational (under load).
    • Check for proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment which may affect the integrity of other systems (refer to "Troubleshooting Procedures," 8A-4).
    • Refer to "System Diagnosis" in this section.

Charging System
  1. Check the hydrometer eye that is built into the vehicle battery before troubleshooting the charging system.
    2. • Green eye -- battery is charged.
    • Dark eye -- battery is discharged. Recharge battery.
    • Clear or yellow eye -- battery fluid is low. Replace battery.
  2. Check the generator belt.
  3. Check that the generator connector terminals are clean and tight.
  4. Check that the battery connections are clean and tight.
  5. Check IGN 1 Fuse. If open, check circuit 39 for a short to ground.
  6. Check ALT SENSE Fuse. If open, check circuit 2740 for a short to ground.
    7. • Check for a broken (or partially broken) wire inside of the insulation which could cause system malfunction but prove GOOD in a continuity/voltage check with a system disconnected. These circuits may be intermittent or resistive when loaded, and if possible, should be checked by monitoring for a volage drop with the system operational (under load).
    • Check for proper installation of the aftermarket electronic equipment which may affect the integrity of other systems (refer to "Troubleshooting Procedures," 8A-4).
    • Refer to "System Diagnosis" in this section.

Important: If the starter and chargine system continues to malfunction after the following diagnostic procedures are performed, refer to Engine Controls.