The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has the ability to disable starter operation if conditions inappropriate for starter operation exist. The PCM disables the starter if the engine is running, if a correct theft deterrent password is not received or if the vehicle operator attempts to engage the starter for an extended period of time.
The PCM controlled starter system consists of the following components:
• | Crank relay |
• | The Transaxle Range/Park Neutral Position switch |
• | The ignition switch |
• | The starter solenoid |
• | The PCM |
The PCM Controlled Starter Diagnosis table is intended to identify electrical malfunctions that can occur with the system. For additional system diagnosis, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical.
Inspect for the following conditions:
Many situations may lead to an intermittent condition. Perform each inspection or test as directed.
Important: : Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.
• | Loose terminal connection |
- | Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair. |
- | Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair. |
• | Damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness inspection does not reveal a problem, observe the display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the scan tool display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair. |
• | Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair. |
If the condition is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Snapshot or Freeze Frame/Failure Records may be useful in determining when the DTC or condition was identified.
The numbers below refer to step numbers in the diagnostic table.
If the engine cranks with the vehicle ignition switch in the OFF position, there are three possible malfunction areas: malfunction crank relay, a short to voltage in the starter feed circuit, or a short to voltage in the starter enable circuit.
Determines if the starter feed or the starter enable control circuit is shorted to voltage. If the engine does not crank with the relay removed, then the relay or the starter enable circuit is suspect.
Checks for proper ignition positive voltage on the starter enable control circuit.
Checks for proper current draw through the relay. Excess current will cause an inoperative PCM driver circuit.
This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an electrically erasable read only memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||||||||
Does the engine crank with the ignition switch in the OFF position? | -- | |||||||||
3 | Does the engine crank with the ignition switch in the RUN position? | -- | ||||||||
Does the engine continue to crank with the ignition switch in the OFF position? | -- | |||||||||
5 | Locate and repair the short to voltage in the following circuits:
Did you complete the repair? | -- | -- | |||||||
6 | Test for a short to battery positive voltage in the starter enable control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||||||||
7 |
Important: : If any of the following DTCs are set, diagnose the DTCs first: Attempt to start the engine. Does the engine crank? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |||||||
8 |
Does the engine crank? | -- | ||||||||
9 | Inspect the battery positive feed 40A Crank MaxiFuse®. Is the fuse blown? | -- | ||||||||
10 |
Is the test lamp on? | -- | ||||||||
11 |
Is the test lamp on? | -- | ||||||||
12 |
Is the test lamp on? | -- | ||||||||
13 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||||||||
14 |
Does the engine crank? | -- | ||||||||
15 | Test for the following circuit conditions:
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||||||||
Does the DMM display a voltage near the specified value? | B+ | |||||||||
Does the DMM display a current reading within the specified value? | 0.05-1.5A | |||||||||
18 | Test for a blown ignition positive feed fuse. Is the fuse blown? | -- | ||||||||
19 | Test for the following circuit conditions:
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||||||||
20 |
Does the engine crank? | -- | ||||||||
21 | Test for a short to ground in the starter enable control circuit. If a problem is found repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||||||||
22 |
Did you complete the repair? | -- | -- | |||||||
23 | Locate and repair the short to ground in the starter feed circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | -- | -- | |||||||
24 | Test for the following circuit conditions:
Did you complete the repair? | -- | ||||||||
25 |
Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |||||||
26 |
Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |||||||
27 |
Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |||||||
28 |
Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |||||||
29 |
Did you complete the repair? | -- | ||||||||
Important: : The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | ||||||||
31 |
Does the engine crank? | -- | System OK |