GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the crank request parameter in the engine control module (ECM) data list.
  4. Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Does the scan tool display Yes?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Verify that the transmission is in Park or Neutral.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the PNP switch parameter in the engine control module (ECM) data list.

Does the scan tool display Park/Neutral?

Go to Step 13

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

5

Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Did the starter relay click?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the starter relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay coil and a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 18

7

  1. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay coil and the control circuit of the starter relay.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the start position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the starter relay.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay switch circuit and a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 19

9

Important: The engine may crank in this next step.

Connect a 30-amp fused jumper between the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay switch circuit and the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

10

Does the fuse in the jumper open?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 11

11

Test the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid for a high resistance or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 15

12

Test the control circuit of the starter relay for an open or short to battery voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 17

13

Test the crank request signal circuit of the engine control module (ECM) for a high resistance or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 16

14

Inspect for poor connections at the starter relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 21

15

Inspect for poor connections at the starter solenoid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 22

16

Inspect for poor connections at the ignition switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 23

17

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 24

18

Repair an open or high resistance in the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay coil. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 25

--

19

Repair the open or high resistance in the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter relay switch. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 25

--

20

Repair the short to ground in the supply voltage circuit of the starter solenoid. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 25

--

21

Replace the starter relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 25

--

22

Replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 25

--

23

Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 25

--

24

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 25

--

25

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2