GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Component Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Apply the brake and press the start button.

Does the engine start?

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.

Are DTCs  C0277, C0278, P0615, P0616, P0617 current?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

Go to Step 4

4

  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. Apply the brake and press the Start button.

Does the scan tool display Yes?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

  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 IMS parameter in the transmission control module (TCM) data list.

Does the scan tool display Park or Neutral?

Go to Step 14

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

6

Apply the brake and press the Start button.

Do you hear the Starter relay click?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

7

  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 8

Go to Step 19

8

  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. Apply the brake and press the Start button.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

9

  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 10

Go to Step 20

10

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 start?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 11

11

Does the fuse in the jumper open?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 12

12

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 26

Go to Step 16

13

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 26

Go to Step 18

14

Test the crank request input circuit of the ECM for a high resistance or open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 17

15

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 26

Go to Step 22

16

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 26

Go to Step 23

17

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 26

Go to Step 24

18

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 26

Go to Step 25

19

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 26

--

20

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 26

--

21

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 26

--

22

Replace the Starter relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 26

--

23

Replace the Starter Motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 26

--

24

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 26

--

25

Replace the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 26

--

26

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2