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For 1990-2009 cars only
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Diagnostic Instructions
    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Relay Coil B+ Terminal 85

1

1

--

--

Relay Switch B+ Terminal 30

1

1

--

--

ECM Park Neutral Signal

2

1

--

--

Relay Coil Control Terminal 86

3

1

1

--

Relay Control Output Terminal 87

1

1

3

--

1. No crank

2. Cranks in any gear

3. Cranks all the time

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition mode switch is placed in the START position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the START position. The BCM then sends a message to the engine control module (ECM) that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the transmission is in Park or Neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies a ground to the control circuit of the CRANK relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the CRANK relay to the starter solenoid.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Starting and Charging Schematics
    •  Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification
  1. Ignition ON, verify that no brake pedal position sensor, starter relay, theft deterrent, or automatic transmission DTCs are set that would cause the ECM to disable engine starting.
    2. ⇒If DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle.
  2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool BCM Ignition Mode Switch parameter. Place the ignition mode switch in the crank position, the parameter should display CRANK.
    3. ⇒If not the specified value, refer to Power Mode Description and Operation.
  3. Transmission range selector in park , verify the scan tool ECM PNP Switch and TCM IMS parameters display Park/Neutral.
    4. ⇒If the TCM IMS parameter does not indicate Park/Neutral, refer to Transmission Internal Mode Switch Logic.
    ⇒If the ECM Park/Neutral parameter does not indicate Park/Neutral, refer to ECM Park Switch Circuit Malfunction.
  4. Transmission range selector in park or neutral, attempt to start the vehicle. The crank relay should click and the engine should begin cranking.
    5. ⇒If the starter relay does not click or the engine does not crank, refer to Crank Relay Circuit Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

ECM Park Switch Circuit Malfunction (6L50-E/6L80-E/6L90-E)

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the AT Inline 16-Way (6L50-E/6L80-E/6L90-E) at the transmission.
  2. Ignition ON, test for B+ between terminal 3 and ground. Note this circuit will not light a test lamp.
    3. ⇒If not the specified value, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  3. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the internal mode switch (IMS).

Crank Relay Circuit Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the crank relay.
  2. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil B+ circuit terminal  C13 and ground.
    3. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  3. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the relay switch B+ circuit terminal  C14 and ground.
    4. ⇒If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the relay coil control circuit terminal  A13 and the relay coil B+ circuit terminal  C13.
  5. With the transmission range selector in park or neutral and the brake pedal depressed, cycle the ignition mode switch between the OFF and START position. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
    6. ⇒If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
    ⇒If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Ensure the parking brake is applied and the transmission is in PARK. Momentarily install a 40A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal  C14 and the control output circuit terminal  A13. The starter solenoid should engage and the engine should begin cranking.
    7. ⇒If the solenoid does not engage, test the control output circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the starter motor.
  7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the crank relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Relay Replacement
    •  Manual Shift Shaft Position Switch Replacement
    •  Starter Motor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup and programming