The engine control module (ECM) controls engine cranking based on a power mode input and the status of the park/neutral position (PNP) switch. With the transmission in Park/Neutral, voltage at the ECM PNP switch signal circuit is low. This indicates to the ECM that conditions are acceptable for cranking. When a power mode crank request is seen, the ECM applies voltage to the starter relay coil control circuit. This energizes the coil side of the relay, which pulls the switch side of the relay closed, applying voltage to the starter X1-A terminal and engaging the starter solenoid.

A misadjusted PNP switch or shift control/range selector lever cable may result in a starter solenoid does not click condition.

Schematic Reference

Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for Scan Tool Information

1. Ignition ON, transmission in Park or Neutral. Observe the PNP Switch parameter with a scan tool, in Engine Control Module, Data Display, Engine Data. Verify that the scan tool PNP Switch parameter is Park/Neutral.

⇒	If the scan tool PNP Switch parameter is not Park/Neutral, refer to Circuit/System Testing: PNP Switch Circuit Malfunction.

2. Command the Starter Relay ON with the scan tool (LZ4), or turn the ignition switch to the START position (L61). The starter solenoid should engage and the engine should crank.

⇒	If the solenoid does not engage, refer to Circuit/System Testing: Start Relay Circuit Malfunction.

⇒	If the solenoid engages but the engine does not crank, refer to Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank .

PNP Switch Circuit Malfunction

1. Inspect the shift control cable for proper adjustment. Refer to Shift Control Cable Adjustment .
2. Inspect the PNP switch for proper adjustment. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement .
3. Ignition OFF. Disconnect the harness connector at the PNP switch.
4. Ignition ON. Probe the ground circuit terminal 1 with a test lamp that is connected to B+. Verify that the test lamp illuminates.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

5. With the PNP switch disconnected, verify that the scan tool PNP Switch parameter is In Gear.

⇒	If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 12 for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

6. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the ground circuit terminal 1 and the signal circuit terminal 12. Verify that the scan tool PNP Switch parameter is Park/Neutral.

⇒	If not the specified value, test the signal circuit terminal 12 for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the PNP switch.

Start Relay Circuit Malfunction

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the STARTER RELAY. Refer to Relay Replacement .
2. Ignition ON, transmission in Park/Neutral. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the relay coil ground circuit terminal and B+.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

3. Probe the STARTER RELAY switch B+ circuit terminal with a test lamp that is connected to ground. Verify that the test lamp illuminates.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the STARTER RELAY fuse is open, test the relay controlled output circuit for a short to ground.

4. Connect a test lamp between the relay coil ground circuit terminal and the relay coil control circuit terminal.

Important: The engine may begin to crank.

5. Ignition ON, transmission in Park/Neutral. Command the Starter Relay ON and OFF with a scan tool (LZ4), or turn the ignition switch between the START and RUN positions (L61). The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

⇒	If the test lamp is always ON, test the relay coil control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

⇒	If the test lamp is always OFF, test the relay coil control circuit for a short to ground or and open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

6. Connect the STARTER RELAY.
7. Install a test lamp between the starter X1-A terminal and ground.

Important: The engine may begin to crank.

8. Ignition ON, transmission in Park/Neutral, command the Starter Relay ON with a scan tool (LZ4), or turn the ignition switch to the START position (L61). The test lamp should illuminate.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the relay controlled output circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the STARTER RELAY.

9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the starter.

PNP Switch

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the PNP switch.
2. With the PNP switch in the following positions, test for infinite resistance between the ground terminal 1 and the signal terminal 12.

•

R

•

OD

•

D

•

2

•

1

⇒	If not the specified value, replace the PNP switch.

3. With the PNP switch in the following positions, test for less than 2.0 ohms between the ground terminal 1 and the signal terminal 12.

•

P

•

N

⇒	If greater than the specified range, replace the PNP switch.

STARTER RELAY

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the STARTER RELAY. Refer to Relay Replacement .
2. Test for 60-180 ohms between terminals 85 and 86.

⇒	If not within the specified range, replace the relay.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:

•

30 and 86

•

30 and 87

•

30 and 85

•

85 and 87

⇒	If not the specified value, replace the relay.

4. Install a 20 amp fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2.0 ohms between terminals 30 and 87.

⇒	If greater than specified range, replace the relay.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.