GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Starter

  1. Visually inspect the hydrometer (built into Battery).
  2. • Green eye -- Battery is charged.
    • Dark eye -- Charge and Load Test Battery. If the Battery passes the Load Test refer to System Diagnosis.
    • Clear or light yellow eye -- Battery electrolyte is low. Replace the battery.
  3. Check that Starter Solenoid terminals S and B and Battery connections are clean and tight.
  4. Check the condition of IGN- A fuse and Crank fuse- 8. If the fuse is open, locate and repair the source of overload and replace the fuse.
  5. Check that Grounds G100, G103, G110 and G300 are clean and tight.
  6. • Check for a broken (or partially broken) wire inside of the insulation which could cause system malfunction but prove good in a Continuity/Voltage check with a system disconnected. These circuits may be intermittent or resistive when loaded, and if possible, should be checked by monitoring for a Voltage drop with the system operational (under load).
    • Check for proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment which may affect the integrity of other systems.

Charging System

  1. Visually inspect the hydrometer (built into the battery).
  2. • Green eye -- Battery is charged.
    • Dark eye -- Charge and Load Test Battery. If the battery passes the load test, refer to System Diagnosis.
    • Clear or light yellow eye -- Battery electrolyte is low, replace the battery.
  3. Check Gauges fuse 4 for an open. If the fuse is open, locate and repair the source of overload and replace the fuse.
  4. Check that the generator(s) connector and generator(s) BAT terminal are both clean and tight.
  5. Check that the battery connections are clean and tight.
  6. Check the generator belt. Adjust as required.
  7. Check fusible links for an open. If the link is open, locate and repair the source of overload and replace the link.
  8. Check the condition of the
  9. Check that Grounds G100, G103, G110 and G300 are clean and tight.
  10. • Check for a broken (or partially broken) wire inside of the insulation which could cause system malfunction but prove Good in a Continuity/Voltage check with a system disconnected. These circuits may be intermittent or resistive when loaded, and if possible, should be checked by monitoring for a voltage drop with the system operational (under load).
    • Check for proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment which may affect the integrity of other systems.

System Diagnosis

The following tests are designed for engines and batteries at normal operating temperatures and assumes that there are no engine conditions which would cause a no-start symptom. The battery must be in a charged state with surface charge removed before doing diagnosis. To use the tests under other conditions could result in misdiagnosis. Ensure that no Diagnostic Trouble Codes are stored in the Powertrain Control Module or the Vehicle Control Module which may lead to misdiagnosis.