GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Starting System Check

Step

Action

Normal Result(s)

Abnormal Result(s)*

1

Visually inspect the battery hydrometer for green eye.

Battery hydrometer displays a green eye.

Refer to Battery Displays Dark or Yellow Eye.

2

Perform the Battery Terminal Check. Refer to Battery Terminal Check.

Battery cables are clean and tightly connected.

Battery cable(s) are loose. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications.

3

Move the ignition switch from the OFF position to the START position and release.

Starter motor pinion gear engages the flywheel without noise, the engine starts, the pinion gear disengages from the flywheel without noise.

    • Refer to Starter Solenoid Does Not Click
    • Refer to Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank
    • Refer to Engine Crank/Cranks Slowly, But Does Not Start.
    • Refer to Starter Motor Noise Diagnosis.

* Refer to the appropriate symptom diagnostic table for the applicable abnormal result.