GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: Starter Enable (Crank) Relay

Refer to Engine Controls Schematics

Transaxle Range Switch Outputs


Object Number: 590154  Size: FS
Turn Signal/Corn Lps, Air Bag, Cluster
Turn Signal/Corn Lps, Air Bag, Cluster
Park/Neutral Position (PNP) Switch Outputs
Ground G113
Ground G117
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Component Views
Powertrain Control Module Description
Engine Cooling Fans
Heater- A/C Control and A/C Compressor Clutch Coil
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
.

Circuit Description

The PCM controlled starter system consists of the following components:

    • The ignition switch
    • The crank request signal circuit
    • The powertrain control module (PCM)
    • The starter enable (crank) relay
    • The transaxle range switch
    • The starter solenoid

When the ignition switch is turned to the Start position, B+ is sent to the PCM via the Crank Request Signal circuit. The PCM has the ability to disallow starter operation if conditions inappropriate for starter operation exist. The PCM will disable the starter under the following conditions:

    • The engine is running
    • A correct vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) password is not received from the body control module (BCM)
    • The vehicle operator continues to engage the starter for an extended period of time

If no inhibiting conditions are present, and the PCM detects voltage on the Crank Request Signal circuit, the PCM grounds the Starter Enable (Crank) relay control circuit. The Transaxle Range switch must be in Park or Neutral for the control circuit to operate the relay. Current from the crank maxifuse flows through the relay to the starter solenoid.

Diagnostic Aids

This diagnostic procedure is intended to identify electrical malfunctions within the PCM controlled portion of the starting system. For additional system diagnosis, refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Wiring Systems.

Use the J 35616 connector test adapter kit for any test that requires probing the PCM harness connectors, electrical center fuse/relay cavities, component terminals or a component harness connector. Using this kit will prevent damage caused by improper probing of connector terminals.

If the problem is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions for diagnosis.

Relay Terminal Identification

Use the following relay cavity table in order to locate the correct cavities to probe during diagnosis. The table layout corresponds to the cavity layout in the underhood accessory junction block. Four blade relays can be inserted 2 ways. Use the table and NOT the numbering on the relay to avoid probing incorrectly.

Starter Enable (Crank) Relay

Top of Junction Block

Switch Power (crank MaxiFuse)

Coil Ground (PCM)

Coil Power (fuse)

Switch Load (starter)

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:

  1. Ensure that there are no problems with the battery or the battery connections before attempting the starter diagnosis. If the battery required a charge, but was otherwise OK, check for a charging system problem or for a parasitic drain. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical or to Battery Electrical Drain/Parasitic Load in Engine Electrical.

  2. The starter should disengage when the key is released.

  3. If the test lamp illuminates, the PCM controlled portion of the circuit is functioning.

  4. If the status of the Starter Enable (Crank) relay indicates anything other than OK with the key in either position, there is a problem with the Starter Enable (Crank) relay control circuit.

  5. Check for poor connections or terminal tension at the fuse. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems .

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Important: Check the battery connections.

Fully charge and load test the battery before proceeding with the starter diagnosis. Refer to Battery Inspection/Test in Engine Electrical.

Turn the key to Off.

Is the starter operating with the key Off?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Disconnect the Starter Enable (Crank) relay.

Is the starter operating?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical

Go to Step 31

4

Turn the key to On.

Is the starter operating?

--

Go to Starter Enable Relay Circuit Diagnosis

Go to Step 5

5

Turn the key to Start.

Is the starter operating?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 7

6

Does the starter continue to operate after the key is released to the On position?

--

Go to Crank Request Signal Circuit Diagnosis

Go to Diagnostic Aids.

7

  1. Connect a test lamp between the starter solenoid terminal S and ground
  2. Turn the key to Start and observe the test lamp.

Does the test lamp illuminate with the key in Start?

--

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical in Engine Electrical

Go to Step 8

8

Using the scan tool, check for the following DTCs:

    • PCM DTC P1631
    • Also check for BCM DTCs relating to the VTD system. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent.

Are any VTD related DTCs set?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Step 9

9

Monitor the Crank Request with the scan tool.

Does scan tool indicate No with the key in the On position, and Yes with the key in Start?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Crank Request Signal Circuit Diagnosis

10

  1. Using the scan tool, monitor the driver status for the starter inhibit (crank) relay.
  2. Turn the key from On to Start.

Does the status continuously indicate OK in both key positions?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Starter Enable Relay Circuit Diagnosis

11

Check the Crank Maxifuse.

Is the fuse OK?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 12

12

  1. Disconnect the Starter Enable (Crank) relay.
  2. Connect a digital multimeter (DMM) to the battery ground and probe the B+ circuit at the relay connector.

Is the resistance more than the specified value?

2 ohms

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 23

13

  1. Disconnect the Starter Solenoid Control circuit at the solenoid.
  2. Connect a DMM to battery ground and probe the Starter Solenoid Control circuit .

Is the resistance more than the specified value?

2 ohms

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 27

14

  1. Leave the Starter Solenoid Control circuit disconnected at the starter. Ensure that the connector can not ground on any metal surfaces.
  2. Replace the fuse.
  3. Reconnect the relay.
  4. Turn the key to Start.
  5. Recheck the fuse.

Is the fuse OK?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 31

15

  1. Reconnect the Starter Solenoid Control circuit.
  2. Turn the key to Start.
  3. Recheck the fuse.

Is the fuse OK?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 33

16

  1. Disconnect the Starter Enable (Crank) relay.
  2. Probe the B+ feed circuit in the relay connector with a test lamp connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 25

17

Jumper the B+ feed circuit to the Starter Solenoid circuit in the relay connector.

Does the starter operate?

--

Go to Step 30

Go to Step 18

18

  1. Leave the jumper in place.
  2. Disconnect the Transaxle Range switch connector C1.
  3. Probe terminal G of the connector with a test lamp connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 26

19

  1. Leave the jumper in place.
  2. Jumper terminal G to terminal E in the connector.

Does the starter operate?

--

Go to Step 26

Go to Step 20

20

  1. Leave the jumper in place.
  2. Connect the test lamp between the Starter Solenoid Control circuit at the starter solenoid and the metal surface of the solenoid housing.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 32

Go to Step 21

21

  1. Move the ground clip of the test lamp to a known good ground.
  2. Probe the Starter Solenoid Control circuit.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 26

22

  1. Turn the key to Off.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.

Does the starter operate with the key On?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 28

23

Repair the short to ground in the B+ feed circuit to the relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

24

Repair the short to ground in the Starter Solenoid Control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

25

Repair the open or the high resistance in the B+ feed circuit to the relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

26

Repair the open or the high resistance in the Starter Solenoid Control circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

27

Repair the Starter Solenoid Control circuit shorted to ground. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

28

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

29

Check for a loose solenoid or starter motor, or any mounting surface corrosion causing a loss of ground continuity. Repair as necessary.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

30

Check for poor connections or terminal tension at the relay connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems .

Was a problem found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 34

Go to Step 31

31

Replace the Starter Enable (Crank) relay.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

32

Check for poor connections or terminal tension at the starter solenoid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Was a problem found and corrected?

--

Go to Step 34

Go to Step 33

33

Replace the starter solenoid.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 34

--

34

Turn the key to Start.

Does the starter operate?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2