Checking and Troubleshooting the Starter Circuit
Note: The battery must be in good condition and fully charged.
Petrol engines:
1. Remove the fuel pump relay from the fuse box.
Diesel engines:
Disconnect the quick connector (A) fuel outlet line from the fuel filter.
For all vehicles:
2. Set the shift lever to the position «N» or «R» (for automatic transmission) or press the clutch pedal (for manual transmission), then turn the ignition key to the START position. If the starter starts to turn the engine crankshaft, the starting system is working. If there is no turning at all, you need to go to the next step.
If the starter drive gear does not disengage from the flywheel ring gear when the ignition key is released, perform the following checks to determine the cause of the problem:
- Malfunction of the armature of the electromagnet and the switch.
- Dirty drive gear or freewheel damaged.
3. Check the condition of the battery. Check the battery electrical connections, contact of the negative battery cable with «weight» body, engine connection wires with «weight» body and starter for loosening and corrosion. Try to start the engine again. If the starter cranks the engine normally, the problem is solved by tightening the loose connections. Now the starting system is working. If it still does not rotate, continue to the next step.
4. Disconnect the connector from the output «S» magnetic switch. Jumper the leads «IN» And «S» magnetic switch. If the starter cranks the engine, go to the next step.
If cranking still does not occur, remove the starter and replace or repair it.
5. To detect an open circuit, perform the following tests in the order listed.
Check the wiring and connectors between the fuse and relay box located under the dashboard on the driver's side and the ignition switch, and between this box and the starter.
Check the ignition switch.
Check the transmission range switch connector or ignition interlock switch connector.
Check the starter relay.
Checking the traction relay
1. Disconnect the field wire from the terminal «M» traction relay.
2. Connect the battery as shown in the figure. If the starter gear extends, this indicates that it is working. To avoid damage to the starter, do not leave the battery connected for more than 10 seconds.
3. Disconnect the battery from the M terminal. If the gear does not retract, this indicates that the holding coil is good. To avoid damage to the starter, do not leave the battery connected for more than 10 seconds.
4. Disconnect the storage battery also from a body. If the drive gear returns immediately, it is working normally. To avoid damage to the starter, do not leave the battery connected for more than 10 seconds.
Starter check at idle
1. Clamp the starter in a soft grip vise and connect a fully charged 12 volt battery to the starter as shown.
2. Connect test ammeter (with a measurement limit up to 150 A) and carbon rheostat, as shown in the figure.
3. Connect a voltmeter (with a measurement limit up to 15 V) parallel to the starter.
4. Set the carbon rheostat to the off position.
5. Connect a wire from the negative plug of the storage battery to the case of a starter.
6. Using a rheostat, set the voltage to 11 V on a voltmeter.
7. Turn on the starter and check that the maximum current drawn is correct and that the starter armature rotates smoothly and easily.
Note:
Current consumption:
- Gasoline engines: no more than 90 A.
- Diesel engines: no more than 125 A.
Armature speed:
- Petrol engines: at least 2600 rpm.
- Diesel engines: not less than 3320 rpm.