Fig. 1: Identifying Starting System Component Location
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SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom
Diagnostic procedure
Also check for
Engine does not start (does not crank)
Poor ground at G101 (A/T) or G501 (M/T)
Engine cranks, but does not start
Fuel level in tank
Engine is hard to start
Engine cranks slowly
Fig. 2: Starting System - Circuit Diagram
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NOTE:
Fig. 3: Connecting Ammeter And Voltage To Battery
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Does the starter crank the engine normally?
YES - The starting system is OK. Go to step 12.
NO - Go to step 7.
Does the starter crank the engine?
YES - Repairing the loose connection corrected the problem. The starting system is OK. Go to step 12.
NO - Based on the following symptoms, take the appropriate action:
'04-05 models
Fig. 4: Identifying Solenoid Terminals (04-05 Models)
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'06-08 models
Fig. 5: Identifying Solenoid Terminals (06-08 Models)
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Does the starter crank the engine?
YES - Go to step 9.
NO - Repair or replace as necessary.
Is the cranking voltage greater than or equal to 8.5 V and is the current draw less than or equal to 380 A?
YES - Go to step 11.
NO - Replace the starter, or remove and disassemble it, and check for these problems:
Fig. 6: Identifying Clutch Interlock Switch 2P Connector
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Fig. 7: Checking Continuity Between Terminals
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NOTE:
To avoid damaging the starter, never leave the battery connected for more than 10 seconds.
Fig. 8: Connecting Battery Terminal To Starter
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Fig. 9: Disconnecting Battery Terminal From Starter
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Fig. 10: Connecting Starter To Battery
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Specification:
Electric Current: 80 A or less
'04-05 models
Fig. 11: Disconnecting Starter Cable From B Terminal (04-05 Models)
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'06-08 models
Fig. 12: Disconnecting Starter Cable From B Terminal (06-08 Models)
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'04-05 models
Fig. 13: Connecting Starter Cable To B Terminal With Torque Specifications (04-05 Models)
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'06-08 models
Fig. 14: Connecting Starter Cable To B Terminal With Torque Specifications (06-08 Models)
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Fig. 15: Disassembly/Reassembly Of Starter Overhaul
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Fig. 16: Identifying Armature
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Fig. 17: Checking Commutator Surface
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Commutator Diameter
Standard (New): 28.0-28.1 mm (1.10-1.11 in.)
Service Limit: 27.5 mm (1.08 in.)
Fig. 18: Checking Commutator Diameter
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Commutator Runout
Standard (New): 0.02 mm (0.001 in.) max.
Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.002 in.)
Fig. 19: Checking Commutator Runout
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Commutator Mica Depth
Standard (New): 0.40-0.50 mm (0.016-0.020 in.)
Service Limit: 0.15 mm (0.006 in.)
Fig. 20: Checking Commutator Mica Depth
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Fig. 21: Checking Continuity Between Segments Of Commutator
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Fig. 22: Identifying Armature Core
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Fig. 23: Checking Continuity Between Commutator And Armature Coil Core & Between Commutator And Armature Shaft
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Starter Brush Inspection
Brush Length
Standard (New): 11.1-11.5 mm (0.44-0.45 in.)
Service Limit: 4.3 mm (0.17 in.)
Fig. 24: Measuring Brush Length
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Starter Brush Holder Test
Fig. 25: Checking Continuity Between Brushes
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Planetary Gear Inspection
Fig. 26: Identifying Planetary Gears And Internal Ring Gear
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Overrunning Clutch Inspection
Fig. 27: Turning Gear Shaft
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Check the condition of the flywheel ring gear (M/T), or the torque converter ring gear (A/T) to see if the starter drive gear teeth are damaged.
Starter Reassembly
NOTE:
To seat the new brushes, slip a strip of # 500 or #600 sandpaper, with the grit side up, between the commutator and each brush, and smoothly rotate the armature. The contact surface of the brushes will be sanded to the same contour as the commutator.
Fig. 28: Installing Brush Into Brush Holder
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NOTE:
Make sure the armature stays in the holder.