Starting System - Service Information

STARTING SYSTEM

Description

The Remote Starting System allows the vehicle to be started up to 300 feet (91 meters) away from the vehicle using the remote keyless entry key fob which is part of your ignition key. In order to remote start your vehicle, the hood, liftgate, and all of the doors must be closed. To remotely start your vehicle, press the "Lock" button on the key fob once, then within three seconds press the "Remote Start" button twice. To indicate that the vehicle is about to start, the parking lights will flash and the horn will sound briefly. Once the vehicle has started, the engine will run for 15 minutes. To cancel remote start, press the "Remote Start" button twice within two seconds. To enter the vehicle while the engine is running during a remote start, you must first unlock the vehicle using the "Unlock" button on the key fob. After the vehicle is unlocked, you have 60 seconds to enter the vehicle, insert the key into the ignition, and move it to the RUN position. Otherwise, the engine will cancel remote start and automatically turn off. Remote start will also cancel if any of the following occur:

If the engine stalls or RPM exceeds 2500. Any engine warning lamps come on. The hood is opened. The hazard switch is pressed. The transmission is moved out of P (Park).

The vehicle can be started remotely up to a maximum of two times. The vehicle is also allowed a maximum of one failed start, where the remote start sequence was initiated but cancelled before the engine begins to crank. After either of these conditions, or if the Vehicle Theft Alarm is alarming, or if the PANIC button was pressed, the vehicle must be reset by inserting a valid key into the ignition and moving it to the RUN position, then back to LOCK.

STARTING SYSTEM

The starting system consists of:

Starter relay Starter motor (including an integral starter solenoid)

Other components to be considered as part of starting system are:

Battery Battery cables Ignition switch and key lock cylinder

Clutch pedal position switch (manual transmission) Park/neutral position switch (automatic transmission) Wire harnesses and connections.

The Battery, Starting, and Charging systems operate in conjunction with one another, and must be tested as a complete system. For correct operation of starting/charging systems, all components used in these 3 systems must perform within specifications. When attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.

The diagnostic procedures used in each of these articles include the most basic conventional diagnostic methods, to the more sophisticated On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) built into the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Use of an induction-type milliampere ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test lamp may be required.

Certain starting system components are monitored by the PCM and may produce a Diagnostic Trouble Code

(DTC).

Operation

Remote Start Operating Conditions

In order to operate remote start, the following conditions must be met:

 Key fob sequence must be operated within a 100 meter range of the vehicle.  The vehicle must be in Park.

 Key is not in the ignition.

 The hazard switch off.

 Vehicle Theft Alarm or Panic is not alarming.

 Doors and hood must be closed.

 The battery voltage is normal (11 to 15 volts).

Remote Start Shut Down/Deactivate Conditions

Engine will NOT start or will shut down/deactivate during any of the following conditions:

 Key in Ignition.  Doors or hood are opened before remote unlock.

 Hazard Switch depressed.

 Panic or theft alarm active.

 Brake applied.

 A prior remote start cranked the engine , but failed to start the engine.

 Battery voltage NOT in the normal range.

 High (run away) or Low Idle (stall) RPM.  MIL Active.

 High Engine Coolant Temperature.

 Low Engine Oil Pressure.

Initiate Remote Start

To Remote Start the vehicle:

1. Press remote button on the Key Fob twice within 5 seconds.

NOTE: Engine will run for 15 minutes after a remote start is initiated. After 15 minutes, the engine will shut off. The system allows for only two sequential remote starts without a key ignition cycle.

2. Unlock vehicle with Key Fob to enter the vehicle. 3. Put key in ignition, turn key to run position to exit remote start and enter a normal start without engine shut off.

Identification that Remote Start is Activated

To identify that Remote Start has been activated the following will occur:

 Horn will sound and lights will flash to acknowledge a start command was received.  Park Lamps will turn on to indicate that the engine is running in remote start mode.

Terminate Remote Start

To terminate Remote Start, press Remote Start button on the Key Fob once.

NOTE: In order to avoid inadvertent shut downs, the one-time press to shut down the vehicle will be disabled for two seconds after receipt of a valid remote start request.

STARTING SYSTEM

The starting system components form two separate circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the starter motor between 150 and 350 amperes (700 amperes - diesel engine), and a low-amperage control circuit that operates on less than 20 amperes. The high-amperage feed circuit components include the battery, the battery cables, the contact disc portion of the starter solenoid, and the starter motor. The low-amperage control circuit components include the ignition switch, the clutch pedal position switch (manual transmission), the park/neutral position switch (automatic transmission), the starter relay, the electromagnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the connecting wire harness components.

If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, it has a clutch pedal position switch installed in series between the ignition switch and the coil battery terminal of the starter relay. This normally open switch prevents

the starter relay from being energized when the ignition switch is turned to the momentary Start position, unless the clutch pedal is depressed. This feature prevents starter motor operation while the clutch disc and the flywheel are engaged. The starter relay coil ground terminal is always grounded on vehicles with a manual transmission.

If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, battery voltage is supplied through the low-amperage control circuit to the coil battery terminal of the starter relay when the ignition switch is turned to the momentary Start position. The park/neutral position switch is installed in series between the starter relay coil ground terminal and ground. This normally open switch prevents the starter relay from being energized and the starter motor from operating unless the automatic transmission gear selector is in the Neutral or Park positions.

When the starter relay coil is energized, the normally open relay contacts close. The relay contacts connect the relay common feed terminal to the relay normally open terminal. The closed relay contacts energize the starter solenoid coil windings.

The energized solenoid pull-in coil pulls in the solenoid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift lever in the starter motor. This engages the starter overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter ring gear on the manual transmission flywheel or on the automatic transmission torque converter or torque converter drive plate.

As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-amperage starter feed circuit and energizes the solenoid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between the solenoid battery terminal and the starter motor, energizing the starter.

Once the engine starts, the overrunning clutch protects the starter motor from damage by allowing the starter pinion gear to spin faster than the pinion shaft. When the driver releases the ignition switch to the On position, the starter relay coil is de-energized. This causes the relay contacts to open. When the relay contacts open, the starter solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-energized.

When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-energized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the plunger to its relaxed position. This causes the contact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift lever to disengage the overrunning clutch and pinion gear from the starter ring gear.

 VEHICLE NOT PROGRAMMED

If all of the previous items checked OK, and the remote starting system will not operate, refer to STARTING - ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS for further information.

STARTING SYSTEM

The battery, starting, and charging systems operate in conjunction with one another, and must be tested as a complete system. For correct starting/charging system operation, all of the components involved in these three systems must perform within specifications.

Starting System Diagnosis

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION

STARTER FAILS TO	1. Battery discharged or	1. Refer to BATTERY SYSTEM -
OPERATE.	faulty.	SERVICE INFORMATION . Charge or

replace battery, if required.

                       2. Starting circuit wiring   2. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING
                       faulty.                      DIAGRAMS article . Test and repair

starter feed and/or control circuits, if required. 3. Starter relay faulty. 3. The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to *ETC INTERMITTENT NO

CRANK CONDITION

4. Ignition switch faulty. 4. Refer to SWITCH-IGNITION and CYLINDER-KEY/LOCK . Replace ignition switch if required.

                       5. Clutch pedal position     5. Refer to SWITCH-CLUTCH PEDAL
                       switch faulty.               POSITION .
                       6. Park/Neutral position     6. Refer to TRANSMISSION RANGE
                       switch faulty or             SENSOR . Replace park/neutral position
                       misadjusted.                 switch if required.

7. Starter solenoid faulty. 7. Refer to MOTOR - STARTER . Replace starter motor assembly if required. 8. Starter motor faulty. 8. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor.

STARTER ENGAGES, FAILS 1. Battery discharged or     1. Refer to BATTERY SYSTEM -
TO TURN ENGINE.        faulty.                      SERVICE INFORMATION article .

Charge or replace battery if required.

                       2. Starting circuit wiring   2. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING
                       faulty.                      DIAGRAMS article . Test and repair

starter feed and/or control circuits if required. 3. Starter motor faulty. 3. If all other starting system components and circuits test OK, replace starter motor

Assembly

Engine seized. 4. Refer to 3.7L - SERVICE

INFORMATION article. STARTER ENGAGES, SPINS 1. Starter ring gear faulty. 1. Refer to MOTOR - STARTER . OUT BEFORE ENGINE Remove starter motor to inspect starter ring STARTS. gear. Replace starter ring gear if required.

Starter motor faulty. 2. If all other starting system components

and circuits test OK, replace starter motor

Assembly

STARTER DOES NOT       1. Starter motor improperly 1. Refer to MOTOR - STARTER .
DISENGAGE.             installed.                   Tighten starter mounting hardware to

correct torque specifications.

Starter relay faulty. 2. The starter relay is located within the

TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to *NO CRANK CONDITION .

Ignition switch faulty. 3. Refer to SWITCH-IGNITION and

CYLINDER-KEY/LOCK . Replace ignition switch if required.

Starter motor faulty. 4. If all other starting system components

and circuits test OK, replace starter motor.

Inspection

For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article . Before removing any unit from starting system for repair or diagnosis, perform the following inspections:

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, refer to RESTRAINTS - SERVICE INFORMATION article , before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.

Battery - Visually inspect battery for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded cable connections. Determine state-of-charge and cranking capacity of battery. Charge or replace battery if required. Note: If equipped with diesel engine, a dual battery system may be used, and both batteries must be inspected. Ignition Switch - Visually inspect ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder. Clutch Pedal Position Switch - If equipped with manual transmission, visually inspect clutch pedal position switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Refer

to SWITCH-CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION .

Park/Neutral Position Switch - If equipped with automatic transmission, visually inspect park/neutral position switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Refer

to TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR .

Starter Relay - The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to

*NO CRANK CONDITION .

Starter Motor - Visually inspect starter motor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Starter Solenoid - Visually inspect starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Wiring - Visually inspect wire harnesses for damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required. Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article .

COLD CRANKING TEST📷 1

NOTE: For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article . The battery must be fully-charged and load-tested before proceeding.

1 - POSITIVE CLAMP 2 - NEGATIVE CLAMP 3 - INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP

1. Connect volt-ampere tester (1) and (2) to battery terminals. See Fig. 1. See instructions provided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being used. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, tester should be connected to battery on left side of vehicle only. Also, tester current reading must be taken from positive battery cable lead that connects to starter motor. 2. Fully engage parking brake. 3. If equipped with manual transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block clutch

pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Park position. 4. Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off. 5. To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove either the ignition run fuse, or the fuel pump control fuse. To prevent a diesel engine from starting, disconnect the electrical connectors at both the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors.

WARNING: Attempt to start engine a few times before proceeding with following step.

NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current (amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery voltage reading.

6. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.  If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to Starter Motor . If starter motor is OK, refer to Engine Diagnosis in 9, Engine for further testing of engine. If starter motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor.  If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer to

FEED CIRCUIT TEST.

 If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor does not turn, refer to CONTROL

CIRCUIT TESTING.

 If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor turns very slowly, refer to FEED CIRCUIT

FEED CIRCUIT TEST📷 5

The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method) will determine if there is excessive resistance in high- amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article .

When performing these tests, it is important to remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of resistance between two points at which voltmeter probes are attached.

Example: When testing resistance of positive battery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid. If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable connector at starter solenoid, you are reading combined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-terminal post connection and positive battery cable.

The following operation will require a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests, be certain that following procedures are accomplished:

Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Fully engage parking brake. If equipped with manual transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block clutch

pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Park position. Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off. To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.

1 - VOLTMETER 2 - BATTERY

1. Connect positive lead of voltmeter (1) to negative battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp. See Fig. 2. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, procedure must be performed twice, once for each battery.

1 - VOLTMETER 2 - BATTERY

2. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery positive cable clamp. See Fig. 3. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed twice, once for each battery.

1 - BATTERY 2 - VOLTMETER 3 - STARTER MOTOR

3. Connect voltmeter to measure between battery positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery terminal stud. See Fig. 4. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed on driver side battery only.

1 - VOLTMETER 2 - BATTERY 3 - ENGINE GROUND

4. Connect voltmeter to measure between negative battery terminal post and a good clean ground on engine block. See Fig. 5. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative battery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative battery cable. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed twice, once for each battery.

1 - STARTER MOTOR 2 - BATTERY 3 - VOLTMETER

5. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery terminal post. See Fig. 6. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to engine block ground contact. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed on driver side battery only. 6. If equipped with dual battery system (certain diesel equipped models), connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery cable clamp on battery located on left side of vehicle. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post on battery located on right side of vehicle. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cables at both batteries. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.

If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems, refer to Starter Motor .

CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING

The starter control circuit components should be tested in the order in which they are listed, as follows:

Starter Relay - Refer to Starter Relay . The starter relay is located within the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Refer to "no crank condition" in 9 - Engine - Electrical Diagnosis. Starter Solenoid - Refer to Starter Motor . Ignition Switch - Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder Clutch Pedal Position Switch - If equipped with manual transmission, refer to SWITCH-CLUTCH

PEDAL POSITION .

Park/Neutral Position Switch - If equipped with automatic transmission, refer to TRANSMISSION

RANGE SENSOR .

Wire harnesses and connections - Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS article .

Specifications

DESCRIPTION	N.m	Ft. Lbs.	In. Lbs.
Starter Solenoid Battery	11	-	100

Cable Nut Starter Mounting Bolts - 54 40 - 3.7L Starter Mounting Bolts - 41 30 - 2.8L Diesel Starter Heat Shield 6 - 55 Mounting Bolts