Starting

STARTING

STARTING

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 groups 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).

START/STOP OPTION

Some BUX only vehicles may be equipped with a STOP/START feature. This feature will allow the engine to automatically start and stop when certain conditions are meet.

The START/STOP starting system consists of:

• Starter relay
• Starter motor (including an integral starter solenoid)
• START/STOP switch

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.
• PCM (monitors conditions for START/STOP

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 groups 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).

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM

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 “Remote Start” button twice within 5 seconds. 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 once. 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 brake pedal is pressed.

The vehicle can be started remotely up to a maximum of two times. The vehicle is also allowed a maximum of one failed start. This can occur when the remote start sequence was initiated but cancelled before the engine begins to crank or the engine stopped cranking without starting. 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

STARTING

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.

START/STOP

The START/STOP feature operation works in part like a non-START/STOP system.

For the engine to "AUTO-STOP" the vehicle must meet the following conditions:

• Vehicle speed < 4.5KPH (2.8 MPH)
• Engine coolant temperature between 20˚C (68˚F) and 115˚C (239˚F)
• Battery state acceptable
• Brake vacuum acceptable
• Ambient temperature and pressure acceptable
• HVAC high demand not present
• Hood not open
• T-case not low-range
• DPF regeneration not active
• Stop/start functionality not turned off
• Driver seat belt latched
• Starter overheat protection not active
• System fault not present (critical or non-critical)

For the engine to "AUTO-START" the vehicle must meet the following conditions:

• Vehicle speed > 5 KPH (3 MPH)
• Engine coolant temperature between 20˚C (68˚F) and 115˚C (239˚F)
• Accelerator pedal not pressed
• Battery state acceptable
• HVAC high demand not present
• Hood not open
• T-case not low-range
• DPF regeneration not active
• Driver seat belt latched
• Starter overheat protection not active
• System fault not present (critical or non-critical)

REMOTE STARTING SYSTEM

The remote starting system will allow the vehicle to be started from distances of up to approximately 300 feet away from the vehicle. It operates using the remote keyless entry key fob which is part of your ignition key.

In order to remote start your vehicle, the hood and all the doors must be closed.

To remote start your vehicle, press the REMOTE START button on the key fob twice within three seconds. 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 once.

The parking lamps will remain illuminated to indicate that the vehicle has remote started and the engine is running. The lamps will turn off when the ignition is turned to RUN or the remote start is cancelled.

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 in 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 park
• The brake pedal is pressed.

The vehicle can be started remotely up to a maximum of two times. The vehicle is also allowed a maximum of one failed start. This is where the remote start sequence was initiated but the engine stopped cranking without starting. 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 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

STARTING SYSTEM TESTING

COLD CRANKING TEST

1. Fully charge and load-test the battery (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8F - Engine Systems/Battery System - Diagnosis and Testing) .

 
2. Connect volt-ampere tester leads (1 and 2 to the battery terminals. Connect volt-ampere tester lead (3) around the positive battery cable. 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.

 
3. Place transmission in Park or Neutral with the parking brake set (depending on transmission application).

 
4. If equipped with manual transmission, block clutch pedal in fully depressed position.

 
5. Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.

 
6. To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. To prevent a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump Relay. See Wiring Information for relay locations.

   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.


 
7. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
   1. If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, see starter motor diagnosis and testing (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8F - Engine Systems/Starting/STARTER - Diagnosis and Testing) . If starter motor is OK, see 9 - Engine for further diagnosis and testing of the engine. If starter motor is not OK, replace the starter motor (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8F - Engine Systems/Starting/STARTER - Removal) .
   
    
   2. See Feed Circuit Test if voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current (amperage) draw reads below specifications.
   
    
   3. See Feed Circuit Test if voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor does not turn or turns very slowly.
      
   
    

 

FEED CIRCUIT TEST

The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method) will determine if there is excessive resistance in high-amperage feed circuit.

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 procedure requires a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before proceeding, be certain that the following are accomplished:

• Fully charge and load-test the battery (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8F - Engine Systems/Battery System - Diagnosis and Testing) .
• Place transmission in Park or Neutral with the parking brake set (depending on transmission application).
• If equipped with manual transmission, block clutch pedal in fully depressed 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. See Wiring Information for relay locations.

1. Connect positive lead of voltmeter (1) to negative battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp. 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.


 
2. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery positive cable clamp. 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.


 
3. Connect voltmeter (2) to measure between positive terminal post on battery (1) and the battery terminal stud on the starter solenoid (3). 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 and repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace the positive 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.


 
4. Connect voltmeter (1) to measure between negative terminal post on battery (2) and a good clean ground on engine block (3). 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 and repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace the 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.


 
5. Connect positive lead of voltmeter (3) to starter housing (1). Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative terminal post on battery (2). 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.

 
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 and repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace positive battery cable.

 
7. If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems, inspect and test the starter motor and solenoid (Refer to 08 - Electrical/8F - Engine Systems/Starting/STARTER - Diagnosis and Testing) .
   

 

REMOTE START SYSTEM

Before attempting to diagnose a problem with the remote starting system, first be sure the starter motor and starter solenoid are working properly. The starter should operate with the use of the standard ignition key in the ignition switch. Any starter or solenoid problems must be repaired first.

Also be sure the engine will easily start and run with the use of the standard ignition key in the ignition switch. Any engine running, idling or driveability problems must be repaired first.

Also note that the remote start system will automatically be cancelled if any of the following occur:

• IF THE ENGINE STALLS OR RPM EXCEEDS 2500
• NORMAL TIME OUT RUN MODE (15 MINUTES)
• CUSTOMER MOVES IGNITION INTO RUN/START
• ANY VEHICLE DOOR AJAR
• TRUNK/LIFTGATE AJAR
• HOOD AJAR
• START COUNTER REACHED
• LOW RPM SHUTDOWN
• KEY IN IGNITION
• BRAKE PRESSED
• THE HAZARD SWITCH IS PRESSED
• NOT IN PARK OR NEUTRAL
• VEHICLE SPEED HIGH
• VTA ALARM TRIGGERED
• PANIC MODE ACTIVATED
• BATTERY VOLTAGE HIGH
• BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW
• LOSS OF BATTERY VOLTAGE
• MIL ON
• LOW OIL PRESSURE
• COOLANT TEMPERATURE HIGH
• CRANK NO START
• RKE OFF MESSAGE
• VEHICLE NOT CONFIGURED
• HOOD SWITCH NOT INSTALLED OR INOPERATIVE
• NO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
• INVALID KEY
• IGNITION SNA
• IGNITION NOT IN LOCK
• VEHICLE IN SHIPPING MODE
• VEHICLE NOT PROGRAMMED

If all of the previous items checked OK, and the remote starting system will not operate (Refer to 29 - Non-DTC Diagnostics/Starting - Diagnosis and Testing) .

STARTER

TORQUE

INSPECTION

The following starting system components should be carefully inspected whenever any starting system problem is encountered.

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. Refer to Battery for battery cleaning and inspection procedures.

Ignition Switch

• Visually inspect ignition switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Wiring Diagrams. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder for ignition switch service procedures.

Clutch Pedal Position Switch

• If vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, visually inspect clutch pedal position switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Clutch Hydraulic Linkage for clutch pedal position switch service procedures.

Park/Neutral Position Switch

• If vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, visually inspect park/neutral position switch for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch for park/neutral position switch service procedures.

Starter Relay

• Visually inspect starter relay for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Starter Relay for starter relay service procedures.

Starter Motor

• Visually inspect starter motor for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. If problem being diagnosed involves improper starter engagement, disengagement or noise complaints, starter motor should be removed. With starter motor removed, inspect starter pinion and ring gears for damaged or missing teeth. Replace faulty components as required. Refer to Starter Motor for removal/installation procedures.

Starter Solenoid

• Visually inspect starter solenoid for indications of physical damage and loose or corroded wire harness connections. Clean corroded connections as required. Refer to Starter Motor for starter solenoid service procedures.

Wiring

• Visually inspect starting system wire harnesses for indications of physical damage. Repair or replace any faulty wiring, as required. Refer to Wiring Diagrams for repair or connector and terminal service procedures.