The starting system includes the battery, starter motor, solenoid, ignition switch, circuit protection and wiring connecting the components. An inhibitor switch located in the park/neutral safety switch or Transmission Range (TR) sensor is included in the starting system to prevent the vehicle from being started with the vehicle in gear.
When the ignition key is turned to the START position, current flows and energizes the starter's solenoid coil. The solenoid plunger and clutch shift lever are activated and the clutch pinion engages the ring gear on the flywheel. The switch contacts close and the starter cranks the engine until it starts.
To prevent damage caused by excessive starter armature rotation when the engine starts, the starter incorporates an over-running clutch in the pinion gear.
Starter
TESTING
Voltage Drop Test
- Disable the ignition system by unplugging the coil pack. Verify that the vehicle will not start.
- Connect a voltmeter between the positive terminal of the battery and the starter B+ circuit.
- Turn the ignition key to the START position and note the voltage on the meter.
- If voltage reads 0.5 volts or more, there is high resistance in the starter cables or the cable ground, repair as necessary. If the voltage reading is ok proceed to the next step.
- Connect a voltmeter between the positive terminal of the battery and the starter M circuit.
- Turn the ignition key to the START position and note the voltage on the meter.
- If voltage reads 0.5 volts or more, there is high resistance in the starter. Repair or replace the starter as necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Detach the air-flow sensor assembly connector and remove the breather hose.
- Remove the resonator retaining nuts and remove the air intake hose and resonator assembly as required.
- If equipped with Active-ECS suspension, remove the air compressor as follows:
- Detach the two electrical connectors, from the compressor.
- Disconnect the air line at the compressor.
- Remove the three mounting bolts, securing the compressor to the chassis.
- Raise the vehicle and support safely.
- Remove the engine undercover.
- Remove the heat shield from beneath the intake manifold on the engine.
- If necessary, detach the speedometer cable connector at the transaxle end.
- Detach the starter motor electrical connections.
- Remove the starter motor mounting bolts and remove the starter.
- The installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Tighten the starter mounting bolts to 22 ft. lbs. (31 Nm).
- Connect the negative battery cable and check the starter for proper operation.