GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Starting and Charging Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Electrical Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Engine Electrical Diagnostic System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Electrical

2

Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the starter solenoid click?

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

Go to Step 3

3

Is the security indicator flashing?

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Theft Deterrent in Theft Deterrent

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Exchange the START relay with a known good relay (the blower relay) from the underhood fuse block.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the engine crank?

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 5

5

Test the battery positive voltage circuit of the starter motor for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Connect a test lamp between the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit, at the starter solenoid, and ground.
  2. Turn the ignition to the START position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

Test the starter solenoid crank voltage circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 8

8

Test the START relay supply voltage circuits for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Connect a test lamp between the ignition switch CRANK position and ground.
  2. Turn the ignition switch to the START position.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 15

10

Test the START relay coil control circuit for an open or high resistance between the START relay and the park/neutral position (PNP) switch or the clutch pedal position (CPP) switch. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 11

11

Test the START relay coil control circuit for an open or high resistance between the powertrain interface module (PIM) and the park/neutral position (PNP) switch or the clutch pedal position (CPP) switch. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 12

12

    • Test the PNP switch for continuity in the PARK position. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.
    • Test the CPP switch for continuity with the clutch pedal depressed. Refer to Testing for Continuity in Wiring Systems.

Did the switch test OK?

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Data Link Communications in Data Link Communications

Go to Step 16

13

Inspect for poor connections at the starter solenoid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 17

14

Inspect for poor connections at the start relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 18

15

Inspect for poor connections at the ignition switch harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 19

16

Inspect for poor connections at the PNP switch harness connector or the CPP switch harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 20

17

Replace the starter. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 21

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18

Replace the start relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 21

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19

Replace the ignition switch. Refer to Ignition and Start Switch Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 21

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20

Replace the appropriate switch. Refer to:

    •  Park/Neutral Position Switch Replacement in Automatic Transmission.
    •  Clutch Pedal Position Switch Replacement in Manual Transmission.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 21

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21

Operate the system for which the symptom occurred.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2