Inspection and Verification

Starting System

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: Always disconnect the battery ground cable at the battery before disconnecting the starter motor battery terminal lead. If a tool is shorted at the starter motor battery terminal, the tool can quickly heat enough to cause a skin burn. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: Make sure the anti-theft system is functioning correctly before carrying out a logical starting system diagnosis. Address anti-theft system concerns before continuing. Refer to Antitheft and Alarm Systems.

1. Verify the customer concern.

2. Remove the accessory drive belt. Verify the crankshaft and each of the components driven by the accessory drive belt rotate and are not seized or damaged.

3. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical or electrical damage.

Visual Inspection Chart






4. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.

5. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).


6. NOTE: The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove-out confirms power and ground from the DLC (Data Link Connector) are provided to the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module).
If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module) :

- check the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module) connection to the vehicle.

- check the scan tool connection to the VCM (Vehicle Communication Module).

- refer to No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the scan tool Pinpoint Test R: No Power To The Scan Tool.


7. For vehicles without Intelligent Access, if the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.

- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.

- refer to Information Bus to diagnose no response from the PCM.


8. For vehicles with Intelligent Access, if the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition is in the ON mode.
- the air bag warning indicator prove-out (other indicators may NOT prove ignition is ON) confirms ignition ON. If ignition does not turn ON, refer to Steering Column to diagnose no power in RUN.

- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.

- refer to to diagnose no response from the PCM.


9. Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to Information Bus.

- If the network test passes, proceed with module self-test diagnostics.


10. Carry out the self-test diagnostics for the Transmission Control Module (TCM) (if equipped), RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module (if equipped) and the PCM.

11. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to DTC Charts Starting System.

12. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures.