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Starter Solenoid Does Not Click



Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) controls engine cranking based on a power mode input and the status of the park/neutral position (PNP) switch. With the transmission in Park/Neutral, voltage at the ECM PNP switch signal circuit is low. This indicates to the ECM that conditions are acceptable for cranking. When a power mode crank request is seen, the ECM grounds the starter relay coil control circuit. This energizes the coil side of the relay, which pulls the switch side of the relay closed, applying voltage to the starter A terminal and engaging the starter solenoid.

Diagnostic Aids

A misadjusted range selector lever cable may result in a starter solenoid does not click condition.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

* Starting and Charging Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
* Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)

Circuit/System Verification

1. Ignition ON. Verify that no starter relay, theft deterrent, engine, or transmission DTCs are set that would cause the ECM to disable starting.

• If DTCs are set, Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle (Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions).

2. Observe the Starter Switch parameter with a scan tool, in Body, Body Control Module, and Inputs. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. Verify that the scan tool Starter Switch parameter is Cranking.

• If the scan tool Starter Switch parameter is Released, Refer to Power Mode Mismatch (Power Mode Mismatch).
• If the solenoid engages but the engine does not crank, Refer to Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank (Starter Solenoid Clicks, Engine Does Not Crank).

3. Ignition ON. Verify that the STARTING DISABLED message is not displayed on the driver information center (DIC).

• If the STARTING DISABLED message is displayed on the DIC, Refer to Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation (Indicator/Warning Message Description and Operation).

4. Ignition ON, transmission in PARK. Observe the PNP Switch parameter with a scan tool, in Powertrain, ECM, Electrical/Theft Data.

• If the scan tool PNP Switch parameter is In Gear, Refer to Circuit/System Testing: Park Neutral Signal Circuit Malfunction.
• If the scan tool PNP Switch parameter is Park/Neutral, Refer to Circuit/System Testing: Crank Relay Circuit Malfunction.

Circuit/System Testing

Park Neutral Signal Circuit Malfunction
1. Inspect the range selector lever cable for proper adjustment. Refer to Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (Adjustments).

• If the range selector lever cable is not adjusted correctly, adjust the cable.

2. Ignition OFF. Disconnect the automatic transmission inline 20-way connector.
3. Ignition ON. Probe the ground circuit terminal K with a test lamp that is connected to B+. Verify that the test lamp illuminates.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

4. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the ground circuit terminal K and the park/neutral signal circuit terminal W. Observe the PNP Switch parameter with a scan tool. Verify that the scan tool PNP switch parameter is Park/Neutral.

• If the scan tool PNP Switch parameter is In Gear, test the park neutral signal circuit for an open/high resistance, or replace the ECM.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the transmission wiring harness assembly and/or internal mode switch.

Crank Relay Circuit Malfunction
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the CRNK relay. Refer to Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)).
2. Ignition ON, transmission in Park/Neutral. Probe the CRNK Relay coil voltage supply circuit terminal with a test lamp that is connected to ground. Verify that the test lamp illuminates.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the voltage supply circuit for a an open/high resistance.

3. Probe the CRNK Relay switch B+ circuit terminal with a test lamp that is connected to ground. Verify that the test lamp illuminates.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the STRTR SOL fuse is open, test the relay controlled output circuit for a short to ground.

4. Connect a test lamp between the relay coil ignition circuit terminal and the relay coil control circuit terminal.

Important: The engine may begin to crank.


5. Ignition ON, transmission in Park/Neutral. Turn the ignition switch between the RUN and START positions. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the RUN and START ignition switch positions.

• If the test lamp is always ON, test the relay coil control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the relay coil control circuit for a short to voltage or and open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

6. Connect the CRNK relay.
7. Install a test lamp between the starter A terminal and ground.

Important: The engine may begin to crank.


8. Ignition ON, transmission in Park/Neutral. Turn the ignition switch to the START position. The test lamp should illuminate.

• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the relay controlled output circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the CRNK relay.

9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the starter.

Component Testing

Internal Mode Switch
1. Ignition OFF. Remove the internal mode switch. Refer to Manual Shift Shaft Position Switch and Parking System Components Removal (Overhaul).
2. With the internal mode switch in the following positions, test for infinite resistance between the ground terminal F and the signal terminal A.

* R
* D
* 3
* 2
* 1

• If not the specified value, replace the internal mode switch.

3. With the internal mode switch in the following positions, test for less than 2.0 ohms between the ground terminal F and the signal terminal A.

* P
* N

• If greater than the specified range, replace the internal mode switch.

CRANK Relay
1. Ignition OFF, Remove the CRNK relay. Refer to Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)).
2. Test for 60-180 ohms between terminals 85 and 86.

• If not within the specified range, replace the relay.

3. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:

* 30 and 86
* 30 and 87
* 30 and 85
* 85 and 87

• If not the specified value, replace the relay.

4. Install a 20 amp fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 volts. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2.0 ohms between terminals 30 and 87.

• If greater than specified range, replace the CRNK relay.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Range Selector Lever Cable Adjustment (Adjustments)
* Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) (Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness))Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center) (Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center))
* Manual Shift Shaft Position Switch and Parking System Components Removal (Overhaul)
* Manual Shift Shaft Position Switch and Parking System Components Installation (Overhaul)
* Starter Motor Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup and programming

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