Before diagnosing starter problems, ensure that the battery is fully charged. If the starter motor does not turn when the switch is operated, check that the shift lever is in Neutral or Park for automatic transaxle models. Additionally, make sure the battery is charged and all cables at the battery and starter solenoid terminals are clean and secure. If the starter motor spins but the engine does not crank, the over-running clutch in the starter motor may be slipping, requiring replacement, or the teeth on the flywheel/driveplate may be broken. If the solenoid clicks but the starter motor does not operate, the issue may lie with the battery, main solenoid contacts, starter motor itself, or a seized engine. If the solenoid plunger cannot be heard when the switch is actuated, it may indicate a bad battery, burned fusible link, or defective solenoid. To check the solenoid, connect a jumper lead between the battery (+) and the ignition switch wire terminal on the solenoid. If the starter motor operates, the solenoid is fine, and the problem may be in the ignition switch, neutral start switch, or wiring. If the starter motor still does not operate, remove the starter/solenoid assembly for disassembly, testing, and repair. If the starter motor cranks the engine at a slow speed, ensure the battery is fully charged and all terminal connections are tight. If the engine is partially seized or has the wrong viscosity oil, it may crank slowly. Run the engine until normal operating temperature is reached, then turn it off and disconnect the primary wires from the coil or coil pack. Connect a voltmeter positive lead to the positive battery post and the negative lead to the negative post. Crank the engine and take voltmeter readings as soon as a steady figure is indicated, ensuring not to let the starter motor turn for more than 15 seconds at a time. A reading of 9 volts or more, with the starter motor turning at normal cranking speed, is normal. If the reading is 9 volts or more but the cranking speed is slow, the motor is faulty. If the reading is less than 9 volts and the cranking speed is slow, the solenoid contacts are likely burned, the starter motor is bad, the battery is discharged, or there is a bad connection.
Posted by MoparPartsGiant Specialist