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Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

Starter Solenoid Does Not Click

Diagnostic Instructions


Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.


Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit Short to Ground Open/High Resistance Short to Voltage Signal Performance
B+ 1 1 - -
Signal 2 1 - -
Control Terminal 85 - 1 3 -
Control Terminal 87 1 1 3 -
Ground - 1 - -
1. Starter Solenoid Does Not Click 2. Cranks In Any Gear 3. Cranks All The Time


Circuit/System Description

When the ignition switch is placed in the START position, a discrete signal is supplied to the body control module (BCM) notifying it that the ignition is in the START position. The BCM then sends a serial data message to the engine control module (ECM) that crank has been requested. The ECM then verifies that the clutch pedal is depressed fully or the transmission is in park/neutral. If it is, the ECM then supplies 12 V to the control circuit of the starter relay. When this occurs, battery voltage is supplied through the switch of the starter relay to the starter solenoid.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference


Starting and Charging Schematics

Automatic Transmission Controls Schematics


Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Starting System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference


Circuit Testing

Connector Repairs

Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Wiring Repairs


Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification


1. Ignition ON, verify that no ignition, starter relay, brake pedal position sensor, theft deterrent, or automatic transmission DTCs are set that would cause the ECM to disable engine starting.

2. If DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .

3. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool BCM Push Button Ignition Switch parameter. Place the ignition switch in the crank position, the parameter should display Active.

4. If not the specified value, refer to Power Mode Mismatch .

5. Transmission range selector in park, verify the scan tool Transmission Control Module (TCM) Internal Mode Switch parameter displays Park.

6. If the TCM Internal Mode Switch parameter does not indicate Park, refer to Transmission Internal Mode Switch Logic .

7. Transmission range selector in park or neutral attempt to start the vehicle. The crank relay should click and the engine should begin cranking.


Circuit/System Testing


1. Ignition ON and transmission in Park. With a scan tool, verify the ECM Park/Neutral Position Switch parameter displays Active.

2. If the parameter does not display Active, test the ECM Park/Neutral signal circuit terminal listed below for a short to ground or an open/high resistance:

Terminal 17 X2 (LAU engine)

Terminal 58 X2 (LF1 engine)

3. Ignition ON, with a scan tool verify the ECM Ignition 1 Signal parameter is greater than 10 V.

4. If less than the specified range, test the ECM ignition circuit terminal listed below for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 ECM.

51 X1 LF1

54 X2 LAU

5. Ignition OFF, disconnect the KR27 starter relay.

6. Ignition OFF and scan tool disconnected, open and close the driver door. Wait 1 minute. Test for less than 5.0 Ω between the relay ground circuit terminal 86 and ground.

7. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.

8. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and ground.

9. 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 B+ circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit terminal 87 for a short to ground.

10. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal 87 and ground.

11. If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.

12. Parking brake applied and transmission in PARK, momentarily install a 30 A fused jumper wire between the B+ circuit terminal 30 and the control output circuit terminal 87. Verify the starter is activated.

13. If the starter does not activate, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the M64 starter motor.

14. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal 86 and the ground circuit terminal 85.

15. Transmission in park/neutral, command the starter relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

16. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 ECM.

17. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the K20 ECM.

18. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the KR27 starter relay.


Component Testing


Relay Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the KR27 starter relay.

2. Test for 60-180 Ω between terminals 85 and 86.

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

4. Test for infinite resistance between the following terminals:

30 and 86

30 and 87

30 and 85

85 and 87

5. If not the specified value, replace the relay.

6. Install a 20 A fused jumper wire between relay terminal 85 and 12 V. Install a jumper wire between relay terminal 86 and ground. Test for less than 2 Ω between terminals 30 and 87.

7. If greater than specified range, replace the relay.


Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.


Manual Shift Detent Lever with Shaft Position Switch Assembly Replacement

Relay Replacement (Attached to Wire Harness) Relay Replacement (Within an Electrical Center)

Control Module References for ECM replacement, programming and setup