Note: Before you start, see «Precautions», data in Chapter 1 of this Section.
1. If the starter does not work when the ignition key is turned to the working position, this may be caused by the following reasons:
- a) Battery defective.
- b) Break in the wiring between the switch, traction relay, battery or starter.
- c) Faulty traction relay.
- d) Mechanical or electrical starter failure.
2. To check the battery, turn on the headlights. If they dim after a few seconds, your battery is dead. Charge it up (see chapter 2) or replace. If the headlights are bright, watch them with the ignition on.
If they dim when the ignition is on, then the wiring is good, and the cause of the starter failure lies in itself. If the headlights do not dim when the ignition is on (and no clicking sounds are heard from the starter traction relay), then there is damage in the circuit or in the traction relay (see below). If the battery is good and charged, but the starter turns slowly, this indicates a starter failure or significant resistance in the circuit.
3. If damage is suspected in the circuit, disconnect the wiring from the battery (including grounding), starter/traction relay wiring, and engine/transmission ground. Thoroughly clean the contacts and repair the connections, then use a voltmeter or test lamp to verify that there is battery voltage at the positive terminal of the traction relay and that the ground is securely fastened. Lubricate the battery terminals with petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. Connection corrosion is the most common cause of damage to an electrical system.
4. If the battery and all connections are good, check the circuit by disconnecting the wire from the traction relay clamp. Connect a voltmeter or test light between the end of the disconnected wire and ground (e.g. negative battery terminal) and check if battery voltage appears in the wire when the ignition key is turned to the start position. If yes, then the circuit is OK, if not, check the wiring as described in Section 12.
5. Traction relay contacts can be tested by connecting a voltmeter or test lamp between the positive battery terminal on the traction relay and ground. When you turn the key in the ignition switch to the start position, the voltmeter should show battery voltage or the lamp should light up. If nothing happened, the traction relay is defective and must be replaced.
6. If the circuit and the traction relay are OK, the starter is damaged. In this case, you can take the starter to a specialist, but first make sure that the cost of repair does not exceed the cost of a new starter.
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