Note. Before starting, see "Precautions", given in Section Charge and launch systems.
1. Failure of the starter when the ignition key is turned to the working position can be caused by the following reasons:
- a) Battery defective.
- b) Break in the wiring between the switch, traction relay, battery or starter.
- With) 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 (refer to section Short circuit search) 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 mass), starter/traction relay wiring and engine/transmission ground. Thoroughly clean the contacts and restore the connections, then use a voltmeter or test lamp to make sure that there is battery voltage on the positive terminal of the traction relay and the ground cable is securely fastened. Lubricate the battery terminals with petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. Joint 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 working, if not, check the wiring as described in Chapter Onboard electrical equipment.
5. Traction relay contacts can be tested by connecting a voltmeter or test light between the positive battery terminal on the traction relay and ground. When you turn the key in the ignition switch to the start position, either an inscription or a highlight should appear, depending on the model. If the inscription or highlight does not appear, 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.