Note: Before you begin, refer to the "Precautions" in Section Charging and starting systems.
1. Failure of the starter when turning the ignition key to the working position may be caused by the following reasons:
- a) The battery is faulty.
- b) Break in the wiring between the switch, traction relay, battery or starter.
- c) The traction relay is faulty.
- d) Mechanical or electrical failure of the starter.
2. To check the battery, turn on the headlights. If they dim after a few seconds, your battery is discharged. Charge it (refer to Section Short circuit detection) or replace. If the headlights are bright, watch them with the ignition on. If they dim with the ignition on, then the wiring is fine and the starter itself is the cause of the starter failure. If the headlights do not dim with the ignition on (and there are no clicking sounds coming 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 faulty starter or significant resistance in the circuit.
3. If damage to the circuit is suspected, disconnect the wiring from the battery (including mass), starter/solenoid and engine/transmission ground wiring. Clean the contacts thoroughly and repair the connections, then use a voltmeter or test light to verify that there is battery voltage at the positive terminal of the solenoid and that the ground cable is secure. Apply petroleum jelly to the battery terminals to prevent corrosion. Corrosion of connections is the most common cause of damage to the electrical system.
4. If the battery and all connections are good, check the circuit by disconnecting the wire from the traction relay terminal. Connect a voltmeter or test lamp between the end of the disconnected wire and ground (for example, the negative terminal of the battery) and check if battery voltage appears in the wire when the key in the ignition switch is turned to the start position. If yes, then the circuit is OK, if not, check the wiring as described in Chapter On-board electrical equipment.
5. The contacts of the traction relay can be checked by connecting a voltmeter or test lamp between the positive terminal of the battery on the traction relay and ground. When the key in the ignition switch is turned to the start position, either the inscription or the backlight should appear, depending on the model. If the inscription or backlight does not appear, the traction relay is faulty and must be replaced.
6. If the circuit and traction relay are in good condition, the starter is damaged. In this case, you can show the starter to a specialist, but first make sure that the cost of repairs will not exceed the cost of a new starter.