Before you begin testing the starter, make sure that the hard starting condition is not caused by a low battery level.
If the starter does not turn at all when the ignition key is turned to the START position, first of all, perform the following simple checks:
- Check the battery charge level, as well as the condition and reliability of the wires on the battery terminals and the starter traction relay.
- Check the condition of the battery cables (see Checking the condition and replacing battery wires). Replace defective components.
- Check the battery status (see Battery - general information, checking the condition, replacement, storage and commissioning). If necessary, replace it with a new one.
- Check the condition of the wiring and terminal connections of the starter (see Chapter On-board electrical equipment, Schematic diagrams of electrical connections).
- Check the tightness of the starter mounting bolts.
- If equipped, check the condition of the fuse links in the fuse box in the engine compartment of the vehicle (see Chapter On-board electrical equipment). If any of the inserts fail, investigate and eliminate the causes of the overload. Also check the proper functioning of the ignition switch circuit (see Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
- Check the proper functioning of the start enable switch sensor (models with AT)/starter circuit shutdown (models with manual transmission). The engine can only be started when the gear selector lever is set to position "P" or "N" (AT), or the clutch pedal is fully depressed (manual transmission).
- Check the proper operation of the starter relay located in the fuse/relay box in the engine compartment of the vehicle (see Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
To check the battery status, turn on the headlights - if their brightness drops sharply after a few seconds, then the battery is discharged - recharge it (see Chapter Routine maintenance), or replace the battery (see Battery - general information, checking the condition, replacement, storage and commissioning). If the headlights are bright, turn on the starter and observe the lamps. If activating the starter results in a decrease in the brightness of the headlights, this indicates that the current is reaching the starter electric motor and the fault lies in the assembly of the latter. If the brightness of the headlights does not change and there is no click of the traction relay, then there is a malfunction of the relay or damage to its wiring circuit (see below). If the starter turns the engine too weakly, and the battery charge level is normal, then either the electric motor is faulty or the resistance in the starting system circuit is excessive.
To check the circuit, disconnect the wires from the battery (including ground busbar to body element). Also disconnect the traction relay wiring and the thick jumper cable connecting the engine block to the body. Carefully clean all contact connections, then restore the original wiring connection and use a voltmeter or test lamp to check for full battery voltage on the positive wire going to the traction relay, and also "ring" the negative wire. Lubricate the battery terminal assemblies with technical petroleum jelly.
If the battery and contact connections are found to be OK, test the circuit by disconnecting the wire from the traction relay. Connect a test lamp between the disconnected wire and ground (bare metal body or negative battery terminal). Turn on the ignition, make sure the conductor is intact - if the lamp is on, then there are no breaks.
The contacts of the retractor relay can be checked by connecting a voltmeter or a test lamp between the positive wire where it is connected to the starter motor and the "ground". If the starter is turned on, the lamp should light or there should be a corresponding voltage on the voltmeter indicator. If not, the retractor relay is faulty and should be replaced.
If the chain and traction relay are in good condition, the starter should be taken to a car service workshop to check the condition of its internal components and carry out the necessary repairs - first make sure that the cost of the repair will not exceed the cost of the replacement unit.
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