Before performing starter function checks, make sure that the cause of difficult starting is not a low battery level.
1. If the starter does not rotate at all when the ignition key is turned to the START position, first of all, make 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 wires. Replace defective components;
- Check battery status. If necessary, replace it with a new one;
- Check the condition of the starter wiring and terminal connections (see wiring diagrams in Chapter Onboard electrical equipment);
- Check up reliability of a tightening of bolts of fastening of a starter;
- With the appropriate configuration, check the condition of the fusible inserts in the mounting block in the engine compartment of the car (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment). If any of the inserts fail, investigate and correct the cause of the overload. Also check the function of the ignition switch circuit (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment);
- Check the operation of the start enable switch (models with AT) on/off starter circuit (models with manual transmission). The engine can only be started when the gear selector lever is in position «R» or «N» (AT), or the clutch pedal is fully depressed (RKPP).
- Check the functioning of the starter enable relay located in the fuse / relay mounting block in the vehicle's engine compartment (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment).
2. To check the battery condition, turn on the headlights, - if the brightness of their glow drops sharply after a few seconds, therefore, the battery is discharged, - recharge (see chapter Vehicle settings and routine maintenance), or replace the battery (see Section Removing, checking and installing glow plugs). If the headlights are bright, turn on the starter and observe the lamps. If the activation of the starter leads to a decrease in the brightness of the headlights, this indicates that the current reaches the starter electric motor and the malfunction lies in the assembly of the latter itself. If the brightness of the headlights does not change and there is no click of the traction relay, therefore, there is a malfunction of the relay, or damage to its wiring circuit. If the starter cranks the engine too weakly, and the battery level is normal, then either the electric motor is faulty or the resistance in the starting system circuit is exceeded.
3. To test the circuit, disconnect the wires from the battery (incl. ground bar to the body element). Also disconnect the electrical wiring of the traction relay and the thick cable jumper 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, also «call» negative wire. Lubricate the battery terminals with petroleum jelly.
4. If the battery and contact connections are found to be serviceable, check the circuit by disconnecting the wire from the traction relay. Connect test lamp between disconnected wire and ground (bare body metal or negative battery terminal). Turn on the ignition, make sure the conductor is intact - if the lamp is on, therefore, there are no breaks.
5. The solenoid relay contacts can be checked by attaching a voltmeter or test light between the positive wire where it connects to the starter motor and «earth». If you turn on the starter, the lamp should be on or there should be a corresponding voltage on the voltmeter indicator. If not, the solenoid relay is faulty, it should be replaced.
6. If the circuit and traction relay are in good condition, you should take the starter to a car service workshop to check the condition of its internal components and carry out the necessary refurbishment - first make sure that the cost of repairs does not exceed the cost of the replacement unit.
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