Note. Before performing starter function checks, make sure that the cause of difficult starting is not a low battery level.
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:
- a) Check the battery charge level, as well as the condition and reliability of the wires on the battery terminals and the starter traction relay;
- b) Check the condition of the battery wires (see Section Checking the condition and replacing the battery wires). Replace defective components;
- c) Check Battery Status (see Section Checking the condition and replacing the battery). If necessary, replace it with a new one;
- d) Check up a condition of electroconducting and terminal connections of a starter;
- e) Check up reliability of a tightening of bolts of fastening of a starter;
- f) 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);
- g) 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).
- h) Check the functioning of the starter enable relay located in the fuse / relay mounting block in the engine compartment of the car (see chapter Onboard electrical equipment).
If the starter does not start to rotate when the ignition key is turned to the START position, check the battery power supply to the traction relay. Connect a voltmeter to the terminal "S" traction relay and ask an assistant to crank the engine. The voltmeter should give a reading equal to the battery voltage. If a voltmeter is not available, refer to the wiring diagrams in Chapter Onboard electrical equipment this manual and check the condition of all fuses and relays in series with the engine charging circuit. Locate the fuse box on the left under the dashboard of the car and check fuse No. 13 for 7.5 A. Also check the operation of the starter disconnect relay. If voltage is present, but the starter does not turn, remove the starter assembly from the engine (see Section Removal and installation of a starter) and test it on the workbench.
If the starter turns the crankshaft too slowly, it is necessary to check the amount of supply voltage supplied to it. Check is made without removal of a starter from the car. Do not turn on the starter for more than 10 seconds in a row. During engine cranking, the voltage should not fall below 8.0 V on models with manual transmission and below 8.5 V on models with AT. Using an ammeter, measure the current flowing in the starter circuit. Rated values are 380 A or less for AT models and 280 A or less for manual transmission models, otherwise replace the assembly. Starter cranking can be affected by various parameters. So, the battery must be fully charged, the terminal connections of its wires must not be damaged by corrosion, the engine block must not be supercooled.
If the starter does not rotate despite good power supply, remove the assembly and transfer it to a workbench. Most likely there is an internal defect in the electric motor. In some cases, the cause is engine jamming and to eliminate it, it is necessary to check the serviceability of turning the crankshaft manually by the pulley (see chapter Engine). Clamp the starter assembly with the traction relay in a vise with soft jaws and connect the jumper wire to its negative terminal (-) with hull. Connect the positive battery terminal to the B+ terminal of the starter with a second jumper wire. Connect the starter switch and apply power to the S terminal of the traction relay (no more than 10 seconds). Make sure that the traction relay plunger moves forward, displacing the drive lever and overrunning clutch accordingly, and the extended starter drive gear begins to rotate properly. If the gear extends but does not rotate, then the electric motor is faulty. If the plunger does not extend despite the relay clicking properly, any of the assembly components may be faulty. When the starter motor is in good condition, the pinion gear should extend and rotate when power is applied.