Starter relay

The starter relay (Fig. 9) is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in the engine compartment.

Refer to the fuse and relay layout label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover for starter relay identification and location. For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Starting System in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.

(1) Remove the starter relay from the PDC. Refer to Starter Relay in the Removal and Installation section of this group for the procedures.

(2) A relay in the de-energized position should have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.

(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (electromagnet) should be 75 6 5 ohms. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.

(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.

There should now be continuity between terminals 30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A and 30. If OK, perform the Relay Circuit Test that follows. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.

Fig. 9 Starter Relay

RELAY CIRCUIT TEST

(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the fuse in the PDC as required.

(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position, but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.

(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is connected to the common feed terminal (30) in the energized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage to the starter solenoid field coils. There should be continuity between the cavity for relay terminal 87 and the starter solenoid terminal at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit to the starter solenoid as required.

(4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to the electromagnet in the relay. It is energized when the ignition switch is held in the Start position.

Check for battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86 with the ignition switch in the Start position, and no voltage when the ignition switch is released to the On position. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, check for an open or short circuit to the ignition switch and repair, if required. If the circuit to the ignition switch is OK, refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8D - Ignition System for testing of the ignition switch.

(5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded through the park/neutral position switch only when the gearshift selector lever is in the Park or Neutral positions. Check for continuity to ground at the cavity for relay terminal 85. If not OK, check for an open or short circuit to the park/neutral position switch and repair, if required. If the circuit to the park/neutral position switch is OK, refer to Park/ Neutral Position Switch in the Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 21 - Transmission for testing of the park/neutral position switch.