P0817
Starter circuit
Starter circuit error
TCM detected a failure in the starter circuit, failed ON or OFF
No TCC engagements, no adaptive or self learning strategy.
Go to Section 303-06 .
Starting System
The starting system consists of the following components:
- Starter motor
- Starter motor relay - part of smart junction box (SJB)
- Transmission range (TR) sensor - automatic transmission
- Clutch cutoff switch - manual transmission
- Battery
- Ignition switch
When the key is placed in the START position, the starter solenoid is energized and a magnetic field is created in the starter solenoid windings. The iron plunger core is drawn into the starter solenoid coil, and a drive lever and pin connected to the starter drive engages the drive pinion gear to the flexplate/flywheel ring gear. When the plunger is pulled all the way in, its contact disc closes the circuit between the battery and the starter motor solenoid feed terminals. This sends current to the motor, and the drive pinion gear cranks the flexplate/flywheel to start the engine. When current flows to the starter motor, the starter solenoid pull-in coil is bypassed, and the hold-in coil keeps the drive pinion gear engaged with the flywheel until the ignition switch is released from the START position.
An overrunning clutch in the starter drive protects the starter motor from excessive speeds during the brief period before the driver releases the ignition switch from the START position as the engine starts.
Vehicles equipped with a manual transaxle have a clutch cutoff switch mounted on the clutch pedal bracket. The clutch cutoff switch prevents operation of the starter motor unless the clutch is fully depressed.
Vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission have a TR sensor mounted on the transaxle. The TR sensor prevents operation of the starter motor unless NEUTRAL or PARK is selected.
Principles of Operation
Anti-Theft Intervention
The starting system is electronically controlled by the passive anti-theft system (PATS). The PATS system recognizes the correct electronically coded ignition key and signals the instrument cluster to provide a ground for the starter relay. The energized relay provides voltage to the starter solenoid, thereby allowing the starter motor to activate
NOTE: When working on the starter system, make sure the anti-theft system is operating correctly.
- Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.
- Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.
Visual Inspection Chart
Mechanical
Electrical
- Battery
- Battery junction box (BJB) fuses:
- Smart junction box (SJB) fuses:
- 10 (30A)
- 22 (7.5A) - 3.0L vehicles only
- Wiring harness
- Starter relay (part of SJB)
- Anti-theft system
- Loose or corroded connections
- If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
- If the cause is not visually evident, connect the diagnostic tool to the data link connector (DLC) and select the vehicle to be tested from the diagnostic tool menu. If the diagnostic tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- check that the program card is correctly installed.
- check the connections to the vehicle.
- check the ignition switch position.
- If the diagnostic tool still does not communicate with the vehicle, refer to the diagnostic tool operating manual.
- Carry out the diagnostic tool data link test. If the diagnostic tool responds with:
- appropriate communication networks, such as SCP, ISO, UBP, CAN circuit fault; all electronic control units no response/not equipped, refer to Section 418-00 .
- No response/not equipped for generic electronic module (GEM), refer to Section 419-10 .
- System passed, retrieve and record the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), erase the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the GEM.
- If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Index.
- If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to Symptom Chart .
- Your best bet < take it to a qualified repair shop.