TROUBLESHOOTING 27 STARTING CIRCUIT (TYPICAL) Starter solenoid Battery Starter switch ----+t Key switch service, as well as to provide a measure of safety that is not required of automotive service. For example, a marine starter is flashproofed to prevent possible ignition of fuel vapor in the bilge. The use of an automotive starter as a re- placement can result in an explosion or fire, which may cause death, serious injury or boat damage. This chapter contains brief descriptions of each major operating system and troubleshooting procedures to be used. The troubleshooting procedures analyze common symptoms and provide logical methods of isolation. These are not the only methods.
There may be several ap- proaches to a problem, but all methods used must have one thing in common to be successful-a logical, system- atic approach. Troubleshooting diagrams for individual systems are provided within this chapter. A master troubleshooting chart (Table 1) is provided at the end of this chapter. STARTING SYSTEM The starting system consists of the battery, starter mo- tor, starter solenoid, starter switch, key switch, fuse and connecting wiring. See Figure 1, typical. Starting system problems are relatively easy to find. In many cases, the trouble is a loose or dirty connection.
Starting System Operation The battery switch, ifused, and the key switch must be in the ON positions so battery current is available to the starter circuit. When the start switch on the instrument panel is pushed, battery current flows to the starter sole- noid, which mechanically engages the starter with the en- gine flywheel. The solenoid also directs current to the starter motor, which rotates the engine flywheel to start