Starting System; Operation; Diagnosis And Testing - Starting System - Chrysler 2005 Crossfire SRT6 Service Manual

8F - 36

STARTING SYSTEM

OPERATION

The starting system components form two separate circuits. A high-amperage feed circuit that feeds the starter
motor between 150 and 350 amperes, and a low-amperage control circuit that operates on less than 20 amperes.
The high-amperage feed circuit components include the battery, the battery cables, the contact disc portion of the
starter solenoid, and the starter motor. The low-amperage control circuit components include the ignition switch, the
pulse module, the electromagnetic windings of the starter solenoid, and the connecting wire harness components.
Battery voltage is supplied through the low-amperage control circuit to the pulse module when the ignition switch is
turned to the momentary Start position. When the starter solenoid coil windings are energized, the solenoid pull-in
coil pulls in the solenoid plunger. The solenoid plunger pulls the shift lever in the starter motor. This engages the
starter overrunning clutch and pinion gear with the starter ring gear on the flywheel.
As the solenoid plunger reaches the end of its travel, the solenoid contact disc completes the high-amperage starter
feed circuit and energizes the solenoid plunger hold-in coil. Current now flows between the solenoid battery terminal
and the starter motor, energizing the starter.
When the solenoid plunger hold-in coil is de-energized, the solenoid plunger return spring returns the plunger to its
relaxed position. This causes the contact disc to open the starter feed circuit, and the shift lever to disengage the
overrunning clutch and pinion gear from the starter ring gear.
Once the engine starts, the pulse module prevents starter motor damage by only allowing the starter to be engaged
until the engine is running. Once the engine fires and achieves an rpm threshold that the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) defines as "engine running", the starter motor is automatically disengaged by the PCM through the pulse
module. The pulse module further prevents starter motor damage by not allowing the starter motor to be engaged
if the engine is already running.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - STARTING SYSTEM

The battery, starting, and charging systems operate with one another, and must be tested as a complete system. In
order for the vehicle to start and charge properly, all of the components involved in these systems must perform
within specifications.
Group 8F - Engine Systems covers the Battery, Starting System, and Charging System. We have combined these
systems to make it easier to locate the information you are seeking within this Service Manual. However, when
attempting to diagnose any of these systems, it is important that you keep their interdependency in mind.
The diagnostic procedures used in this group includes most conventional diagnostic methods. The use of an induc-
tion-type milliampere ammeter, volt/ohmmeter, battery charger, carbon pile rheostat (load tester), and 12-volt test
lamp may be required.
STARTING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION
STARTER FAILS TO
OPERATE.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Battery discharged or
faulty.
2. Starting circuit wiring
faulty.
3. Ignition switch faulty.
4. Park/Neutral position
switch faulty or
misadjusted.
5. Starter solenoid faulty.
CORRECTION
1. Refer to Battery in the Diagnosis and Testing section of
Group 8F - Engine Systems. Charge or replace the
battery, if required.
2. Refer to Starting System in Group 8W - Wiring
Diagrams. Test and repair the starter feed and/or control
circuits, if required.
3. Refer to Ignition Switch and Key Lock Cylinder in the
Diagnosis and Testing section of Group 8D - Ignition
System. Replace the ignition switch, if required.
4. Refer to Park/Neutral Position Switch in the Diagnosis
and Testing section of Group 21 - Transmission. Replace
the park/neutral position switch, if required.
5. Refer to Starter Motor in the Diagnosis and Testing
section of Group 8F - Engine Systems. Replace the
starter motor assembly, if required.
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