GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Starter System Check

  1. Visually inspect the hydrometer (built into the battery).
  2. • Green Eye -- Battery is charged.
    • Dark Eye -- CHARGE and LOAD TEST, Refer to Battery Load Test .
    • If battery passes load test, refer to Battery Is Undercharged or Overcharged .
    • Clear or Yellow Eye -- Battery electrolyte is low. REPLACE the battery.
  3. Check that the Starter Solenoid terminals S and B and all the Battery connections are clean and tight.
  4. Check the condition of the IGN A Fuse and CRANK Fuse 8. If any fuse is open, LOCATE and REPAIR source of overload and REPLACE the fuse.
  5. CHECK that Grounds G100, G110, G103 and G300 are clean and tight.
  6. • CHECK for a broken or partially broken wire inside the insulation which could cause system malfunction but prove GOOD in a Continuity/Voltage CHECK with a system disconnected. These circuits may be intermittant or resistive when loaded and should be checked by monitoring for a voltage drop with the system operational (under load).
    • CHECK for proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment which may affect the integrity of other systems (Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in Wiring Systems).