Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Always disconnect the battery ground cable at the battery before disconnecting the starter motor battery terminal lead. If a tool is shorted at the starter motor battery terminal, the tool can quickly heat enough to cause a skin burn. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

NOTE: The anti-theft system must be functioning correctly before a logical starting system diagnosis can be carried out. Address anti-theft system concerns before continuing. Refer to ANTI-THEFT - PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.

Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.
Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE - 2.5L -- FUSION & MILAN (EXCEPT HYBRID) article for 2.3L engines, ACCESSORY DRIVE - 3.0L (4V) -- FUSION & MILAN article for 3.0L (4V) or ACCESSORY DRIVE - 3.5L -- FUSION & MKZ article for 3.5L engines. Verify the crankshaft and each of the components driven by the accessory drive belt rotate and are not seized or damaged.

Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.

VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

Mechanical	Electrical
Starter motor Starter motor bolts Flexplate	Battery Battery Junction Box (BJB) fuse 5 (30A) Smart Junction Box (SJB) fuse 27 (20A) Wiring harness
Flywheel	Starter motor relay 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.

NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.

If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).

NOTE: The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC are provided to the VCM.

If the scan tool does not communicate with the VCM:
- check the VCM connection to the vehicle.
- check the scan tool connection to the VCM.
- refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article, No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the scan tool.
If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
- verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
- verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
- refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article to diagnose no response from the PCM.
Carry out the network test.
- If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.
- If the network test passes, retrieve and record Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (CMDTCs).
Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the PCM.
If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, refer to the PCM DTC CHART . For all other DTCs, refer to MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC MODULES -- FUSION, MILAN & MKZ article.
If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to SYMPTOM CHART .