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Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. 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) - HYBRID .
  1. Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system to duplicate the conditions.
  2. Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT for 2.5L engines or ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT for 3.0L (4V) engines. Verify the crankshaft and each of the components driven by the accessory drive belt rotate and are not seized or damaged.
  3. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.
    VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

    Mechanical Electrical
    • Starter motor
    • Starter motor bolts
    • Flexplate
    • Flywheel
    • Battery
    • Battery Junction Box (BJB) fuses:
      • 11 (30A)
      • 125A MIDI
    • Smart Junction Box (SJB) fuse 27 (20A)
    • Wiring harness
    • Starter relay
    • Anti-theft system
    • Loose or corroded connections
  4. If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause (if possible) before proceeding to the next step.
    5. NOTE: Make sure to use the latest scan tool software release.
  5. If the cause is not visually evident, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
    6. NOTE: The Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) LED prove out confirms power and ground from the DLC  are provided to the VCM  .
  6. 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 PINPOINT TEST W: NO POWER TO THE SCAN TOOL , No Power To The Scan Tool, to diagnose no power to the scan tool.
  7. If the scan tool does not communicate with the vehicle:
  8. Carry out the network test.
    • If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
    • If the network test passes, retrieve and record CMDTCs.
  9. Clear the continuous DTCs and carry out the self-test diagnostics for the PCM.
  10. If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to PCM DTC CHART . For all other DTCs, refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .
  11. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to SYMPTOM CHART .
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