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Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Mustang. 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 SYSTEM - PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM .
  1. Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system.
  2. Remove the accessory drive belt. Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT . Verify the crankshaft and each of the components driven by the accessory drive belt rotate and are not seized or damaged.
  3. Visually inspect for obvious signs of mechanical and electrical damage. Refer to the following chart:
    VISUAL INSPECTION CHART

    Mechanical Electrical
    • Starter motor
    • Starter bolts
    • Brackets and shields (If applicable)
    • Battery
    • Battery cables
    • Battery Junction Box (BJB) fuse 19 (30A)
    • Smart Junction Box (SJB) fuse 27 (20A)
    • Anti-theft system
    • Damaged wiring harness
    • Loose or corroded connections
    • Starter relay
  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 MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK , 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:
    • verify the ignition key is in the ON position.
    • verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
    • refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK to diagnose no response from the PCM.
  8. Carry out the network test.
    • If the scan tool responds with no communication for one or more modules, refer to MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK .
    • If the network test passes, retrieve and record Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes (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 MULTIFUNCTION ELECTRONIC MODULES .
  11. If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, GO to SYMPTOM CHART .
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