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Home >> Ford >> 2015 >> Explorer Limited, 3.5L Eng VIN 8, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Electrical >> Starter >> Starting System >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Starting System >> Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

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: Make sure the anti-theft system is functioning correctly before carrying out a logical starting system diagnosis. Address anti-theft system concerns before continuing. Without Push button start, REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - Without Intelligent Access (IA) . With Push button start, REFER to Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) - With Intelligent Access (IA)

  1. 1.

    Verify the customer concern by operating the starting system.

  1. 2.

    Check the battery for loose, damaged or corroded connections.

  1. 3.

    Check the battery condition and state of charge. REFER to Battery, Mounting and Cables , Diagnosis and Testing.

  1. 4.

    Perform Battery Drain Test and check for abnormal ignition-off current drain(s). REFER to Battery, Mounting and Cables , General Procedures.

  1. 5.

    Remove the accessory drive belt. REFER to Accessory Drive . Verify the crankshaft and each of the components driven by the accessory drive belt rotate and are not seized or damaged.

  1. 6.

    If any aftermarket accessories have been added to the vehicle, make sure they are properly wired.

  1. 7.

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

Visual Inspection Chart 

Mechanical Electrical
Starter motor
Starter motor bolts
Battery
Battery cables
Battery Junction Box (BJB) Starter relay
Battery Junction Box (BJB) Run/start relay
Battery Junction Box (BJB) fuse 19 (30A)
Body Control Module (BCM) fuse 28 (15A)
Loose or corroded connections

  1. 8.

    If an obvious cause for an observed or reported concern is found, correct the cause before proceeding to the next step.

  1. 9.

    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).

  1. 10.

    NOTE: The 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.

  1. 11.

    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.

  1. 12.

    Carry out the network test.
    • If the network test passes, proceed with module self-test diagnostics.

  1. 13.

    Carry out the self-test diagnostics for the BCM, PCM, RFA and Tire Pressure Monitor Module (TPM) (the TPM is standard equipment, also used for optional remote start feature).

  1. 14.

    If the DTCs retrieved are related to the concern, go to the DTC Chart(s) .

  1. 15.

    If any lost communication DTCs are retrieved, go to the DTC Chart(s) .

  1. 16.

    If no DTCs related to the concern are retrieved, go to the Symptom Chart(s) .