Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 884

MOTOR - STARTER

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

STARTER MOTOR

Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed by performing the following free running bench test. This test
can only be performed with starter motor removed from vehicle. Refer to STARTER MOTOR
SPECIFICATIONS for starter motor specifications.

1. Remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to MOTOR - STARTER Removal and Installation.

2. Mount starter motor securely in a soft-jawed bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on the

mounting flange of starter motor. Never clamp on starter motor by field frame.

3. Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester and a 12-volt battery to starter motor in series, and set ammeter to

100 ampere scale. See instructions provided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being used.

4. Install jumper wire from solenoid terminal to solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should operate.

If starter motor fails to operate, replace faulty starter motor assembly.

5. Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free running test voltage. Refer to STARTER MOTOR

SPECIFICATIONS for starter motor free running test voltage specifications.

6. Note reading on ammeter and compare reading to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer to

STARTER MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS for starter motor free running test maximum amperage draw
specifications.

7. If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amperage draw specification, replace faulty starter motor

assembly.

STARTER SOLENOID

Certain vehicles with certain engines may require starter motor removal for the following test.

1. If necessary, remove starter motor from vehicle. Refer to MOTOR - STARTER Removal and

Installation.

2. Disconnect solenoid connector wiring from starter motor.

* Test at operating temperature. Cold engine, tight (new) engine, or heavy oil will increase starter
amperage draw.
**The starter is equipped with permanent magnets. Never strike the starter case to attempt to loosen a
sticking/stuck armature as permanent magnets may crack or break.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE Starting - Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 7: Solenoid Continuity Test
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

3. Check for continuity between solenoid terminal (2) and solenoid case (3). There should be continuity. If

not OK, replace faulty starter motor assembly.

REMOVAL

REMOVAL - 2.8L DIESEL

Fig. 8: Identifying Solenoid Nut, Mounting Stud, Electrical Connector & Battery Cable Assembly
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE Starting - Service Information - Nitro

2. Raise and support vehicle.

3. Four Wheel Drive Equipped: Remove front propeller shaft.

4. Remove solenoid nut (1) from mounting stud (3).

5. After nut (1) has been removed, pull battery cable from mounting stud (3) while removing electrical

connector (5) from solenoid terminal.

Fig. 9: Starter Motor - 2.8L Diesel Auto. Trans.
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Fig. 10: Starter Motor - 2.8L Diesel STD. Trans.
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE Starting - Service Information - Nitro

6. Remove two starter mounting bolts (2).

7. Remove starter assembly (1) from transmission.

8. Rotate starter assembly (1) to allow removal from vehicle.

REMOVAL - 3.7L

1. Disconnect and isolate negative battery cable.

2. Raise and support vehicle.

3. Four Wheel Drive Equipped: Remove front propeller shaft.

Fig. 11: Starter Heat Shield - 3.7L
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

4. Remove two heat shield bolts (1) and remove starter heat shield (2).

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE Starting - Service Information - Nitro