The starting system used in HK, HT and HG Holden vehicles is designed to crank the engine reliably under a wide range of operating conditions. When the ignition key is turned to the start position, electrical current flows from the battery to the starter solenoid which engages the starter drive pinion with the flywheel ring gear and powers the starter motor. If any part of this system develops a fault the engine may crank slowly, fail to crank at all or produce abnormal noises during starting.
No cranking action
• Battery discharged or defective
• Loose or corroded battery cables
• Starter solenoid not operating correctly
• Faulty ignition starting switch
• Broken or disconnected starter control wiring
• Internal starter motor fault
A battery in a low state of charge will often cause the starter solenoid to chatter rather than engage fully. This occurs because the battery cannot maintain the voltage required to keep the solenoid plunger engaged.
Starter motor operates but engine does not turn
• Starter drive pinion not engaging the flywheel ring gear
• Mechanical problem in the starter drive linkage
• Worn or damaged flywheel ring gear teeth
If the starter motor spins but the engine does not crank, the problem is usually mechanical within the starter drive or engagement mechanism.
Starter motor does not operate
• Open circuit in starter control wiring
• Excessive resistance in ignition switch circuit
• Defective solenoid switch
• Broken or loose wiring connections
A quick diagnostic method is to bridge the ignition starting switch terminals using a jumper lead. If the starter operates normally, the problem lies in the ignition switch or control circuit.
Abnormally low cranking speed
• Weak or defective battery
• Corroded battery terminals
• Defective starter cables
• Faulty solenoid switch
• Internal starter motor wear
• Engine condition causing excessive load on the starter
Cold weather and heavy engine oil can also increase the load on the starter motor, reducing cranking speed.
Starter motors fitted to HK, HT and HG Holden vehicles are generally robust units, but worn brushes, damaged wiring or poor electrical connections can eventually cause starting problems. Regular inspection of battery cables and electrical connections can prevent many common faults.
While this guide helps identify common engine problems, the Holden workshop manuals available from Car Manuals Direct provide the original specifications, adjustment settings and repair procedures used by Holden mechanics when these vehicles were new.