Checking Starter Motor Circuit

• Ignition off.
• Place the gear selector in neutral (automatic transmission: parking position "P").
• Expose the starter motor relay in the relay/fuse box in the engine compartment. For position of relay, see wiring diagram.
• Short-circuit the cables to the relay socket #3(30) and #5(87) to each other so that the control solenoid pulls.

HINT: A starter motor relay without protective cover can be used for short-circuiting. 

Fig 1: Identifying Starter Motor Relay

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

Does the starter motor run when the relay is short-circuited? 

• YES 

  Refer to FAULT-TRACING INFORMATION 

• NO 

  Refer to CHECKING STARTER MOTOR