How to Troubleshoot the Starter on a Buick Reatta

[carsrepair]

The Buick Reatta came equipped with the 3.8-liter V-6 engine and an automatic transmission. The starter on this drive train package is located in the lower front of the engine compartment and is accessible from underneath the vehicle. Troubleshooting of the starter is similar to that of all General Motors vehicles and begins with a battery check. The procedure is well within the capabilities of the average home mechanic and takes a minimal amount of time.

1.
Step 1

Lift the Reatta with a floor jack to gain access to the front undercarriage. Place jack stands under the front sub-frame to support the weight of the vehicle if the floor jack should fail.
2.
Step 2

Open the hood, and test the battery with a volt/ohm meter. The batter voltage should be no less then 12.5 volts. Anything less indicates a discharged battery. Charge the battery, before continuing if it is below 12.5 volts
3.
Step 3

Remove the splash shield protecting the starter. This will allow access to the back of the starter and the wiring.
4.
Step 4

Check the positive battery cable for looseness at the back of the starter. Attach the test light to the frame and touch the probe point to the large, red primary battery cable. Power is supplied to this connection at all times.
5.
Step 5

Touch the probe of the test light to the purple start-signal wire at the connector on the back of the starter. Have a helper turn the ignition key to the start position, and the wire should have power supplied to it. If power is present and the starter does not turn, the starter is bad. If power is not present, check fusible links and fuses with a test light. If the fuses and fusible links are OK, the ignition switch is bad.