         
Some 1998 Sephia models may intermittently experience a condition where the starter motor fails to engage and blows the 15-amp start fuse. This condition happens more frequently when the outside air temperature is high. This condition is caused by excessive resistance in the starter solenoid circuit due to insufficient wire size of the starter solenoid wire. This causes the current to the starter solenoid pull-in winding to be too low for the starter solenoid to fully engage. If the key is held in the “start” position for an extended period of time, the 15-amp fuse will blow. PRODUCTION DATES AFFECTED FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MT BEFORE 5/2/98 BEFORE VIN # KNAFB1219W5753552 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AT BEFORE 5/7/98 BEFORE VIN # KNAFB1211W5754548 On vehicles produced after the above production dates, the starter solenoid circuit wire size was increased to eliminate the high resistance condition. Vehicles produced prior to the production change that experience an intermittent no-start condition or blow the 15-amp start fuse should install a relay kit in the engine compartment fuse/relay box. This kit (US980 67 KIT) consists of a relay, a 30-amp fuse, and a sub-harness that is to be installed between the engine compartment fuse relay box and the starter. 
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