Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Starter Feed Circuit Resistance Test

The following test will require a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 of a volt.
1. Disable ignition system, refer to DISABLING IGNITION SYSTEM.
2. With all wiring harness and components connected properly, perform the following:
a. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery negative post, and negative lead to battery negative cable clamp. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is not detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and post.
b. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery positive post, and negative lead to battery cable positive clamp. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is not detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and post.
c. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to battery negative terminal, and negative led to engine block near battery cable attaching point.
3. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. If voltage reads above .2 volt, correct poor contact at ground cable attaching point. If reading is still above .2 volt, replace ground cable.
4. Remove starter heat shield (if equipped), then perform the following:
a. Connect positive voltmeter lead to starter motor housing and negative lead to battery negative terminal. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. If voltage reads above .2 volt, correct poor starter to engine ground.
b. Connect positive voltmeter lead to positive battery terminal and negative lead to battery cable terminal on starter solenoid. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. If voltage reads above .2 volt, correct poor contact at battery cable to solenoid connection. If reading is still above .2 volt, replace positive battery cable.
5. If resistance tests detect no feed circuit failures, remove starter motor and proceed to BENCH TESTING STARTER SOLENOID.