Motor Ground Circuit

This test procedures will be performed with the starter motor on the vehicle.

NOTE: Make all multimeter connections at the component terminal rather than the cable or wiring terminal.

A slow cranking condition can be caused by resistance in the ground or return portion of the cranking circuit. Check the voltage drop in the ground circuit as follows:

1. Disconnect the ignition coil connector from the ignition coil.
2. Connect a remote starter switch between the starter solenoid S-terminal and the battery positive (+) terminal.
3. Connect the positive (+) lead of a 73 Digital Multimeter to the starter motor housing. The connection must be clean and free of rust or grease. Connect the negative (-) lead to the negative (-) battery terminal.
4. Engage the remote starter switch and read the voltage. The reading should be 0.2 volts or less.
5. If the voltage drop is greater than 0.2 volts, clean the negative (-) battery cable connections at the battery and chassis. Also, clean the engine ground cable connection at the cable mounting bracket. If the voltage drop is still excessive, repair or replace the battery ground cable.