Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Cold Cranking Test

TESTING
Before testing the starting system perform a visual inspection of the starting system components and connections. Refer to Starting System for the cleaning and inspection procedures.

Before performing this test be certain that the following procedures are accomplished:
- The battery is fully-charged and Toad tested. Refer to Battery Charging procedures. Refer to Battery diagnosis and testing procedures, including the proper battery load test procedures.
- Fully engage the parking brake.
- If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, place tile gearshift selector lever in the Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the fully depressed position.
- Verify that the lamps and accessories are turned off
- To prevent the engine from starting, remove the Automatic Shut Down (ASD) relay. The ASD relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in the engine compartment. See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover for ASD relay identification and location.

Volt-Amps Tester Connections - Typical:




1. Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester to the battery terminals. See the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the volt-ampere tester being used.
2. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start position. Note the cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw readings shown on the volt-ampere tester.

a. If the voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to Starter Motor diagnosis and testing procedures. If the starter motor is not OK, replace the faulty starter motor.
b. If the voltage reads above 9.6 volts and tile current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer to the Feed Circuit Test.
c. If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and the starter motor does not turn, refer to the Control Circuit Test.
d. If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and the starter motor turns very slowly, refer to the Feed Circuit Test.

NOTE: A cold engine will increase the starter current (amperage) draw reading, and reduce the battery voltage reading.