Starter Solenoid: Testing and Inspection

TESTING
Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed by performing the following free running bench test. This test can only be performed with the starter motor removed from the vehicle. Refer to starter motor specifications.

CAUTION: This engine uses a permanent magnet starter. Permanent magnet starters are highly sensitive to hammering, shocks, external pressure and reverse polarity. This starter motor must never be clamped in a vise by the starter field frame. The starter should only be clamped by the mounting flange. Do not reverse the battery cable connections to this starter motor when testing. The permanent magnets may be damaged and the starter rendered unserviceable if it is subjected to any of these conditions.

This test can only be performed with the starter motor removed from the vehicle.
1. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor for removal and installation.
2. Disconnect the wire from the solenoid field coil terminal.

Fig.8 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal and Field Coil Terminal:

3. Check for continuity between the solenoid terminal and the solenoid field coil terminal with a continuity tester (Fig. 8). There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, replace the faulty starter motor.

Fig.9 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal and Solenoid Case - Typical:

4. Check for continuity between the solenoid terminal and the solenoid case (Fig. 9). There should be continuity. If not OK, replace the faulty starter motor.