Voltage Drop Test
CAUTION:
When servicing the starter motor or performing other underhood work in the vicinity of the starter motor, be aware that the heavy gauge battery input lead at the starter solenoid is electrically hot at all times.
NOTE:
Make all voltmeter connections at component terminal rather than at cable or wire end. Making a connection at the wiring end connector could result in false readings because the meter will not pick up a high resistance between the wiring connector and the component.
- Verify battery condition. Battery voltage should be 12 volts or more. Load test battery at approximately one-half cold cranking amperage rating. See load tester manufacturer's instructions. If battery voltage is less than 12 volts or loaded battery voltage is less than 9.6 volts, service battery or charging system as necessary.
- Disconnect Inertia Fuel Shutoff (IFS) switch to disable fuel pump. See COMPONENT LOCATIONS . Connect remote starter switch between starter solenoid terminal "S" (White/Pink wire) and positive battery post.
- Connect positive voltmeter lead to positive battery post, and negative lead to solenoid terminal "M". See Fig 1.
- Engage remote starter switch. Voltmeter should indicate .5 volt or less. If voltmeter indicates more than .5 volt, go to next step. If voltmeter indicates .5 volt or less, go to STARTER MOTOR GROUND CIRCUIT TEST .
- Move negative voltmeter lead to solenoid terminal "B" (battery cable). Engage remote starter switch. If voltmeter still indicates more than .5 volt at terminal "B", go to next step. If voltmeter indicates less than .5 volt at terminal "B", solenoid connections or contacts are bad. Clean solenoid terminals "B", "S" and "M". Repeat steps 1- 4 . If voltmeter still indicates more than .5 volt at terminal "M" and less than .5 volt at terminal "B", solenoid contacts are bad. Replace starter motor. See STARTER MOTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Clean cables and connections at solenoid and battery, and repeat step 5. If voltmeter still indicates more than .5 volt at terminal "B", replace battery cable.NOTE: To locate excessive voltage drop, move voltmeter negative lead toward battery, and check each connection point. When high voltmeter reading disappears, problem is between last connection point and previous connection point.