Voltage Drop Test
NOTE:
Make all voltmeter connections at component terminal rather than at cable or wire end.
- Disconnect and ground coil wire from distributor cap to prevent engine from starting. Connect remote starter switch between starter solenoid terminal "S" and battery positive terminal. See Fig 1.
- Using a digital voltmeter set on low scale, connect positive voltmeter lead to battery positive terminal. Connect negative lead to starter solenoid terminal "M". See Fig 1.
- Engage remote starter switch. Observe and record voltmeter reading. Voltmeter reading should be less than .5 volt. If voltage at terminal "M" is greater than .5 volt, move negative voltmeter lead to solenoid terminal "B", and repeat test.
- If voltage at terminal "B" is less than .5 volt, inspect solenoid cable connections and solenoid contacts for problem.
- Clean solenoid terminals "B", "M" and "S", and repeat steps 1) through 4). If voltmeter still reads greater than .5 volt at terminal "M" and less than .5 volt at terminal "B", solenoid contacts are bad.
- If voltmeter reads greater than .5 volt at terminal "B", clean cables and connections at solenoid. If voltmeter still reads greater than .5 volt, check for poor positive battery cable connection or bad cable. Repair or replace as necessary.
- To locate excessive voltage drop, move negative voltmeter lead toward battery, and check each connection point. When high voltmeter reading is no longer present, last connection point is bad.
- Cable resistance also can be checked in the following way. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to cable end nearest battery positive. Connect voltmeter negative lead to terminal at other end of cable. While cranking engine, voltage drop should be .2 volts or less. If voltage drop is more than specification, clean terminals and retest. Replace cable(s) if voltage drop is still too great.