1
10
2
4
5
6
8
7
7
9
8
9
6
2
4
5
3
3
18
Voltage Drops
5. Turn multimeter rotary switch to 200mV
DC range.
If multimeter overranges, turn multimeter
rotary switch to the 2V DC range. (See
Setting the Range on page 6)
6. Crank engine until steady reading is on
display.
• Record results at each point as displayed
on multimeter.
• Repeat Step 4 & 5 until all points are
checked.
7. Test Results –
Estimated Voltage Drop of Starter Cir-
cuit Components
Component
Voltage
Switches
300mV
Wire or Cable
200mV
Ground
100mV
Battery Cable Connectors 50mV
Connections
0.0V
• Compare voltage readings in Step 6 with
above chart.
• If any voltages read high, inspect com-
ponent and connection for defects.
• If defects are found, service as necessary.
This test measures the voltage drop across
wires, switches, cables, solenoids, and con-
nections. With this test you can find excessive
resistance in the starter system. This resis-
tance restricts the amount of current that reaches
the starter motor resulting in low battery load
voltage and a slow cranking engine at starting.
Test Procedure (see Fig. 21):
1. Disable ignition system so vehicle won’t
start.
Disconnect the primary of the ignition coil
or the distributor pick-up coil or the cam/
crank sensor to disable the ignition sys-
tem. Refer to vehicle service manual for
disabling procedure.
2. Insert BLACK test lead into COM test
lead jack.
3. Insert RED test lead into
test
lead jack.
4. Connect test leads.
Refer to Typical Cranking Voltage Loss
Circuit (Fig. 21).
• Connect RED and BLACK test leads al-
ternately between 1 & 2, 2 & 3, 4 & 5, 5
& 6, 6 & 7, 7 & 8, 8 & 9, and 8 & 10.
Red
Black
Fig. 21 Typical Cranking Voltage
Loss Circuit
Solenoid
This is a representative sample of one
type of cranking circuit. Your vehicle
may use a different circuit with
different components or locations.
Consult your vehicle service manual.
Starter