12
13
4
STARTER OVERVIEW
The starter draw test measures the amount of current needed to crank
the engine and provides the initial information to diagnose and/or further
test the starting system if necessary. What may appear to be a major
problem may turn out to be a minor problem. Also, what appears to be a
starter problem may be something more major.
Symptomatic Check before Proceeding:
Check all cables and connections.
Check the battery for corrosion and dirty terminals.
Check starter/solenoid for visual defects.
Check the ignition switch and any magnetic switches for
loose or bad wiring, loose mounting, or connections and
sticking contacts.
Check for starter/solenoid noise. The type of noise or the
lack thereof can help in diagnosing the problem.
Does the solenoid click, but the starter does not turn? Does
the starter turn, but not engage the flywheel? Is the starter
sluggish?
Note:
A remote starter switch can be used to bypass the ignition switch
and crank the engine from under the hood. This way the sounds of the
starter can be heard.
STARTER DRAW TEST
Press (N Esc.) to return to main menu. Select
Starter Test
then press
(Y Enter).
Press (Y Enter) and the
BVA-300 does a prelimi-
nary check.
Use the (+Up) and (-Down)
to move cursor to the
desired test
Wait for instructions before cranking engine.
After a few seconds the test result will appear.
Compare draw reading with
manufactures specifications
If manufacturer’s specifications are not available the chart below can be
used as a general guideline. The amounts are in Amps.
NOTE:
For Truck, bus, and
other heavy-duty engines and
starters, refer to manufacturer’s
specifications.
If still out of specifications:
High
Amp reading may indicate engine is out
of time or a faulty starter. Some possible causes are shorted windings,
bent armature, broken housing or bad bearings. Repair or replace starter
as needed.
STARTER DRAW AND DIESEL ENGINES
There are a few points to consider in testing a starter on a diesel engine.
The BVA-200S is designed to recognize any significant amount of
draw; this includes glow plugs in small diesel engines. In heavy-duty
applications consider computer and accessory draw.
•
Make sure you start the engine quickly. The engine should be warm.
•
Turn the ignition on and allow the glow plugs to heat up and click off before
you run the Starter Draw Test. This could be done at the time the Amp Probe is
attached.
•
Repeat the test in different ways and compare results.
If the results are out of specification do the following:
•
Inspect the connectors for excessive voltage drop.
• Repair or replace any defective cables or connectors.
• Retest the system.
BATTERY TEST
>STARTER TEST
ALTERNATOR TEST
OTHER
CHECKING BATTERY
PLEASE WAIT…
650A
>START ENGINE
‘N’ TO CANCEL
#40 12V STARTER
BEG. VOLTS 12.33
END VOLTS 10.11
EST DRAW 292
