Starter Ground Circuit Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1998 Mercury Mountaineer and 1998 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Make all voltmeter connections at component terminal rather than at cable or wire end.
- Disconnect inertia fuel shutoff switch to prevent vehicle from starting. Connect remote starter switch between starter solenoid terminal "S" and positive battery post. See Fig 1.
- Connect positive voltmeter lead to starter housing, and negative lead to negative battery post.
- Engage remote starter switch while observing voltmeter. Voltmeter should indicate .2 volt or less. If voltmeter indicates more than .2 volt, clean negative cable connections at battery and chassis. Also clean engine ground cable connections at front cover and engine mount bracket.
- If voltage drop is still excessive, repair or replace negative battery cable and/or engine ground cable as necessary. Repeat starter circuit test after repair to ensure problem has been corrected.
- If battery and cables test okay and starter motor still cranks slowly or not at all, remove and repair starter.