Starter Ground Circuit Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mercury Villager. 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 connector. Inertia fuel shutoff switch is located under left side of instrument panel. Connect remote starter switch between starter solenoid terminal "S" (Red/White wire) and positive battery post. See Fig 1.
- Using a digital voltmeter set at lowest voltage scale, 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 engine.
- 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, replace starter motor. See STARTER MOTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.