Starter Motor Ground Circuit Check

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

For information on Ford Color Coded Illustrations, refer to OEM COLOR CODING

NOTE: Always make the multi meter connection at the component terminal rather than at the wiring end of the connector. Making a connection at the wiring end of the connector could result in false readings because the meter will not pick up a high resistance between the wiring connector and component.

Make sure the battery is fully charged. For additional information, refer to: Battery .
Perform a battery drain test. For additional information, refer to: Battery Drain Check .
Connect a remote starter switch between starter solenoid "S" terminal and the battery positive terminal.
Connect the multimeter positive lead to the starter motor housing (the connection must be clean and free of rust or grease). Connect the negative lead to the negative battery terminal.
Place gear selector lever in Park or Neutral.
Engage the remote starter switch and crank the engine. Read and record the voltage reading. The reading should be 0.5 volt or less.

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR COMPANY
If the voltage reading is greater than 0.5 volt, clean the negative cable connections at the battery, the body ground connections and the starter ground connection. Retest.
If the voltage reading is greater than 0.5 volt, install a new negative battery cable. For additional information, refer to: Battery and Cables - System Operation and Component Description .
If the voltage reading is less than 0.5 volt and the engine still cranks slowly, install a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to: Starter Motor .