Feed Circuit Test
The starter feed test (voltage drop method) will determine if there is excessive resistance in high amperage feed circuit. See WIRING DIAGRAMS .
When performing these tests, it is important to remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of resistance between 2 points at which voltmeter probes are attached.
NOTE:
If equipped with diesel engine, a dual battery system may be used, and both batteries must be inspected.
- Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp. Rotate and hold ignition switch in START position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
- Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltage meter to battery positive clamp. Rotate and hold ignition switch in START position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable and terminal post.
- Connect voltmeter to measure between positive battery terminal post and starter solenoid battery terminal stud. See Fig 1 . Rotate and hold ignition switch in START position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.
- Connect voltmeter to measure between negative battery terminal post and a good clean ground on engine block. See Fig 2 . Rotate and hold ignition switch in START position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative battery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative battery cable.
- Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery terminal post. See Fig 3 . Rotate and hold ignition switch in START position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to engine block ground contact.
- If equipped with dual battery system (certain diesel equipped models), connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery cable clamp on battery, located on left side of vehicle. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post on battery, located on right side of vehicle. Rotate and hold ignition switch to START position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cables at both batteries. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.
If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems, see STARTER MOTOR in BENCH TESTS.