Armature Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check that the armature coil is not grounded.
Place armature in a growler. See Fig 1 .
Hold a thin steel blade parallel and just above while rotating the armature slowly in the growler. A shorted armature will cause a blade to vibrate and attract to the core. Replace the shorted armature.
Check the insulation between the armature coil cores and the commutator segments. They are normal if there is no continuity. See Fig 2 .
Check for continuity between the segments. The condition is normal if there is continuity. See Fig 3 .

Fig 1: Placing Armature In Growler

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

Fig 2: Checking Armature Coil Ground Test

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.

Fig 3: Checking Armature Coil Open Circuit

Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.