For 1990-2009 cars only
No-Load Test
- Make the proper electrical connections. The connections are as follows:
- Close the switch and compare the RPM, current, and voltage readings with the starter specifications. Refer to Starter Motor Usage .
- Rated current draw and no-load speed indicates normal condition of the starter motor.
- Low free speed and high current draw indicates:
- Failure to operate with high current draw indicates one of the following conditions:
- Failure to operate with low or no current draw indicates one of the following conditions:
- Low no-load speed and low current draw indicates high internal resistance due to one of the following conditions:
- High free speed and high current draw usually indicate shorted fields. If shorted fields are suspected, replace the field and frame assembly. Also check for shorted armature, using a growler.
| 1.1. | 1. Battery |
| 1.2. | 2. Ammeter |
| 1.3. | 3. Voltmeter |
| 1.4. | 4. Starter |
| 1.5. | 5. Carbon Pile |
| • | Too much friction - tight, dirty, or worn bushings, bent armature shaft allowing armature to drag. |
| • | Shorted armature. This can be further checked on a growler after disassembly. |
| • | A direct ground in the terminal or fields. |
| • | "Frozen" bearings. |
| • | Open the solenoid windings. Check solenoid resistance values. Refer to Starter Motor Inspection . |
| • | Open the field circuit. This can be checked after disassembly by inspecting internal connections and tracing the circuit with a test lamp. |
| • | Open the armature coils. Inspect the commutator for badly burned bars after disassembly. |
| • | Broken brush springs, worn brushes, high insulation between the commutator bars or other causes which would prevent good contact between the brushes and commutator. |
| • | Poor connections |
| • | Defective leads |
| • | Dirty commutator |
| • | Causes listed under failure to operate with low or no current, listed above |
