Cranking Test

NOTE: Remove air cleaner assembly, if necessary, to access battery terminals.

NOTE: Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. High viscosity oil, extreme cold temperatures, or an engine with tight piston ring-to-cylinder clearance, will increase amperage draw.

NOTE: If vehicle is equipped with dual batteries, ensure driver's side battery is used for this test.

Using a battery load tester, connect positive and negative leads to battery. Connect inductive voltmeter pick-up to positive battery cable. Disable ignition and fuel systems. See DISABLING/ENABLING IGNITION & FUEL SYSTEMS .
Ensure all lights and accessories are off. Place Automatic Transmission (A/T) in "P" position or Manual Transmission (M/T) in Neutral. Apply parking brake. Crank engine and observe voltmeter. If voltage is more than 9.6 volts and cranking amperage draw is more than specified amps, perform CIRCUIT RESISTANCE TESTS . For applicable amperage draw specifications, see appropriate table under STARTER SPECIFICATIONS .
If voltage is 12.5 volts or more and cranking amperage draw is less than specified, check starter circuit components in following order: starter solenoid, starter relay, starter relay circuit, park/neutral position switch or transmission range sensor (A/T), clutch pedal position switch (M/T), ignition switch, wiring harness and connections.