Feed Circuit Test

The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method) will determine if there is excessive resistance in high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, see WIRING DIAGRAMS  .

When performing this test, it is important to remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of resistance between two points at which voltmeter probes are attached.

• Example:  When testing resistance of positive battery cable, touch voltmeter leads to positive battery cable clamp and cable connector at starter solenoid. If you probe positive battery terminal post and cable connector at starter solenoid, you are reading combined voltage drop in positive battery cable clamp-to-terminal post connection and positive battery cable.

The following operation will require a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing tests, be certain that following procedures are accomplished:

• Battery is fully-charged and load-tested.
• Parking brake is fully engaged.
• Gearshift selector lever is in Park position.
• Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
• To prevent engine from starting, remove fuel pump relay from power distribution center. Power distribution center is located at left front side of engine compartment, on positive battery cable in front of battery. Refer to label on power distribution center cover for relay location.

1. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to negative battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp. See Fig 1 . Rotate and hold ignition switch in START position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
2. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery positive cable clamp. See Fig 2 . Rotate and hold ignition switch in START position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post.
   Fig 1: Testing Negative Battery Cable Connection Resistance

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
   Fig 2: Testing Positive Battery Cable Connection Resistance

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
3. Connect voltmeter to measure between battery positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery terminal stud. See Fig 3 . 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.
   Fig 3: Testing Positive Battery Cable Resistance

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
4. Connect voltmeter to measure between negative battery terminal post and a good clean ground on engine block. See Fig 4 . 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.
   Fig 4: Testing Ground Circuit Resistance

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
5. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery terminal post. See Fig 5 . 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.
   Fig 5: Testing Starter Ground Circuit

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems, see STARTER MOTOR  under COMPONENT TESTING.