Voltage Drop Test
NOTE:
Make all voltmeter connections at component terminal rather than at cable or wire end.
- Disconnect and ground coil wire from distributor cap to prevent engine from starting. Connect remote starter switch between starter solenoid terminal "S" and battery positive terminal. See Fig 1 .
- Connect positive DVOM lead to battery positive terminal. Connect negative lead to starter solenoid terminal "M".
- Engage remote starter switch. Observe voltmeter. Voltmeter indication should be less than 0.5 volt. If voltage at terminal "M" is greater than 0.5 volt, connect negative voltmeter lead to solenoid terminal "B", and repeat test.
- If voltage at terminal "B" is less than 0.5 volt, inspect solenoid cable connections and solenoid contacts for problem.
- Clean solenoid terminals "B", "M", and "S", and repeat steps 1) through 4). If voltmeter still indicates greater than 0.5 volt at terminal "M" and less than 0.5 volt at terminal "B", solenoid contacts are defective.
- If voltmeter indicates greater than 0.5 volt at terminal "B", clean cables and connections at solenoid. Repeat test. If voltmeter still indicates greater than 0.5 volt, check for poor positive battery cable connection or defective cable. Repair or replace as necessary.
- To locate excessive voltage drop, move negative voltmeter lead toward battery, and repeat test for each connection point. When high voltmeter indication no longer exists, last connection point is defective.
- Cable resistance also can be checked in the following way: Connect positive lead of voltmeter to cable end nearest battery positive. Connect voltmeter negative lead to terminal at other end of cable. While cranking engine, voltage drop should be 0.2 volt or less. If voltage drop is more than specification, clean terminals and retest. Replace cable(s) if voltage drop is still too great.