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Home >> Saturn >> 1998 >> SC2 Automatic, MP6 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Electrical >> Starters >> On-Vehicle Testing >> Battery/Starter Load Test (ARBST Test)
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Battery/Starter Load Test (ARBST Test)

  1. Connect ARBST large Red tester cable to battery positive. Connect ARBST large Black tester cable to battery negative. Place Gray inductive current pick-up around battery positive cable. Ensure arrow on Gray inductive pick-up is pointing toward starter motor solenoid.
    NOTE: Place Gray inductive current pick-up around battery positive cable between battery positive terminal and starter solenoid connection. Easiest place to connect inductive pick-up is next to brake master cylinder. Battery positive cable runs under master cylinder and is covered by a protective wire conduit. This conduit does not need to be removed for this test. On models equipped with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), inductive pick-up can be placed between ABS master cylinder and starter motor.
  2. Disable ignition system by disconnecting ignition module electrical connector. Press STARTER TEST button on ARBST tester. Position tester so display can be seen from driver's seat.
  3. When display says CRANK ENGINE, turn ignition to START position. Tester will continue to display CRANK ENGINE for 15 seconds.
  4. Tester display will display CRANKING AMPS, which shows average amperage drawn by starter during cranking. Amperage should be 80-120 amps at 40-80°F (5-27°C), 70-110 amps at greater than 120°F (50°C), and 90-130 amps at less than 40°F (5°C).
  5. Tester will display CRANKING VOLTAGE, which shows average battery voltage during cranking. If voltage is less than 9.5 volts, perform battery load test.
  6. Tester will display GOOD STARTER or BAD STARTER. If display reads BAD STARTER, ensure no engine or flywheel problems and replace starter motor.