Cold Cranking Test

The battery must be fully-charged and load-tested before proceeding. Refer to Battery in the Diagnosis and Testing of Battery for the procedures.

Volt-Ampere Tester Connections - Typical:

1. Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester to the battery terminals. See the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the volt-ampere tester being used. Note: If the vehicle is equipped with the dual battery system, the tester should be connected to the driver side battery only. Also, the tester current reading must be taken from the battery positive cable lead that connects to the starter motor.
2. Fully engage the parking brake.
3. If the vehicle is equipped with a manual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the fully depressed position. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the Park position.
4. Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.

WARNING: THESE MODELS HAVE AN AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (ASD) RELAY LOCATED IN THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER (PDC), IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HOWEVER, REMOVAL OF THE ASD RELAY MAY NOT PREVENT THE ENGINE FROM STARTING. BE CERTAIN TO ALSO UNPLUG THE FUEL SHUTDOWN SOLENOID WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR ON THESE MODELS. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Fuel Shutdown Solenoid Connector:

5. To prevent a this engine from starting, unplug the fuel shutdown solenoid wire harness connector.
6. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start position. Note the cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw readings shown on the volt-ampere tester.
a. If the voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to Starter Motor in the Diagnosis and Testing.
b. If the voltage reads above 9.6 volts and the current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, refer to Feed Circuit Test.
c. If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and the starter motor does not turn, refer to Control Circuit Testing.
d. If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and the starter motor turns very slowly, refer to Feed Circuit Test.

NOTE: A cold engine will increase the starter current (amperage) draw reading, and reduce the battery voltage reading.