Starter Motor: Testing and Inspection

Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed by performing following free running bench test. This test can only be performed with starter motor removed from vehicle. Refer to Starting Specifications for starter motor specifications.

1. Remove starter motor from vehicle.
2. Mount starter motor securely in a soft-jawed bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on mounting flange of starter motor. Never clamp on starter motor by field frame.
3. Connect suitable volt-ampere tester and 12-volt battery to starter motor in series, and set ammeter to 100 ampere scale. See instructions provided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being used.
4. Install jumper wire from solenoid terminal to solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should operate. If starter motor fails to operate, replace faulty starter motor assembly.
5. Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free running test voltage. Refer to Starting Specifications for starter motor free running test voltage specifications.
6. Note reading on ammeter and compare reading to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer to Starting Specifications section for starter motor free running test maximum amperage draw specifications.
7. If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amperage draw specification, replace faulty starter motor assembly.