Battery Terminal Voltage Test

Fig. 1 Battery Terminal Voltage Test:

1. Connect a voltmeter across battery terminals, Fig. 1 and operate starter switch. Correct volt reading is approximately 10.0 volts.
2. Voltage reading lower than 10 volts indicates an excessive current flow in circuit. If evident, remove starter and perform bench test.

If solenoid operates intermittently during test or engine cranks slowly or at an irregular speed, voltage at solenoid operating winding terminal is insufficient or solenoid is defective.

To check switching circuit for high resistance, connect voltmeter between solenoid operating winding terminal and ground. When switch contacts are closed, reading on voltmeter should be slightly less than reading obtained in Step 1. A satisfactory reading will indicate there is a very small voltage drop in circuit and that solenoid is malfunctioning. If voltage is much lower than in Step 1, check switch circuit for high resistance or faulty connections.

1. Perform battery terminal voltage test as described above, then connect voltmeter between starter input terminal and ground and engage starter. Correct voltage is not more than 0.5 volts below reading obtained in battery terminal voltage test step 1.
2. If voltage between terminals is too low and battery voltage is satisfactory, a high resistance in cable or at solenoid contacts is evident.