Starter Motor/Solenoid Test

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

CAUTION: The 2.5L engine uses a permanent magnet starter. Permanent magnet starters are highly sensitive to hammering, shocks, external pressure and reverse polarity. This starter motor must never be clamped in a vise by starter field frame. The starter should only be clamped by mounting flange. Do not reverse battery cable connections to starter motor when testing. The permanent magnets may be damaged and starter rendered unserviceable if it is subjected to any of these conditions.

Starter Motor Testing
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 a 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 a jumper wire from solenoid terminal to solenoid B(+) terminal stud. The starter motor should operate. If starter motor fails to operate, replace faulty starter motor.
5. Adjust carbon pile load of tester to obtain free running test voltage. Refer to starter motor free running test voltage specifications.
6. Note reading on ammeter and compare reading to free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer to starter motor free running test maximum amperage draw specifications.
7. If ammeter reading exceeds maximum amperage draw specification, replace faulty starter motor.

Starter Solenoid Testing
This test can only be performed with starter motor removed from vehicle.
1. Remove starter motor from vehicle.
2. Disconnect wire from solenoid field coil terminal.

Fig.8 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal And Field Coil Terminal:

3. Check for continuity between solenoid terminal and solenoid field coil terminal with a continuity tester (Fig. 8). There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor.

Fig.9 Continuity Test Between Solenoid Terminal And Solenoid Case - Typical:

4. Check for continuity between solenoid terminal and solenoid case (Fig. 9). There should be continuity. If not OK, replace faulty starter motor.