Starter Motor Test

Conduct this test if the starter motor cranks slowly and also to compare the current to specifications. Use the Rotunda Starter, Alternator, Battery, Regulator Electrical Tester (S.A.B.R.E.) 010-00730 or equivalent when performing starter tests.
1. Disconnect the low voltage wires at the coil pack connector. This prevents the coil from activating the secondary ignition and the engine from starting.
2. Disconnect inertia fuel shut off switch power to the fuel pump to disable fuel flow.
3. Clamp the black load lead of the ARBST or equivalent to the battery negative terminal.

NOTE: Make sure battery terminals and cable connections are clean.

4. Clamp the red load lead of the Alternator, Battery, Regulator and Starter Tester (ABRST) to the battery positive terminal. Make sure both load leads are connected securely.
5. Zero the ammeter of the ABRST by removing the gray amp probe from all wires and pressing the "ZERO AMPS" key.
6. Clamp the gray amp probe of the ABRST around the battery ground cable so that the arrow on the probe points toward the battery.

NOTE: Make sure the gray amp probe is around all wires connected to the negative battery terminal during this test.

7. Press STARTING TEST. The display will read INPUT # CYLS =<>. Type in the vehicles number of cylinders on the numeric keypad and press the ENTER key. The tester will accept numbers from 2 to 12.
8. The display will then read DISABLE IGNITION AND CRANK ENGINE. Make sure that you have disabled the ignition system so that the engine will not start when cranked.
9. Once the vehicle has been disabled, crank the engine. The display will read MAINTAIN CRANKING. Continue to crank the engine until the display reads either TEST COMPLETE or TEST INCOMPLETE. Then discontinue engine cranking.
10. Press the CONTINUE key to display the cranking volts. Press the CONTINUE key once again to display the cranking amps. Press the CONTINUE key once again to display the starter motor diagnosis. The display will read either GOOD STARTER or BAD STARTER.
11. To view cranking volts again, press the CONTINUE key. To display cranking amps again, press the CONTINUE key a second time. To exit the loop, select another test.