Starting System

Starter Test

NOTE: The air temperature must be between 15 and 38°C (59 and 100°F) before testing.

Recommended Procedure:

•   Use a starter system tester.
•   Connect and operate the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
•   Test and troubleshoot as described.

Alternate Procedure:

•   Use the following equipment: - Ammeter, 0-400 A
- Voltmeter, 0-20 V (accurate within 0.1 volt)
- Tachometer, 0-1200 rpm

•   Hook up voltmeter and ammeter as shown.

1. Disconnect the 2-P connector (ignition coil primary lead) from the distributor.

2. Check the starter engagement:
Press the clutch pedal all the way in (M/T), and turn the ignition switch to "Start". The starter should crank the engine.

NOTE: On cars equipped with manual transmission, the engine will not crank unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

• If the starter does not crank the engine, check the battery, battery positive cable, ground, and the wire connections for looseness and corrosion.

•   Test again. If the starter still does not crank the engine, bypass the ignition switch circuit as follows (make sure the transmission is in neutral): Unplug the connector (BLK/WHT wire and solenoid terminal wire) from the starter. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive (+) terminal to the solenoid terminal. The starter should crank the engine.