Cold Cranking Test

For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, see WIRING DIAGRAMS  . Battery must be fully-charged and load-tested before proceeding.

1. Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals. See Fig 1 . See volt-ampere tester manufacturer instructions.
2. Fully engage parking brake. Place gearshift selector lever in Park position. Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off. To prevent engine from starting, remove fuel pump relay from power distribution center. Power distribution center is located at left front side of engine compartment, on positive battery cable in front of battery. Refer to label on power distribution center cover for relay location.
3. Attempt to start engine a few times before proceeding to ensure engine will NOT start. Rotate and hold ignition switch in START position. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester. A cold engine will increase starter current (amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery voltage reading.
   • If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, see STARTER MOTOR  under COMPONENT TESTING. If starter motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor. If starter motor is OK, see appropriate article in ENGINES.
   • If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, see FEED CIRCUIT TEST  .
   • If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor does not turn, see CONTROL CIRCUIT TEST  .
   • If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor turns very slowly, see FEED CIRCUIT TEST  .

Fig 1: Tester Connections For Cold Cranking Test

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.