Using Generic Starting System Tester Or Individual Test Equipment

• 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 amp, Voltmeter, 0-20 volts (accurate within 0.1 volt) and Tachometer, 0-1200 RPM

Check Starter Engagement

1. Remove fuse No. 8 (10-amp) from the fuse/relay box.
2. Turn the ignition switch to START position with the shift lever in "P" or "N" position (A/T) or with the clutch pedal depressed (M/T). The starter should crank the engine. If the starter does not crank the engine, go to step  4 . If it cranks the engine erratically or too slowly, go to next step.
3. The starter should crank the engine smoothly and steadily. If the starter engages, but cranks the engine erratically, remove it, and inspect the starter drive gear and flywheel ring gear for damage. Check the drive gear overrunning clutch for binding or slipping when the armature is rotated with the drive gear held. See OVERRUNNING CLUTCH  . If damaged, replace the gears.
4. Check the battery, battery positive cable, ground, starter cut relay, and the wire connections for looseness and corrosion. Test again. If the starter still does not crank the engine, go to next step.
5. Unplug the connector from the starter.
6. Connect a jumper wire from the battery positive (+) terminal to the solenoid terminal. The starter should crank the engine. If the starter still does not crank the engine, remove it, and diagnose its internal problem. If the starter cranks the engine, go to next step.
7. Check the ignition switch. See IGNITION SWITCH in STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES article.
8. Check the starter relay. See STARTER RELAY  .
9. Check the A/T gear position switch (A/T) or the clutch interlock switch (M/T). See TRANSAXLE RANGE SWITCH TEST (A/T)  or CLUTCH PEDAL SWITCH TEST (M/T) 
10. Check for an open in the wire between the ignition switch and starter.