Feed Circuit Test

The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method) will determine if there is excessive resistance in high-amperage feed circuit. For complete starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to Appropriate Wiring Diagrams.

When performing these tests, it is important to remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of resistance between two points at which voltmeter probes are attached.

Example:  When touching the leads of the voltmeter on the battery cable end and the B+ terminal of the starter, the voltage reading should read 0 volts. A reading above 0.2 volts indicates high resistance in the cable.

The following operation will require a voltmeter accurate to (0.10) volt. Before performing tests, be certain that following procedures are accomplished:

• Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to BATTERY .
• Fully engage parking brake.
• If equipped with manual transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Neutral position and block clutch pedal in fully depressed position. If equipped with automatic transmission, place gearshift selector lever in Park position.
• Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
• To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay. These relays are located in front PDC. Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.

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1. Connect positive lead of voltmeter (1) to negative battery cable terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery cable clamp. Press and hold the ignition in Start  position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, procedure must be performed twice, once for each battery. 

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   1 - VOLTMETER

   2 - BATTERY

2. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to battery positive cable clamp. Press and hold the ignition in Start  position. Observe voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct poor contact between cable clamp and terminal post. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed twice, once for each battery. 

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   1 - BATTERY

   2 - VOLTMETER

   3 - STARTER MOTOR

3. When touching the leads of the voltmeter on the battery cable end and the B+ terminal of the starter, the voltage reading should read 0 volts. A reading above 0.2 volts indicates high resistance in the cable. Connect voltmeter to measure between battery positive terminal post and starter solenoid battery terminal stud. Press and hold the ignition in Start  position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cable connection at solenoid. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed on driver side battery only. 

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   1 - VOLTMETER

   2 - BATTERY

   3 - ENGINE GROUND

4. Connect voltmeter to measure between negative battery terminal post and a good clean ground on engine block. Press and hold the ignition in Start  position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten negative battery cable attachment on engine block. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty negative battery cable. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed twice, once for each battery. 

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   1 - STARTER MOTOR

   2 - BATTERY

   3 - VOLTMETER

5. Connect positive lead of voltmeter to starter housing. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to negative battery terminal post. Press and hold the ignition in Start  position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, correct poor starter to engine block ground contact. Note: Certain diesel equipped models use dual batteries. If equipped with dual battery system, this procedure must be performed on driver side battery only. 
6. If equipped with dual battery system (certain diesel equipped models), connect positive lead of voltmeter to positive battery cable clamp on battery located on left side of vehicle. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to positive battery terminal post on battery located on right side of vehicle. Press and hold the ignition in Start  position. Observe voltmeter. If reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten battery cables at both batteries. Repeat test. If reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace faulty positive battery cable.

If resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems, refer to STARTER MOTOR .