Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .




Caution: Keep fingers and tools away from the opening in the starter drive housing while performing the Starter No Load Test. The strong shifting action of the solenoid could cause personal injury or damage as the drive pinion moves into the cranking position and spins.

3. Connect the test leads from the battery (4) and the ammeter (3) to the starter motor assembly.
4. Ensure that the following conditions are met:

•	The starter motor runs smoothly.

•	The pinion extends quickly and completely.

5. Measure the starter motor current draw. The standard starter motor current draw at 11 volts is 90 Amps.

Low free speed and high current draw indicates the following conditions:

Failure to operate and high current draw indicates the following conditions:

Failure to operate and low or no current draw indicates the following conditions:

Low no-load speed and low current draw indicates the following conditions:

High free speed and high current draw indicate shorted fields.

Rated current draw and no-load speed indicate the normal condition of the starter motor assembly.

If any of the above conditions are unsatisfactory, repair or replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement or Starter Motor Overhaul .

Notice: Do not allow the solenoid pull-in current to flow for more than 15 seconds at a time. The windings can be damaged by overheating. Also, the current draw readings will decrease as the windings heat up.

1. Remove the field coil lead wire (1) from the solenoid terminal.
2. Install the test leads from the battery to the starter motor assembly.
3. Ensure that the pinion extends quickly and completely to the energized position (pull-in test).



4. Disconnect the negative (-) lead from the starter-to-solenoid wire solenoid terminal.
5. Verify that the pinion remains completely in the energized position (hold-in test).



6. Disconnect the negative (-) lead from the drive housing.
7. Ensure that the pinion returns quickly and completely to the de-energized position (pinion return test).

If the pinion does not return to the de-energized position, the cause is most likely a faulty starter solenoid return spring. Replace the starter solenoid.

8. If any of the above tests are not satisfactory, replace the starter solenoid. Refer to Starter Motor Overhaul .

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

9. Install the field coil lead wire to the solenoid terminal.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

10. Install the starter motor assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .
11. Connect the solenoid electrical connector.
12. Connect the negative battery cable.

Tighten
Tighten the negative battery cable retainer to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).