Armature Check

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Check that the armature coil is not grounded.
Place the armature in a growler.
Hold a thin steel blade parallel and just above the armature while slowly rotating in the growler. A shorted armature will cause a blade to vibrate and be attracted to the core. Replace the shorted armature.

Fig 1: Checking Armature Coil
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Check the insulation between the armature coil cores and the commutator segments. They are normal if there is no continuity.

Fig 2: Checking Insulation Between The Armature Coil Cores And The Commutator Segments
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Check for continuity between the segments. The condition is normal if there is continuity.

Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between The Segments
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION