Cold Cranking Test

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

1. Connect volt-ampere tester to battery terminals. See Fig 1 . See instructions provided by manufacturer of volt-ampere tester being used.
   Fig 1: Volts-Amps Tester Connections

   Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
2. Fully engage parking brake.
3. 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.
4. Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
5. To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay. To prevent a diesel engine from starting, remove Fuel Pump Relay. These relays are located in Power Distribution Center (PDC). Refer to label on PDC cover for relay location.
6. Rotate and hold ignition switch in Start position. Note cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw readings shown on volt-ampere tester.
   1. If voltage reads below 9.6 volts, see STARTER MOTOR  under COMPONENT TESTING. If starter motor is OK, see appropriate article in ENGINES for further testing of engine. If starter motor is not OK, replace faulty starter motor. See appropriate procedure (for engine displacement) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION  .
   2. If voltage reads above 9.6 volts and current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, see FEED CIRCUIT TEST  .
   3. If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor does not turn, see CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING  .
   4. If voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and starter motor turns very slowly, see FEED CIRCUIT TEST  .
      NOTE: A cold engine will increase starter current (amperage) draw reading, and reduce battery voltage reading.