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Starter Motor - No-Load Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Ford Pickup, 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2006 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2006 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Connect a fully charged battery to the starter.
  2. Connect the Alternator, Regulator, Battery and Starter Tester (ARBST) as illustrated.
  3. Connect a remote starter switch between the starter solenoid Terminal S and the positive battery terminal post.
  4. Press the remote starter switch. The pinion should shift to the crank position and the motor should run smoothly.
  5. While the starter motor is running, record the voltmeter and ammeter readings.
  6. The voltage reading should be greater than 11.0 volts and the amperage should be no more than 170 amps.
  7. If voltage is lower than specified or amperage is higher than specified, refer to the results chart below to determine possible cause and corrective action.
STARTER MOTOR NO-LOAD TEST RESULTS

Test Result Probable Source Action to Take
  • Normal current and speed
  • Cranking motor OK.
  • RECHECK the battery, switches and wiring, including voltage drop tests, if cranking motor operation on the engine is slow or sluggish.
  • Current flow with test circuit switch open
  • Solenoid contacts stuck closed.
  • CARRY OUT the Starter Solenoid Component Test.
  • Failure to operate with very low or no current
  • Open solenoid winding.
  • CARRY OUT the Starter Solenoid Component Test.
  • Open field circuit.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Open armature coil(s) or high insulation between commutator bars.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Broken brush spring(s) or worn brushes.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Failure to operate with high current
  • Frozen bearing, or other damage to drivetrain.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Direct ground in terminals or fields.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Low speed with high current
  • Excessive friction in bushings or gear reduction unit, bent armature shaft or loose pole shoe, bent driveshaft.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Shorted armature.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Grounded armature or fields.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Low speed with normal (or low) current
  • High internal electrical resistance caused by poor connections, defective leads or dirty commutator.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Open solenoid winding.
  • CARRY OUT the Starter Solenoid Component Test.
  • Open field circuit.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Open field circuit.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • Broken brush spring(s) or worn brushes.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
  • High speed with high current
  • Shorted fields.
  • INSTALL a new starter motor.
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