Starters: Diagnosis Mercury Cougar VIII

TROUBLE SHOOTING

1. Check battery for state of charge.
2. Check cable connections at battery and starter motor.
3. Ensure transmission is fully engaged in Park or Neutral (automatic transmission), or clutch pedal is fully depressed (manual transmission).
4. Check fuse No. 10 (20-amp) in engine compartment fuse/relay box.

STARTER NO-LOAD TEST

Remove starter from vehicle. See STARTER MOTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Using heavy gauge jumper wires, connect battery to starter "B" terminal and negative to starter frame. (Scheme 2) Connect voltmeter, ammeter, and remote starter switch to starter. Engage remote starter switch. Starter should turn smoothly. Ammeter should indicate 60-80 amps. If current is higher than specification, replace or overhaul starter.

Scheme 2