TROUBLE SHOOTING
Note. For additional information, see * STARTER - GENERAL TROUBLE SHOOTING * article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
BENCH TESTING
| CAUTION | Perform tests in less than 10 seconds to prevent damage to coil. |
Scheme 1
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
- Install starter in soft-jawed vise. Connect starter in series with a fully-charged 12-volt battery. Connect a 100-amp (130-amp on Diamante) ammeter and carbon pile rheostat in series with positive battery post and starter motor terminal. (Scheme 1), (Scheme 2) or (Scheme 3).
- Install voltmeter across starter motor. Adjust carbon pile rheostat to full resistance. Connect cable from starter motor body to negative battery terminal. Adjust carbon pile rheostat to proper test voltage. Ensure maximum amperage is as specified and starter rotates smoothly. See «STARTER NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-139180-S29706655872002042600000) table.
| Application | Test Voltage | Maximum Amps @ Minimum RPM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamante | 12.0 | 110 @ 5000 | |
| Eclipse, Galant, Lancer, Montero & Montero Sport | 11.0 | 90 @ 3000 | |
| Mirage | |||
| Direct Drive Starter | 11.5 | 53 @ 6000 | |
| Gear Reduction Starter | 11.0 | 90 @ 2800 | |
STARTER NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS
PULL-IN COIL TEST
- Disconnect field coil wire from terminal "M" at starter solenoid. (Scheme 4), (Scheme 5) or (Scheme 6). Connect jumper wire between positive battery terminal of 12-volt battery and terminal "S" of solenoid.
- Connect a second jumper wire from negative battery terminal and touch terminal "M" of starter solenoid. If solenoid plunger moves outward, pull-in coil of solenoid is good. If solenoid plunger does not move outward, replace solenoid.
Scheme 4
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
HOLD-IN COIL TEST
- Disconnect field coil wire from terminal "M" at starter solenoid. (Scheme 4), (Scheme 5) or (Scheme 6). Connect jumper wire between positive battery terminal of 12-volt battery and terminal "S" of starter solenoid.
- Connect a second jumper wire from negative battery terminal and touch starter motor body. Carefully pull out solenoid plunger. If solenoid plunger remains out, hold-in coil is good. If solenoid plunger is pulled in, hold-in coil is open. Replace solenoid.
PINION RETURN TEST
- Disconnect field coil wire from terminal "M" at starter solenoid. (Scheme 4), (Scheme 5) or (Scheme 6). Connect jumper wire between positive battery terminal of 12-volt battery and terminal "M" of starter solenoid.
- Connect a second jumper wire from negative battery terminal and touch starter case. Pull pinion outward and release it. Pinion should quickly return to original position. If not, replace solenoid.
PINION TEST
While holding pinion housing, rotate pinion. Pinion should rotate smoothly in clockwise direction only. Inspect pinion and ring gear for wear or burrs. If pinion does not rotate as specified or damage is found, replace pinion.
ARMATURE TEST
Ensure armature is not grounded. Place armature in growler. Hold a thin steel blade parallel to, and just above the armature while slowly rotating armature in growler. A shorted armature will cause blade to vibrate and be attracted to core. Using an ohmmeter, check continuity between armature coil cores and commutator segments (small diameter end of armature). Continuity should not exist. Check for continuity between segments. Continuity should exist. Replace armature as necessary.
BRUSH HOLDER TEST
Using an ohmmeter, check continuity between brush holder plate and brush holder. Continuity should not exist. Replace brush holder as necessary.