Starters - Evolution: Diagnosis Mitsubishi Lancer IX

MAGNETIC SWITCH PULL-IN TEST

1. Disconnect field coil wire from "M" terminal of the magnetic switch. (Scheme 1)
2. Connect a 12-volt battery between "S" terminal and "M" terminal.
3. If the pinion moves out, the pull-in coil is good. If it doesn't, replace the magnetic switch.

Scheme 1

MAGNETIC SWITCH HOLD IN TEST

1. Disconnect the field coil wire from "M" terminal of the magnetic switch. (Scheme 2)
2. Connect 12-volt battery between the "S" terminal and body.
3. Manually pull out the pinion as far as the pinion stopper position.
4. If the pinion remains out, everything is operating properly. If pinion moves in, hold-in circuit is open. Replace the magnetic switch.

Scheme 2

MAGNETIC SWITCH RETURN TEST

1. Disconnect the field coil wire from the "M" terminal of the magnetic switch. (Scheme 3)
2. Connect a 12-volt battery between the "M" terminal and body.
3. Pull the pinion out and release. If the pinion quickly returns to its original position, everything is operating properly. If it doesn't, replace the magnetic switch.

Scheme 3

FREE RUNNING TEST

1. Place the starter motor in a vise equipped with soft jaws and connect a fully-charged 12-volt battery to starter motor.
2. Connect a test ammeter (100-ampere scale) and carbon pile rheostat in series between the positive battery terminal and starter motor terminal. (Scheme 4)
3. Connect a voltmeter (15-volt scale) across the starter motor.
4. Rotate carbon pile to full resistance position.
5. Connect the battery cable from the negative battery terminal to the starter motor body.
6. Adjust the rheostat until the battery positive voltage shown by the voltmeter is 11V.
7. Confirm that the maximum amperage is 95 amps, and that the starter motor turns smoothly and freely.

Scheme 4

Coil Open Circuit Test

Check that there is continuity between the "M" terminal and body "A". (Scheme 5) If there is no continuity, replace the magnetic switch.

Scheme 5