Feed Circuit Test; Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical - Jeep 200 Cherokee Service Manual

8B - 6 STARTING SYSTEMS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
• Fully engage the parking brake.
• If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the
Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a man-
ual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in
the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the
fully depressed position.
• Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
• To prevent the engine from starting, remove the
Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The ASD relay is
located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), in
the engine compartment. See the fuse and relay lay-
out label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
(1) Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester to the
battery terminals (Fig. 3). See the instructions pro-
vided by the manufacturer of the volt-ampere tester
being used.
Fig. 3 Volts-Amps Tester Connections - Typical
1 – POSITIVE CLAMP
2 – NEGATIVE CLAMP
3 – INDUCTION AMMETER CLAMP
(2) Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start
position. Note the cranking voltage and current
(amperage) draw readings shown on the volt-ampere
tester.
(a) If the voltage reads below 9.6 volts, refer to
Starter Motor in the index of this service manual
for the location of the proper starter motor diagno-
sis and testing procedures. If the starter motor
tests OK, refer to Engine Diagnosis in the index
of this service manual for the location of the proper
engine diagnosis and testing procedures. If the
starter motor is not OK, replace the faulty starter
motor.
(b) If the voltage reads above 9.6 volts and the
current (amperage) draw reads below specifica-
tions, refer to the Feed Circuit Test in this sec-
tion.
(c) If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
the starter motor does not turn, refer to the Con-
trol Circuit Test in this section.
(d) If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
the starter motor turns very slowly, refer to the
Feed Circuit Test in this section.
NOTE: A cold engine will increase the starter cur-
rent (amperage) draw reading, and reduce the bat-
tery voltage reading.

FEED CIRCUIT TEST

The starter feed circuit test (voltage drop method)
will determine if there is excessive resistance in the
high-amperage starter feed circuit. Refer to Starting
System in the index of this service manual for the
location of complete starting system wiring diagrams.
When performing the voltage drop test, it is impor-
tant to remember that the voltage drop is giving an
indication of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached. EXAM-
PLE: When testing the resistance of the battery pos-
itive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the battery
positive cable terminal clamp and to the battery pos-
itive cable eyelet terminal at the starter solenoid
B(+) terminal stud. If you probe the battery positive
terminal post and the battery positive cable eyelet
terminal at the starter solenoid B(+) terminal stud,
you are reading the combined voltage drop in the
battery positive cable terminal clamp-to-terminal
post connection and the battery positive cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing this
test, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
• The battery is fully-charged and load tested.
Refer to Battery Charging in the index of this ser-
vice manual for the location of the proper battery
charging procedures. Refer to Battery in the index of
this service manual for the location of the battery
diagnosis and testing procedures, including the
proper battery load test procedures.
• Fully engage the parking brake.
• If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic
transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in the
Park position. If the vehicle is equipped with a man-
ual transmission, place the gearshift selector lever in
the Neutral position and block the clutch pedal in the
fully depressed position.
• Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned
off.
XJ