Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 274

8B - 6 STARTING SYSTEMS
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
(b) If the voltage reads above 9.6 volts and the
current (amperage) draw reads below specifica-
tions, refer to Feed Circuit Test in this section.
(c) If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
the starter motor does not turn, refer to Control
Circuit Testing in this section.
(d) If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and
the starter motor turns very slowly, refer to 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 feed circuit. For complete circuit dia-
grams, refer to Starting System in the Contents of
Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.
When performing these tests, it is important to
remember that the voltage drop is giving an indica-
tion of the resistance between the two points at
which the voltmeter probes are attached.
Example: When testing the resistance of the bat-
tery positive cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the
battery positive cable clamp and the cable connector
at the starter solenoid. If you probe the battery pos-
itive terminal post and the cable connector at the
starter solenoid, you are reading the combined volt-
age drop in the battery positive cable clamp-to-termi-
nal post connection and the battery positive cable.
The following operation will require a voltmeter
accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing the
tests, be certain that the following procedures are
accomplished:
• Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to
Battery in the Diagnosis and Testing section of
Group 8A - Battery for the procedures.
• Fully engage the parking brake.
• Place the automatic transmission gearshift selec-
tor lever in the Park 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. Refer to the fuse and relay
layout label affixed to the underside of the PDC cover
for ASD relay identification and location.
(1) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery negative terminal post. Connect the neg-
ative lead of the voltmeter to the battery negative
cable clamp (Fig. 2). Rotate and hold the ignition
switch in the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If
voltage is detected, correct the poor contact between
the cable clamp and the terminal post.
Fig. 2 Test Battery Negative Connection Resistance
1 – VOLTMETER
2 – BATTERY
(2) Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to
the battery positive terminal post. Connect the nega-
tive lead of the voltmeter to the battery positive cable
clamp (Fig. 3). Rotate and hold the ignition switch in
the Start position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage
is detected, correct the poor contact between the
cable clamp and the terminal post.
Fig. 3 Test Battery Positive Connection Resistance -
1 – VOLTMETER
2 – BATTERY
(3) Connect the voltmeter to measure between the
battery positive terminal post and the starter sole-
noid battery terminal stud (Fig. 4). Rotate and hold
the ignition switch in the Start position. Observe the
voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and
- Typical
Typical
DN