GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Starter No Load Test
  1. Remove the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .
  2. Turn OFF the carbon pile.

    3. Object Number: 1052 Size: SH

    Caution: Keep fingers, tools, and any other objects away from the opening in the drive end housing while making electrical connections. The strong shifting action of the starter solenoid can cause severe personal injury or damage to components as the drive pinion moves into the cranking position.

  3. Make connections as shown with the switch open.
  4. Close the switch.
  5. Adjust the carbon pile in order to obtain 10 Volts.
  6. Compare the readings of the current, the RPM's, and the voltage. Refer to Starter Motor Usage .
  7. If the pinion does not shift into the cranking position or the pinion does not rotate, then turn OFF the switch immediately. Ensure that the test electrical connections were properly made. If so, then replace the starter motor.
  8. If the starter motor energizes and the pinion rotates, then, while maintaining 10 Volts on the voltmeter, check the current draw on the ammeter and the pinion speed on the RPM indicator
    9. • Turn OFF the switch.
    • Compare the values to the starter specifications table. Refer to Starter Motor Usage .
       - If the current draw and the pinion speed (RPM) are within the specifications, then the starter motor is good.
       - If the current draw or the pinion speed (RPM) is not within the specifications, then replace the starter motor. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .