GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Monte Carlo 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Starter No Load Test

Caution: Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

Caution: This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System. Failure to follow the correct procedure could cause the following conditions:

   • Air bag deployment
   • Personal injury
   • Unnecessary SIR system repairs
In order to avoid the above conditions, observe the following guidelines:
   • Refer to SIR Component Views in order to determine if you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring.
   • If you are performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System.

Caution: Keep fingers and tools away from the opening in the starter drive housing while performing the Starter No Load Test. The strong shifting action of the solenoid could cause personal injury or damage as the drive pinion moves into the cranking position and spins.


    Object Number: 300544 Size: SH
  1. Secure the starter motor in a vise or suitable test stand.
  2. Turn OFF the carbon pile and open the switch.
  3. Connect a voltmeter (3) from the starter motor terminal to the starter motor frame (ground).
  4. Connect the starter motor and an ammeter (1) in series, from the positive terminal of a fully charged 12 volt battery.
  5. Connect a switch from the S terminal (9) of the starter motor solenoid to the starter motor solenoid Bat terminal (10).

    6. Notice: Never operate the starter motor for more than 30 seconds at a time. Allow it to cool at least two minutes before cranking again. Excessive cranking can cause overheating, which will cause serious damage to the starter motor.

  6. Close the switch.
  7. Adjust the carbon pile load to obtain 10 volts on the voltmeter.
  8. Note the following meter readings:
    9. • The armature speed on the RPM indicator.
    • The current draw on the ammeter.
  9. Turn OFF carbon pile and open the switch.
  10. Compare the measurements with the specifications. Refer to Starter Motor Usage .

The test results indicate the following conditions:

    • Rated current draw (amps) and rated no-load speed (RPM) indicate the normal condition of the starter motor.
    • Low, no load speed (RPM) and high current draw (amps) indicates too much friction, causing the armature to drag. This can result from any of the following conditions:
       - Tight, dirty, or worn bushings or bearings
       - A grounded or shorted armature
       - Grounded fields
    • Failure to operate (no RPM), with high current draw (amps), indicates the following conditions:
       - A direct short to ground in the starter terminal or in the fields.
       - Seized bearings (This should have been determined by turning the armature by hand).
    • Failure to operate (no RPM), with low or no current draw (amps), indicates the following conditions:
       - An open field circuit
       - An open in the armature coils
       - Broken brush springs
       - Worn brushes
       - High insulation between the commutator bars or other causes which would prevent contact between brushes and commutator.
    • Low, no load speed (RPM) and low current draw (amps), indicates a high internal resistance caused by the following conditions:
       - Poor electrical connections
       - Defective electrical leads
       - Other causes listed under Failure to operate (no RPM), with low or no current draw (amps), above.
    • High, no load speed (RPM) and high current draw (amps) normally indicates shorted fields.