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

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.

Notice: Do not allow the solenoid pull-in current to flow for more than 15 seconds at a time. The windings can be damaged by overheating. Also, the current draw readings will decrease as the windings heat up.

  1. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

    2. Object Number: 243892 Size: SH
  2. Connect the test leads from the battery and the ammeter to the starter motor assembly.
  3. Ensure that the following conditions are met:
    4. • The starter motor runs smoothly.
    • The pinion extends quickly and completely.
  4. Measure the starter motor current draw.

    5. Starter Motor Current Draw
    90 amperes or less at 11.5 volts

Evaluation

Low free speed and high current draw indicates the following conditions:

    • Too much friction
        The following conditions may cause too much friction:
       - Tight bushings
       - Worn bushings
       - Dirty bushings
       - A bend in the armature that allows the armature to drag.
    • Shorted armature
         Inspect for a shorted armature on a growler after disassembly.
    • Grounded armature or fields
        Inspect further after disassembly.

Failure to operate and high current draw indicates the following conditions:

    • A direct ground in the terminal or fields
    • Frozen bearings

Failure to operate and low or no current draw indicates the following conditions:

    • Open solenoid windings
    • Open field circuit
        Inspect the open field circuit after disassembly by inspecting internal connections.
    • Open armature coils
         Inspect the commutator for badly burned bars after disassembly.
    • Broken brush springs
    • Worn brushes
    • High insulation between the commutator bars
    • Other conditions that may prevent good contact between the brushes and the commutator

Low no-load speed and low current draw indicates the following conditions:

    • High internal resistance due to poor connections
    • Defective leads
    • Dirty commutator
    • Open solenoid windings
    • Open field circuit
        Inspect the condition of the internal components after disassembly in order to find an open field circuit.
    • Open armature coils
        Inspect the commutator for badly burned bars after disassembly.
    • Broken brush springs
    • Worn brushes
    • High insulation between the commutator bars or other conditions which may prevent contact between the brushes and the commutator

High free speed and high current draw indicate shorted fields.

    • If you suspect shorted fields, replace the field coil assembly.
    • Use a growler in order to inspect for a shorted armature.

Rated current draw and no-load speed indicate the normal condition of the starter motor assembly.

If any of the above conditions are unsatisfactory, refer to Starter Motor Overhaul .

Starter Motor Pull-In, Hold-In and Pinion Return Testing

Notice: Do not allow the solenoid pull-in current to flow for more than 15 seconds at a time. The windings can be damaged by overheating. Also, the current draw readings will decrease as the windings heat up.


    Object Number: 243893 Size: SH
  1. Remove the field coil lead wire from the solenoid terminal C (1).
  2. Install the test leads from the battery to the starter motor assembly.
  3. Ensure that the pinion extends quickly and completely to the energized position (pull-in test).

    4. Object Number: 243888 Size: SH
  4. Remove the negative (-) lead from the solenoid terminal C (1).
  5. Verify that the pinion remains completely in the energized position (hold-in test).

    6. Object Number: 243895 Size: SH
  6. Remove the negative (-) lead from the drive housing.
  7. Ensure that the pinion returns quickly and completely to the de-energized position (pinion return test).
  8. If the pinion does not return to the de-energized position, the cause is most likely a faulty starter solenoid return spring. Replace the starter solenoid.
  9. If any of the above tests are not satisfactory, replace the starter solenoid. Refer to Starter Motor Overhaul .
  10. Install the field coil lead wire (1) to the solenoid terminal.

    11. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 6 N·m (52 lb in).

  11. Install the starter motor assembly onto the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .