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 starter wiring circuit diagrams, refer to appropriate Wiring Diagrams.

When performing these tests, it is important to remember that voltage drop is giving an indication of resistance between two points at which the voltmeter probes are attached.

Example:  When testing the resistance of positive battery cable, touch the voltmeter leads to the positive battery cable clamp and the cable connector at the starter solenoid. If you probe the positive battery terminal post and the cable connector at the starter solenoid, you are reading the combined voltage drop in the positive battery cable clamp-to-terminal post connection and positive battery cable.

The following operation requires a voltmeter accurate to 1/10 (0.10) volt. Before performing these tests, make sure the following procedures are accomplished:

• Battery is fully-charged and load-tested. Refer to BATTERY SYSTEM - SERVICE INFORMATION .
• Fully engage parking brake.
• Place gearshift selector lever in Park (P) position.
• Verify all lamps and accessories are turned off.
• To prevent a gasoline engine from starting, remove the Automatic ShutDown (ASD) relay. The relay is located in Totally Intraged Power Module (TIPM). Refer to label on the TIPM cover for relay location.

Fig 1: Testing Battery Negative Connection Resistance - Typical

Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

1. Connect the positive lead of voltmeter (1) to negative battery cable terminal post. Connect the negative lead of voltmeter to the negative battery cable clamp. Refer to Fig 1. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in START position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the poor contact between the cable clamp and the terminal post.
   Fig 2: Testing Battery Positive Connection Resistance - Typical

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - VOLTMETER

   2 - BATTERY

2. Connect the positive lead of voltmeter to the positive battery terminal post. Connect the negative lead of voltmeter to the battery positive cable clamp. Refer to Fig 2. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in START position. Observe the voltmeter. If voltage is detected, correct the poor contact between the cable clamp and the terminal post.
   Fig 3: Testing Battery Positive Cable Resistance - Typical

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - BATTERY

   2 - VOLTMETER

   3 - STARTER MOTOR

3. Connect the voltmeter to measure between the battery positive terminal post and the starter solenoid battery terminal stud. Refer to Fig 3. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in START position. Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten the battery cable connection at the solenoid. Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace the faulty positive battery cable.
   Fig 4: Testing Ground Circuit Resistance - Typical

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - VOLTMETER

   2 - BATTERY

   3 - ENGINE GROUND

4. Connect the voltmeter to measure between negative battery terminal post and a good clean ground on the engine block. Refer to Fig 4. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in START position. Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten the negative battery cable attachment on the engine block. Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace the faulty negative battery cable.
   Fig 5: Testing Starter Ground - Typical

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - STARTER MOTOR

   2 - BATTERY

   3 - VOLTMETER

5. Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to the starter housing. Connect the negative lead of the voltmeter to the negative battery terminal post. Refer to Fig 5. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in START position. Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, correct the poor starter to engine block ground contact.
6. If equipped with a dual battery system (certain diesel equipped models), connect the positive lead of voltmeter to the positive battery cable clamp on the battery located on the left side of vehicle. Connect the negative lead of voltmeter to the positive battery terminal post on the battery located on the right side of vehicle. Rotate and hold the ignition switch in START position. Observe the voltmeter. If the reading is above 0.2 volt, clean and tighten the battery cables at both batteries. Repeat the test. If the reading is still above 0.2 volt, replace the faulty positive battery cable.

   If the resistance tests detect no feed circuit problems. Refer to DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING .