Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Cold Cranking Test
For complete wiring diagrams, see WIRING DIAGRAMS . The battery must be fully-charged and load-tested before proceeding.
- Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester (3) to the battery terminals (1, 2). See the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the volt-ampere tester being used. See Fig 1
- Fully engage the parking brake.
- Place the automatic transmission gearshift selector lever in the Park position or place the manual transmission gearshift selector in the Neutral position.
- Verify that all lamps and accessories are turned off.
- Prevent the engine from starting.
- Rotate and hold the ignition switch in the Start position. Note the cranking voltage and current (amperage) draw readings shown on the volt-ampere tester.
- If the voltage reads below 9.6 volts, see STARTER MOTOR . If the starter motor is OK, see appropriate article in ENGINES. If the starter motor is not OK, replace the faulty starter motor.
- If the voltage reads above 9.6 volts and the current (amperage) draw reads below specifications, see FEED CIRCUIT TEST .
- If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and the starter motor does not turn, see CONTROL CIRCUIT TESTING .
- If the voltage reads 12.5 volts or greater and the starter motor turns very slowly, see FEED CIRCUIT TEST .
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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