Starter Motor - Ground Circuit

2005 Ford Taurus SEL, 4D SedanSECTION Starter Motor - Ground Circuit
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Milan, 2010 Lincoln MKZ, and 2010 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

A slow cranking condition can be caused by resistance in the ground or return portion of the cranking circuit. Check the voltage drop in the ground circuit as follows:

  1. Connect the Fluke 77-IV Digital Multimeter positive lead to the starter motor housing (the connection must be clean and free of rust or grease). Connect the negative lead to the negative (-) battery terminal.
    Fig 1: Connecting Fluke 77-IV Digital Multimeter Positive Lead To Starter Motor Housing
    G06272487Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  2. Engage the remote starter switch and crank the engine. Read and record the voltage reading. The reading should be 0.5 volt or less.
  3. If the voltage is more than 0.5 volt, clean the negative cable connections at the battery, the body ground connections and the starter ground connections. Retest.
  4. If the voltage is more than 0.5 volt, install a new cable. If the voltage reading is less than 0.5 volt and the engine still cranks slowly, install a new starter motor. Refer to Removal and InstallationΒ  (2.5L), Removal and InstallationΒ  (3.0L) or Removal and InstallationΒ  (3.5L).
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.