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.
Starter Motor - Positive Circuit Test
2021 Ford Edge SE, 4WDSECTION Starter Motor - Positive Circuit Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty and 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Always make the multimeter connection at the component terminal rather than at the wiring end of the connector. Making a connection at the wiring end of the connector could result in false readings because the meter will not pick up a high resistance between the wiring connector and component.
- Make sure the battery is fully charged. REFER to: Battery .
- Perform a battery drain test. REFER to: Battery Drain Check .
- Connect a remote starter switch between starter solenoid "S" terminal and the battery positive terminal.
- Connect the multimeter positive lead to the battery positive post. Connect the negative lead to the starter solenoid "M" terminal.
- Place gear selector lever in Park or Neutral.
- Engage the remote starter switch. Read and record the voltage. The voltage reading should be 0.5 volt or less.
- If the voltage reading is 0.5 volt or less, perform Starter Motor - Ground Circuit Test in this article.
- A voltage reading greater than 0.5 volt is an indication of excessive resistance in the connections, the positive battery cable or in the starter solenoid. Remove the cables from the solenoid "B", "S" and "M" terminals. Clean the cables and connections and reinstall the cables to the correct terminals. Repeat Steps 3 through 6.
- If the voltage reading is still greater than 0.5 volt when checked at the "M" terminal, move the multimeter negative lead to the starter solenoid "B" terminal.
- With the gear selector lever in Park or Neutral, engage the remote starter switch. Read and record the voltage.
- If the voltage reading at the "B" terminal is lower than 0.5 volt, the concern is in the connections at the starter solenoid or in the solenoid contacts. Install a new starter motor. REFER to: Starter Motor .
- If the voltage reading taken at the solenoid "B" terminal is greater than 0.5 volt after cleaning the cables and connections at the solenoid, the concern is in the positive battery cable connection or in the positive battery cable itself. Clean the positive battery cable connection. If this does not resolve the concern, install a new positive battery cable. REFER to: Battery Cables - 6.2L V8 .
RENDER: 1.0x
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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.