Place starter in soft-jaw vise.
Place the starter motor in a vise equipped with soft jaws and connect a fully-charged 12-volt battery to starter motor, a test ammeter (100-amp scale) and carbon pile rheostat and a voltmeter (15-volt scale) across the starter motor as shown. See Fig 1 .
Rotate carbon pile to the off position.
Connect the battery cable from battery's negative post to the starter motor body.
Adjust carbon pile rheostat until voltmeter indicates 11 volts.
Confirm that the maximum amperage is within the specifications and that the starter motor turns smoothly and freely. Ensure starter rotates smoothly and RPM and maximum amperage draw is within specification. See STARTER NO-LOAD SPECIFICATIONS table. If starter does not test as specified, replace starter.

STARTER NO-LOAD SPECIFICATIONS

Application

Specification

Current Draw

⁽¹⁾ 90 Amps

Starter Speed

2.0L

3000 RPM Minimum

2.7L

2800 RPM Minimum

⁽¹⁾

Maximum

Fig 1: Starter No-Load Test

Courtesy of HYUNDAI MOTOR CO.

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.

Safety Warning

No-Load Test