1986 Jeep Cherokee Base, 2D Utility, 2.1 B, RWDFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Armature For Short Circuit

Place armature in a growler and hold a thin steel blade parallel 3/16" (4 mm) above core while rotating armature slowly. If the armature is shorted, blade will vibrate and be attracted to the core. Replace shorted armature. See the STARTER CIRCUIT RESISTANCEΒ  chart. Also, see Fig 1.

STARTER CIRCUIT RESISTANCE CHART

Voltmeter Positive Lead To: Voltmeter Negative Lead To: Voltage Should Be:
+ Battery Post + Battery Cable Clamp 0 Volts
+ Battery Post Starter Battery Terminal 0.2 Volts
+ Battery Post Solenoid Lead To Field Coils 0.3 Volts
- Battery Post - Battery Cable Clamp 0 Volts
- Battery Post - Battery Cable Clamp *******
************** Connector On Engine Block 0.2 Volts
Starter Housing - Battery Post 0.2 Volts
Fig 1: Testing Starter Armature for Ground
G15090
Factory Service Tools

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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.

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