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.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSOLDSMOBILE1998EIGHTY-EIGHT LSREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 17 (STARTING SYSTEM)BENCH TESTINGSTARTER NO-LOAD TEST
1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LS
Starter No-Load Test
1998 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LSSECTION Starter No-Load Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora and 1997 Buick Riviera. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Secure starter in vise. Turn carbon pile off and open switch. Connect test equipment to starter as illustrated. See Fig 1
. Turn switch on and adjust carbon pile until voltage reads as specified. See STARTER NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS
table. Check ammeter reading and pinion speed on RPM indicator. Turn off carbon pile and open switch. Compare RPM and amperage readings with specifications. See STARTER NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS
table.CAUTION: DO NOT apply more voltage than specified. Excessive voltage may cause armature to throw windings due to excessive speed.
- If amperage and RPM readings are as specified, starter motor is okay. If test indicates low free speed and/or high current draw, unit may have tight, dirty or worn bearings or bushings, shorted or grounded armature, or a grounded field.
- High current draw with pinion moving into cranking position but no pinion rotation indicates a direct ground in field, or frozen bearings or bushings. No pinion movement and a normal current reading indicates plunger is unable to move into solenoid or drive is unable to move on armature shaft. No pinion movement and very low or no current draw indicates an open or ground in solenoid windings.
- Pinion moving into cranking position but not turning and very low current draw indicates an open in field circuit or armature windings, or no current flow between solenoid battery and motor field terminals while motor is engaged. Connect a jumper wire between solenoid battery and motor field terminal "M". If motor now turns at specified RPM, replace solenoid.
- Low no-load and low current draw indicates high internal resistance due to poor brush lead connections; a dirty commutator; an open in armature windings; broken, worn or weak brush springs; or worn, damaged or dirty brushes. High no-load speed and high current draw indicates shorted field coils or shorted armature windings. If starter vibrates or is noisy, armature may be rubbing against inside of frame and field.
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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.