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.
1998 Subaru Forester BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Armature Test
- With starter disassembled, check armature for shorts using a growler and hacksaw blade. Hold hacksaw blade against armature while slowly rotating armature in growler. A shorted armature will cause hacksaw blade to vibrate when passed over shorted area. Replace armature as necessary.
- Use an ohmmeter to check for grounded armature. Touch one probe to each segment of commutator and hold other probe to armature core. If continuity exists, replace armature.
- Use ohmmeter to check for open circuit. If continuity is not present between any 2 commutator segments, replace armature. Check commutator for outside diameter wear, runout and mica insulation depth. See STARTER SPECIFICATIONS .
- If correcting runout condition, DO NOT reduce commutator diameter below specification. Undercut mica insulation if it is even with or higher than commutator surface. See Fig 1. Refer to the STARTER SPECIFICATIONS .
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:
- • 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.
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