What makes a starter drag

If the load test fails, then individually test each battery and replace any faulty ones. STEP 2 - Perform a voltage drop test: Once batteries pass muster, then perform a voltage drop test on the starter main cables.

The starter voltage drop should be less than. This is an important step and is often the cause of a slow cranking complaint. Yet, voltage drop also is a leading cause of click or no-click complaints because almost every vehicle manufacturer uses the heavy positive post, located on the starter solenoid, as a place to pick up the current used to supply the control circuit.

STEP 3 - Identify the specific issue: Until now, the diagnostic path has remained the same regardless of the complaint. Home Topic starter dragging. March 29, at am Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 of 5 total. Joeseph Mama Participant. The maximum allowable drop is mV per ASE standard. If you see anything above. Once the pinion is fully engaged, the contact bridge in the engaging relay completes the main circuit to the starter motor.

The starter is switched on and turns. A fault-free supply of power to the starter is imperative for its successful function. The vehicle battery and the positive and ground supply of the starter should be included in the fault diagnostics. Electrical faults in the starter are mainly caused by overloads. This can manifest itself in ground and winding short circuits in the field and armature winding, but sometimes also in the coils of the control elements solenoid switch.

Carbon brushes and collectors are subjected to high loads and are more susceptible to faults than the alternator.

While, for example, clamping carbon brushes in the alternator do not cause voltage to arise and thus relieve the alternator, clamping carbon brushes in the starter leads to the formation of significant arcs due to the high currents.

These arcs often destroy the collector. A multimeter and a clip-on ammeter are required for troubleshooting. Fault sources such as the pinion can, however, also be located through acoustic perception. Please also refer to the technical info: " Ground 31 ". Solenoid switch energizes: Remove battery cable from terminal 30 on the starter and connect directly to the contact screw below connection terminal At some point, cleaning the battery terminals and connectors may no longer help if the corrosion has already spread throughout the length of the cables.

Heat soak can usually be solved by installing a heat shield on the starter; this will reflect the heat away from starter. In fact, many vehicles are originally equipped from the factory with a heat shield.

Unfortunately, they are often discarded when the starter is replaced. You can likely find a used heat shield at a salvage yard, or source a new one from your local parts store.