FixVault

Starter No-Load Test

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 26 other vehicles, including the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, 1999 Pontiac Firebird, and 1999 Pontiac Bonneville. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. 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 specification.
    CAUTION: DO NOT apply more voltage than specified. Excessive voltage may cause armature to throw windings due to excessive speed.
  2. If amperage and RPM readings are as specified, starter motor is okay. If readings are not as specified, replace starter assembly. See STARTER  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
Fig 1: Starter No-Load Test Connections
G95I13472Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
STARTER NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS

Application Starter Amps @ Volts RPM
2.2L PG260 47-70 @ 10 (1)
2.4L
Except Malibu PG260 60-120 @ 10 2900-3400
Malibu PG260MQ 60-120 @ 11.5 2900-3400
3.0L (1) 75 @ (1) (1)
3.1L
"N" Body PG260F1 60-120 @ 11.5 2900-3400
"W" Body PG260F1 40-90 @ 11.5 3200-4800
3.4L PG260M1 60-120 @ 10 2900-3400
3.5L PG260M1 60-96 @11.5 2925-3375
3.8L
"C", "F" & "H" Body PG260 60-120 @ 11.5 2900-3400
"G" Body (1) 60-120 @ 11.5 2900-3400
"W" Body
VIN K (2) PG260F2 35-85 @ 11.5 2550-4150
VIN 1 (2) PG260M 60-96 @ 11.5 2925-3375
4.0L (1) 60-120 @ 11.5 2900-3400
4.6L PG260 60-120 @ 11.5 2900-3400
5.7L PG260 60-125 @ 11.5 2900-3400
(1) Information is not available from manufacturer.
(2) Eighth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).