TEST 2: Verifying The 12 Volt Start Signal
The starter motor receives an activation signal when you turn the key to crank and start the engine.
This activation signal is delivered by the wire that connects to the starter motor solenoid's 'S' terminal.
In this test section, we'll check for the presence of the activation signal with a simple multimeter of voltage test.
Let's get testing:
- 1
Raise and place the front of the vehicle on jack stands (if it isn't already).
- 2
Place your multimeter in Volts DC mode.
- 3
Ground the black multimeter test lead directly on the negative (-) battery terminal using a jump start cable.
You can also Ground it on the engine, if you can find a clean, unpainted and rust-free spot of metal. - 4
Connect the red multimeter test lead to the female of the 'S' wire using an appropriate tool.
NOTE: The multimeter test lead must be connected to the female terminal of the 'S' wire and NOT the male spade 'S' terminal on the starter motor.
The 'S' terminal wire (circuit) is the one that delivers the Start (Crank) signal from the ignition switch. - 5
Have your helper turn the key to crank the engine when the test is setup.
- 6
Your multimeter should read 10 to 12 Volts DC.
OK, let's interpret your test results:
CASE 1: Your multimeter registered 10 to 12 Volts. This is the correct and expected test result and it confirms that the starter motor is receiving its activation signal.
This test result usually confirms that the starter motor is bad (if the starter motor failed TEST 1). But before you replace it, I suggest one more test: TEST 3: Voltage Drop Testing The Battery (+) Cable.
CASE 2: Your multimeter DID NOT register 10 to 12 Volts. This test result lets you know that the starter motor isn't receiving an activation signal.
Although finding out why this activation signal is missing is beyond the scope of this tutorial, the most likely causes are:
- A bad starter motor relay.
- A bad park-neutral safety switch.
- A bad clutch pedal switch.
- A bad ignition switch.
TEST 3: Voltage Drop Testing The Battery (+) Cable
The starter motor is connected directly to the battery positive (+) post via a battery cable. In some cases this cable develops corrosion.
If a good amount of corrosion develops on this cable, the starter motor will not receive the battery's total amperage output. The end result is a starter motor that does not crank the engine.
In this last test section, we'll make sure that the battery cable is allowing the battery's total amperage output to reach the starter motor by doing a simple multimeter voltage drop test.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Place your multimeter in Volts DC mode.
- 2
Attach the red multimeter test lead to the positive (+) battery post. The positive (+) battery post must be clean and corrosion-free.
You may need two helpers for this test step, since someone will have to hold the red multimeter test lead onto the battery positive (+) terminal bolt and someone else inside the vehicle (to crank it when everything is set up). - 3
Place the black multimeter test lead on the starter motor solenoid stud that connects to the battery positive (+) cable (see illustration above).
The orange arrow with the plus (+) sign, in the illustration above, points to this stud.
Maintain the black multimeter test lead in this position throughout the next step. - 4
When everything is ready, have your helper turn the key to crank the engine.
Although the starter motor won't crank the engine, your helper has to turn the ignition switch to start the engine for the voltage drop test to work. - 5
The multimeter should register 0.5 Volts or less (0.5 V = 0 Volts).
If there's a problem in the wire, your multimeter will register some voltage, usually 5 Volts or more.
Let's take a look at what your results mean:
CASE 1: Your multimeter indicated NO voltage drop (which is 0.5 Volts or less). This is the correct test result and it confirms the starter motor is receiving all of the battery voltage and amperage it needs to crank the engine.
You can conclude that the starter motor is bad and needs replacement if you have:
- Confirmed that the starter motor does not crank the engine (TEST 1).
- Confirmed that the starter motor is receiving an activation signal (TEST 2).
- Confirmed, in this test section, that the battery positive (+) cable does not have a voltage drop issue.
Now, before you remove the starter motor, do one more important thing:
- Turn the engine manually (using a 1/2 ratchet and the appropriate socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt). This will check to see if the engine is mechanically locked up (or not).
If you'd like to bench test the starter motor (after removing it). You can find the step-by-step instructions here:
- How To Bench Test A Starter Motor (Step By Step) (at: easyautodiagnostics.com).
CASE 2: Your multimeter registered 5 Volts or more. This result confirms that the starter's battery wire has corrosion or a false-contact issue (and it's not a good thing).
The issue causing the voltage drop in the wire will prevent the battery's total amperage output from reaching the starter motor.
You'll need to thoroughly clean both ends of the battery positive (+) cable to solve this problem.
Cleaning the end that attaches to the starter motor solenoid should be done with a small piece of sandpaper. Once both ends of the battery positive cable are clean, reconnect everything and try cranking the engine.
If the voltage drop was the cause of the no-crank condition, the starter motor will now crank the engine.
More 1.5L Toyota Tercel Tutorials
You can find a complete list of tutorial for the 1.5L Toyota Tercel in this index:
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The Ignitor -Step By Step (1995-1996 1.5L Toyota Tercel).
- How To Test Engine Compression (1.5L Toyota Tercel).
- How To Test The Fuel Injectors (1995-1996 1.5L Toyota Tercel).
- How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1.5L Toyota Tercel).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
