RAM 1500 Truck 2WD V6-3.9L VIN X (1999)
Starter Motor: Testing and Inspection
Correct starter motor operation can be confirmed by performing the following free running bench test. This test can only be performed with the starter
motor removed from the vehicle. Refer to Starting System in the Specifications for the starter motor specifications.
1. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor in the Replacement for the procedures.
2. Mount the starter motor securely in a soft-jawed bench vise. The vise jaws should be clamped on the mounting flange of the starter motor. Never
clamp on the starter motor by the field frame.
3. Connect a suitable volt-ampere tester and a 12 volt battery to the starter motor in series, and set the ammeter to the 100 ampere scale. See the
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the volt-ampere tester being used.
4. Install a jumper wire from the solenoid terminal to the solenoid battery terminal. The starter motor should operate. If the starter motor fails to
operate, replace the faulty starter motor assembly.
5. Adjust the carbon pile load of the tester to obtain the free running test voltage. Refer to Starting System in the Specifications for the starter motor
free running test voltage specifications.
6. Note the reading on the ammeter and compare this reading to the free running test maximum amperage draw. Refer to Starting System in the
Specifications for the starter motor free running test maximum amperage draw specifications.
7. If the ammeter reading exceeds the maximum amperage draw specification, replace the faulty starter motor assembly.
