         
Part Number 17196 The problem is rarely the starter. Usually, it is caused by high resistance in the starting circuit; too little power reaching the starter solenoid. A failing inhibitor relay in the starting circuit may be one potential problem. Before condemning the starter, use a digital volt/ohmmeter to perform a voltage drop test on this circuit. If the voltage drop measures 0.5 volts or more, the problem is in the starting circuit; this must be corrected before any starter will function reliably. Perform the voltage drop test as follows: 1. Make sure the parking brake is on and the transmission is in Neutral or Park. 2. Disable the ignition system so the engine will not start when cranked. 3. Set the voltmeter to “DC Volts” and turn it on. 4. Place the meter’s positive probe on the positive (+) post of the battery (not the cable clamp). 5. Place the meter’s negative probe on the soldered connection where the smaller “trigger wire” meets the solenoid. If this is not accessible, back probe the plastic connector where the “trigger wire” joins the wire leading to the solenoid. Make sure your probe makes good contact. 6. Crank the engine over while you read the meter. 7. If your meter reads between 0.1 and 0.5 volts while cranking, the circuit is OK. 8. If your meter reads 0.5 volts or higher while cranking, the circuit is faulty and must be repaired. 9. If your meter reads between 0.0 and 0.1 volts while cranking, your probes are not making good contact. 10. Repeat the test several times; result should be the same each time. 11. DO NOT USE A TEST LIGHT in place of a volt/ohmmeter. Since the ignition switch supplies both the B+ and trigger signal to the inhibitor relay on the fender well on the driver’s side, there are several options; 1. Install a new heavy gauge fused wire directly from either the battery or other ignition only B+ source to the relay and let the relay still trigger the starter solenoid. 2. Install a slave relay near the starter that has low impedance (.6 amps) so that even the low voltage signal would trigger the solenoid. 3. Install a new ignition circuit. The slave relay path is the cheapest alternative. General Motors 1999-2003 Passenger Cars, Light Trucks, Hummer H2 TSB# 02-06-03-008 These vehicles may exhibit the following; § Low voltage display (with gauges) § Lights that dim § Slow cranking § Low alternator output at Idle, during slow speed driving, or if used in frequency All these conditions are normal according to GM TSB# 02-06-03-008 
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