A starter current draw test is being performed. Technician A says low current draw may be caused by excessive resistance in the starter circuit. Technician B says high current draw may be caused by an internal engine problem. Who is correct?

Both technicians are correct in their assessments regarding starter current draw and its causes.

When considering the case of low current draw, excessive resistance in the starter circuit can certainly lead to insufficient current flowing to the starter. This could be due to corroded connections, damaged cables, or insufficient voltage reaching the starter, all of which create resistance. As a result, the starter may not receive enough current to function properly, indicating a problem within the circuit itself.

On the other hand, high current draw can indeed point to an internal engine problem, such as excessive friction in the engine components, a seized engine, or a locked-up accessory that the starter is trying to turn. In such cases, the starter has to work harder, drawing more current to attempt to crank the engine, which leads to higher current readings.

Understanding both scenarios reinforces the importance of evaluating the starter circuit's health and the overall condition of the engine when diagnosing starting issues.