If the starter current draw is 90 amps and the battery voltage is 11 volts during cranking, what should the technician check next?

When the starter current draw is 90 amps and the battery voltage is at 11 volts during cranking, the technician should check the voltage drop of the starter motor circuit next. This is crucial because a significant voltage drop can indicate issues like poor connections, corroded wires, or worn-out cables in the starter circuit, all of which can affect the performance of the starter motor.

Checking the voltage drop will help the technician determine whether the voltage reaching the starter motor is sufficient to allow it to operate effectively. A drop of voltage that is too high can lead to inadequate power reaching the starter, resulting in hard starts or the starter not engaging at all.

Looking at the battery capacity could also be important, but the immediate step after observing a high current draw and low voltage should focus on the integrity of the starter motor circuit itself. Similarly, assessing the engine condition and concluding to replace the starter motor may be premature without first understanding the electrical factors that could be affecting the starting process.