The motor fails to start on an attempted startup. With the start button depressed, a voltmeter reading between 1 and 5, as in figure "A" shown in the illustration, indicates line voltage available to the control circuit, what should be your next step in the troubleshooting process? Illustration EL-0007

Correct Answer: Option A — attempt to reset the overload relay and determine the cause of the overload if applicable

A control circuit voltage reading between 1 and 5 indicates that power passes through the control transformer and stop button, but drops across an open or tripped overload relay contact. Per standard marine troubleshooting procedures, verify the thermal overload status and reset before checking downstream components.