Final answer:
For a starter current draw test, the ammeter's inductive pickup must be placed around the starter cable that connects the positive terminal of the battery to the starter motor to accurately measure the current draw. The ammeter should be in series with the circuit component and have low resistance to minimize its impact on the circuit.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing a starter current draw test, the ammeter's inductive pickup should be placed around the starter cable. To accurately measure the current draw, the inductive pickup should be clamped around the cable that supplies power to the starter, which is usually the thick cable running from the battery's positive terminal to the starter motor. The placement should ensure that the sensor is encompassing just the starter cable without any other wires being inside the clamp to avoid incorrect readings.
An ammeter must be placed in series with the component being measured to obtain a correct current reading. This ensures all the current flowing through that branch of the circuit goes through the ammeter as well. Moreover, the ammeter should have minimal resistance to limit its impact on the circuit's operation. It's essential not to confuse an ammeter with a voltmeter, as the latter is placed in parallel with the component or section of the circuit where voltage measurement is desired and has high resistance.