What could be indicated by high resistance in the starter circuit when cranking?

High resistance in the starter circuit during cranking suggests that there is a problem with the connections in that circuit. Poor or corroded connections can impede the flow of current necessary to power the starter motor effectively. When the connections are compromised, it leads to voltage drops that diminish the power available to the starter, resulting in difficulty or failure to crank the engine.

In contrast, if the battery were the issue, you might see symptoms like a weak crank or dimming lights when attempting to start the vehicle rather than just high resistance in the circuit. A defective starter would generally draw excessive current, and a weak alternator would primarily affect charging rather than cranking when the engine is turning over. Thus, focusing on the quality and integrity of the connections in the starter circuit is crucial in this scenario.