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This paper presents an improved method for the broken rotor bar detection in a squirrel-cage induction motor (IM). The method is based on the spectral analysis of the transient stator current signal during the counter-current braking (CCB). Contrary to the classical CCB, the proposed method results in the low braking current, which is a small fraction of the rated value and serves as a broken bar detection test signal only. This kind of the broken rotor bar fault diagnosis is independent of loading conditions and can be carried out even for a free shaft motor. The existence of spectral components in the low CCB current signal indicating the faulty conditions is first proven with the generalized theory of symmetrical components. The method is then verified via simulations, using an IM model based on the finite-element analysis and the magnetically coupled multiple circuits approach. Afterward, the experiments are performed, showing a good agreement with both the theoretical prediction and the simulation results, confirming the presence of the fault-induced components in the stator current spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]