How to Test a Car Starter 2023 Full Guides

How to Test a Car’s Starter Motor – It’s definitely frustrating to have a car that won’t start. If your car won’t start, it could be a sign that the starter motor, which runs the engine, is broken. However, if you have some experience working with cars, you can perform a series of tests to identify the problem with the starter. If the problem is minor, checking the sprocket may be the fastest solution. Electrical circuits need to be looked at at the next level to ensure that everything is properly powered. You can remove the starter and bench test it to determine if it needs to be replaced if it still doesn’t run.

A car jump starter is a device used to turn the engine on and off. It is usually found near the battery of a car, truck, or SUV. It usually consists of an electrical switch, a cord, and a handle that connects to the battery. When you turn the ignition key to the on position (or press the starter button), the car’s starter sends power from the battery to the electrical circuit, starting the engine. When you turn off the ignition (or press the stop button), power is removed from the circuit, stopping the engine.

How to test a car starter motor

A car jump starter is essential to operating your vehicle safely and efficiently. It’s broken? Check for obvious signs of a malfunction by turning your vehicle’s key to both positions and checking for movement or noise under the hood. If you notice any problems, contact your car manufacturer for help.

It is definitely frustrating to have a car that won’t start. If your car won’t start, it could be a sign that the starter motor, which runs the engine, is broken. However, if you have some experience working with cars, you can perform a series of tests to identify the problem with the starter. If the problem is minor, checking the sprocket may be the fastest solution. Electrical circuits need to be looked at at the next level to ensure that everything is properly powered. You can remove the starter and bench test it to determine if it needs to be replaced if it still doesn’t run.

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How to test the details of a car’s starter motor

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Checking the pinion

Here at NAPA, we’re big fans of checking our cars for problems before they drive us crazy. And one of the most common problems we encounter is a misaligned or damaged sprocket. This is a component that connects the transmission to the shaft and can be damaged if not aligned correctly. If you notice any squeaks or clicks when you turn the steering wheel, it’s a good idea to have it checked by your mechanic. It could be an indication that the pinion is out of alignment and is causing unnecessary friction or drag in the transmission. But don’t worry: we are here to help you! Call NAPA Auto Parts today and we’d be happy to check your sprocket at no cost!

1. Turn on the headlights and try to start the car.

When you do this, you might see a couple of things happen. The starter gear is probably stuck if the vehicle starts to make noise but the headlights are off.

If the lights go out and the car clicks but never sounds like it’s trying to start, the problem is probably the battery. Proceed to electrical system inspection.

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2. Turn the pinion stub with an adjustable wrench.

The starter is usually bolted to the side of the engine block and consists of a large one-cylinder electric motor housing. Turn the sprocket stub, which is a small, square bit that protrudes from the end of the cylinder, with the wrench until it snaps freely into place. Once the pinion is free to move, try starting the car one more time.

The solenoid, which is a smaller cylinder, is “coupled” to the starter cylinder in modern cars. On older cars they will be separated and joined by a thick wire.
For help locating these components, see your owner’s manual.

3. Move the car if you don’t see any stubs and you have a manual transmission.

Turn off the car and put it in second gear. Release the emergency brakes and rock the car back and forth. This can loosen the sprocket.

If you don’t see a pinion stub and you have an automatic transmission, you’ll need to remove the starter and bench test it.

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electrical system test

Testing the electrical system is crucial to help diagnose and repair problems with your vehicle. One of the most common tests done is a battery test, which is done by connecting a voltmeter to the battery and measuring how much voltage is present. This test can be used to check for a weak or depleted battery, as well as to determine if there is a problem with the charging system. Other tests that may be performed include checking connections and wiring for proper continuity, as well as checking that the fuse box and fuses are working properly. It’s important to check your electrical system regularly, as even the smallest problems could lead to more serious problems down the road.

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1. Visually inspect the battery terminals.

Check the positive and negative terminals of the battery by opening the hood of the car. A bad connection and a lack of power in the starter can be due to corrosion or dirt.

You can reconnect the battery after cleaning the connections with a wire brush if the terminals are corroded or dirty.
A plastic cover can cover the battery terminals or even the entire battery on newer cars. To get a good look at the battery, remove one or all of these covers. However, check that nothing is metallic (such as tools). While working, you accidentally touch both terminals.

2. Test the battery voltage with a multimeter.

To test for 0 to 20 volts, set your multimeter to its “CC” setting and read 20. The black probe should be placed on the negative (-) battery terminal and the red probe should be placed on the positive (+) battery terminal. Battery. ) Terminal. If the battery is working properly, you will see a reading above 12V.

Even if the battery terminals appear to be in good condition, there may be a problem with the wires that supply power to the starter and other parts.
Make sure the ground strap attached to the car body is secure while checking the voltage. The proper functioning of the battery depends on this.

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3. Visually inspect the solenoid.

If you try to start the vehicle but get no response, even though the battery appears to be working normally, the solenoid may have a connection problem. This small cylinder is normally attached to the top of the starter. Visually inspect to make sure all your cables are connected correctly.

If the solenoid wires are dangling, it won’t work. Try to start the car one more time after reconnecting them. The solenoid may not turn on correctly if this doesn’t help.
Usually the solenoid wires are snapped or bolted into place. Get professional assistance if you are unsure of the location of a loose cable or how it is connected.

4. Use a circuit tester to see if there is power to the solenoid.

Connect the solenoid power terminal with a lead from the circuit tester (test lamp). Connect the other wire to the metal of the body. If the tester lights up, the problem is with the solenoid or starter, not how the current is getting there.

If the tester does not turn on, it is necessary to fix the wiring because there is a bad connection.
A malfunctioning ignition switch is an additional possible cause of this problem.

5. Check the output current of the solenoid.

Place one connector of the test lamp on the output of the solenoid and the other on the ground terminal of the battery. The lamp should light up. If not, it will be necessary to bench test the starter/solenoid assembly.

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Bench test your starter

Other tests that may be performed include checking connections and wiring for proper continuity, as well as checking that the fuse box and fuses are working properly. It’s important to check your electrical system regularly, as even the smallest problems could lead to more serious problems down the road.

1. Remove your starter.

Even if the electrical circuits appear to be good and you hear nothing when you try to start the vehicle, there may be a problem with the starter. For further testing, you will need to carefully remove the starter from the engine block, unbolt it and disconnect its wiring.

When removing a starter motor, whether or not it has a solenoid connected, care must be taken, including jacking up the vehicle, to avoid damage or hazard. Your vehicle owner’s manual may be helpful, but if you are not confident in your vehicle’s skills, you should hire a professional for this task.
If you decide to disassemble the starter yourself, be sure to label all the wires and keep track of the bolts so you can reassemble it.

2. Connect the jumper cables to your starter.

Connect one end of the red jumper wire to the positive terminal of a car battery. Connect the other end to the thick positive post of the starter solenoid. The black jumper wire should be connected to the negative battery terminal and one end should be connected to one of the starter lugs, which are fin-like pieces that protrude from the master cylinder.

3. Connect a wire to the small terminal on the starter motor.

Take a few feet of 16 gauge insulated wire. Crimp one end into the small terminal on the starter after stripping the other end. Be sure to peel the other end as well, but don’t use it yet.

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4. Support the starter with one foot.

The starter motor may move and spark during bench tests. By pressing on it with your foot, you prevent it from bouncing back and dealing damage.

You can get help from others. During the test, have them use a boot to firmly hold the starter in place.

5. Touch the other end of the cable to the positive terminal of the battery.

The starter sprocket should move and turn as you do this. If not, the starter is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If the starter turns but you’re still not sure why the car won’t start, take it to a mechanic for further inspection.