How to Test a Car Starter- 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, which kicks the engine over, is broken. However, if you have some experience working with automobiles, you can carry out a number of tests to identify the problem with the starter. If the issue is minor, checking the pinion may be the quickest solution. The electrical circuits must be examine at the subsequent level to ensure that everything is power appropriately. You can remove the starter and perform bench testing to determine whether it needs to be replace if that still does not work.
A car starter is a device used to turn the engine on and off. It is usually located near the battery in a car, truck, or SUV. It typically 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 push the start button), the car starter sends power from the battery to the electrical circuit, turning on the engine. When you turn off the ignition (or press the stop button), power is cutoff from the circuit, stopping the engine.
How to Test a Car Starter
A car starter is essential for operating your vehicle safely and efficiently. Is it broken? Check for obvious signs of malfunction by turning your vehicle’s key in both positions and checking for movement or noise from under-the-hood. If you notice any problems, contact your car’s manufacturer for assistance.
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, which kicks the engine over, is broken. However, if you have some experience working with automobiles, you can carry out a number of tests to identify the problem with the starter. If the issue is minor, checking the pinion may be the quickest solution. The electrical circuits must be examine at the subsequent level to ensure that everything is power appropriately. You can remove the starter and perform bench testing to determine whether it needs to be replace if that still does not work.
How to Test a Car Starter Details
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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 issues we find is a misaligned or damaged pinion. This is a component that connects the transmission to the axle, and can become damaged if it’s not properly aligned. If you notice any grinding or clicking noises when you turn the steering wheel, it’s a good idea to have your mechanic check this out. It could be an indication that your pinion is out of alignment and causing unnecessary friction or drag in the transmission. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! Call NAPA Auto Parts today and we’ll be happy to check your pinion for you at no charge!
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 pinion is probably jamm if the vehicle starts making a noise but the headlights are dim.
- If the lights dim and the car makes a clicking sound but never sounds like it’s trying to start, the problem is probably the battery. Skip ahead to the electrical system inspection.
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2. Turn the pinion stub with an adjustable wrench (spanner).
The starter is typically bolt to one side of the engine block and consists of a large electrical motor house in a cylinder. Turn the pinion stub, which is a small, square stub that is protruding from the end of the cylinder, with your wrench until it moves freely in place. Once the pinion is able to move freely, try starting the car once more.
- The solenoid, which is a smaller cylinder, is “piggybacked” to the starter cylinder in modern automobiles. In older automobiles, they will be separated and join by a thick wire.
- For assistance in locating these components, consult your owner’s manual.
3. Rock the car if you see no stub and have a manual transmission.
Turn the car off and put it in second gear of car. Release the emergency brakes and rock the car back and forth. This is can loosen the pinion.
- If you don’t see a pinion stub and that you have an automatic transmission, you will that have to take the starter motor off and bench test it.
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Testing the Electrical System
Testing the electrical system is crucial in helping to diagnose and repair problems with your vehicle. One of the most common tests that are performed is a battery test, which is done by connecting an voltmeter to the battery and measuring how much voltage is present. This test can be used to check if there is a weak or dead battery, as well as to determine if there are any issues with the charging system. Other tests that may be performed include checking the connections and wiring for proper continuity, as well as checking the fuse box and fuses for proper function. It’s important to have your electrical system checked regularly, as even small issues could lead to more serious problems down the road.
1. Visually inspect the battery terminals.
Check the battery’s positive and negative terminals by popping the car’s hood. A bad connection and a lack of power to the starter can result from 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 cap may cover the battery terminals or even the entire battery on newer automobiles. To get a good look at the battery, take off one or all of these caps. However, check to see that nothing is metal (such as tools). While working, you accidentally touch both terminals.
2. Test the battery’s voltage with a multimeter.
To test from 0 to 20 volts, set your multimeter to its “DC” setting and dial to 20. The black probe should be placed on the battery’s negative (-) terminal, and the red probe should be placed on the battery’s positive (+) 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 an issue with the wires that supply power to the starter and other parts.
- Make sure the earth strap attached to the car’s bodywork is securely fastened while you check the voltage. The battery’s proper operation depends on this.
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3. Visually inspect the solenoid.
If you attempt to start the vehicle but get no response, even though the battery appears to be functioning normally, the solenoid may have a connection issue. This small cylinder is typically attached to the starter’s top. Visually inspect it to ensure that all of its wires are connected correctly.
- If the solenoid’s wires are dangling, it won’t work. Try starting the car once more after reconnecting them. The solenoid may not be powering up properly if this does not assist.
- Commonly, solenoid wires snap or bolt into place. Get professional assistance if you are unsure of a loose wire’s location or how it attaches.
4. Use a circuit tester to see if the current is getting to the solenoid.
Connect the feed terminal of the solenoid with one lead from the circuit tester (test lamp). Connect the other lead to the metal of the bodywork. If the tester lights up, the solenoid or starter itself is the problem, not how the current gets to it.
- If the tester does not light up, the wiring needs to be fixed because there is a bad connection.
- A malfunctioning ignition switch is a potential additional cause of this issue.
5. Check the solenoid output current.
Place one test lamp connector on the solenoid’s output and the other on the ground (earth) terminal of the battery. The lamp ought to turn on. If not, bench testing of the starter/solenoid assembly will be require.
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Bench Testing Your Starter
Other tests that may be performed include checking the connections and wiring for proper continuity, as well as checking the fuse box and fuses for proper function. It’s important to have your electrical system checked regularly, as even small issues could lead to more serious problems down the road.
1. Remove your starter.
Even if the electrical circuits appear to be in good condition and you do not hear anything when you attempt to start the vehicle, there may be an issue with the starter itself. To carry out additional testing, you will need to carefully remove the starter from the engine block, unbolt it, and disconnect its wiring.
- When removing a starter, whether it has a solenoid attached or not, care must be taken, including jacking up the vehicle, to avoid damage or danger. The owner’s manual for your vehicle may be helpful, but if you’re not confident in your abilities, you should hire a professional for this task.
- If you decide to take the starter apart yourself, make sure to label all of the wires and keep track of the bolts so that you can reassemble it!
2. Attach jumper cables to your starter.
Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of a car battery. Connect the other end to the starter’s solenoid’s thick positive post. The black jumper cable should be connected to the negative battery terminal and one end should be connected to one of the starter’s ears, which are fin-like parts sticking out of the main cylinder.
3. Connect a wire to the starter’s small terminal.
Take a few feet of 16-gauge, insulated wire. Crimp one end onto the starter’s small terminal after stripping the other end. Make sure to strip the other end as well, but do not use it yet.
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4. Hold the starter down with one foot.
The starter may move around and emit sparks during bench testing. By pressing down on it with your foot, you stop it from bouncing around and causing harm.
- You can get assistance from others. During the test, have them use a booted foot to securely hold the starter in place.
5. Touch the other end of the wire to the positive battery post.
The starter pinion ought to move and spin when you do this. If it does not, the starter is defective and must be replace.
- If the starter does spin but you still aren’t sure why the car won’t start, take it to a mechanic for a more thorough inspection.
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