Car or Truck Engine Won't Start? How to Diagnose a Bad Starter

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@JoseGarcia-qf7qj]

Bn. Look I in Nini j I i hi iobioojibibjiolbllbjbjbob

[@Oiluis18]

So what happens if you have a cranking no start you kind of just left that on a cliff hanger without saying why?

[@JoyLong]

@@Oiluis18 He mentioned that it could be a relay, fuse, or even neutral switch.

[@kimdufore4019]

It ended up for me to be the ac compressor was seized and the belt was still turning but there was so much drag it prevented the engine from cranking fast enough to start.

[@awolnski]

Doesn’t get any better than this. No life story and Parkinson’s camera operator, just straight to super helpful information.

[@1AAuto]

+Adam Wolnski Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@chrisweaver2143]

Ok sir , my father is a master Mechanic both my grandfathers were truckers so by default that makes them a shade tree mechanics. So I’m by far not a greenhorn when it comes to vehicles however I will say this was one of the most impressive KZbin videos of how to diagnose any problems on a vehicle. Simple, precise and to the point thank you sir.

[@tonycervantes4816]

Hi cris I have a cuestion about this video

[@chevy66driver]

1A Auto is top notch!

[@user-cw1im9do2b]

Best automotive video I've ever seen. He touched on every problem possible without adding stupid things during the lesson 5 stars

[@1AAuto]

+Jeffry Farmer Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@troubledyouth5536]

Dude when I thought I'd never find a good teacher or someone on KZbin that actually explains things thoroughly thus man comes alone and teaches me more about just 1 problem than iv ever learned about cars my hole life finding out on my own

[@jessemartinez6781]

Dude !!! Thank you !!!! I think you just saved me $900 ....mechanic told me, yup you need a new motor ....i see this and put a socket on the pulley and BOOM I turn the motor EASY !!. Its just a bad starter and he was going to keep my old motor (which is good) and get paid for labor.

[@1AAuto]

+Jesse Martinez Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@jmaice83616]

That mechanic sounds like a criminal. You should lose his license for that kind of BS!

[@dtnel]

Run fast from that mechanic you mentioned as something sounds shady. $900 for a engine, installed? BY the time you install new water pump, plugs, wires, gaskets since it's out of vehicle and unknown condition easier to replace. Example I bought a $400 motor for someone recently . Replaced alot of gaskets, all except head gasket. Had a bad wheel bearing, needed new battery, had to replace power transfer unit gaskets as when you remove axle shafts you have to replace the seals. All in all the total was $2k then adding the other stuff total came to $3300 and it was a used engine.

[@jthunders]

Sounds about par for the course. Usually women in particular get this kind of treatment by service places, especially the stealerships.

[@chaddebuff2299]

$900 for a motor...

[@ArmycAv2nd]

Seriously out of all the self help videos here this by far is the most user friendly! Thank you

[@Payton20ADZ]

This great ! Thank you. My 2000 chevy s10 wont start (battery fine) this guy actually shows where the starter is to tap it. Save me $150 in towing cost.

[@tylerd9925]

These guys are top notch. Never have I seen or heard this guy forget to mention valuable details. He always covers everything needed in a sensible, detail oriented kind of way. Thank you for always thinking safe and delivering to the point content. Much appreciated, cheers!

[@1AAuto]

+@tylerd9925 Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@TallFamilyFilms]

Absolutely fantastic troubleshooting - very thorough. Only thing I might add is that my son was able to once use the hammer trick without someone actively trying to start the vehicle. He just tapped on it and then hopped in to start it. Might help someone else.

[@lazorgaming1]

I was about to call a tow truck for my car before trying the hammer trick. Worked like a charm to get my car to the shop. Thanks !

[@evanlane7935]

But what if I have a cranking no start? What could it bee

[@PascalesPop]

This video got my dad out of a Sunday jam and saved him from a tow fee…while making me look smart in his eyes. Thanks A1!! Will order my next car parts from you guys in return.

[@johnbehneman1546]

Thank you so much!!!! I need to turn the engine over by hand tomorrow. BEFORE I spend money on a new starter. Thank you for the breakdown!!!! You answered all my questions and then some!!!!! Thanks for sharing your gift with the world !!!!

[@MMASulu]

I hope you still got all your fingers

[@lostmoose9994]

So laid back the way how you talk and explain things ! Thank YOU !

[@JoanLewis-ys8kl]

I really appreciate the comprehensive approach and straightfrward treatment of the issue. Thanks so much!!!

[@donho7857]

Excellent video. thanks from Canada.

[@llroman7823]

Great video. It takes me three times trying to turn it over to get engine to start. I will try your tip on putting it in neutral and trying to crank it. Just replaced battery terminals and thought a stripped loose terminal was the problem, but not that easy. Will check fuses and relay. Thanks for the wonderful 1A Auto videos!

[@stayinalivemedical790]

I really appreciated the description of the sounds that I would be hearing for each problem. But then going the extra step to help me see how to test the battery connection, probing the harness and then test crank the engine with that in place helped to clear up what multiple other videos never helped me with. I hope to diagnose my son's car in the morning and be able to get it repaired quickly...for the cost of parts and with the added bonus of father and son time!

[@GordonNoble-g8u]

The best Information given clear and easy to understand all You Tube videos should be this clear

[@benjamincross9003]

Ahh Man!!! So clear the way You Explain Something about the Technique along with the Clarity of Your Speaking Thank You So Very Very Much

[@mlff4786]

This is the most understanding video in you tube for starters .thank you so much

[@sunnyeh1627]

You are an amazing teacher and very beneficial, Now I know my car needs a Starter as you demonstrated in the beginning my Mazda has the same Sound. A big thank you, Sir.😊❤

[@waynebinky]

Also it helps sometimes to look at the grounds from the battery to the body and body to the engine. Check for looseness and corrosion especially on older cars that live in the salt belt.

[@bonnizan1]

Best video ever! You mentioned the clutch safety switch & bells went off. 👏🙌👏🙌

[@bgates1128]

Brilliant! Thanks! I will order from you too For a month or so, my vehicle either cranks perfect or good lights/no starter turn. Try few more times or try later and it cranks. Since it mostly starts fine, that rules out battery/alternator/fuses. I don't expect starter wires starter wire problem could be intermittent. I'm convinced starter pvlm, but will check starter signal before replacing.

[@maxschaumberg2196]

Whenever I get frustrated with a project, I think to myself... What would the '1A Auto Messiah' do. I can't tell if he works as an auto mechanic or a Therapist.

[@sammynavaIII]

Great video! The close up description of the wiring connections was awesome! Hammering the starter was a great tip! Too!

[@thuswaldner1]

excellent explanation and excellent lighting! That is hard to do in auto mechanic vids. Well done!

[@suzannelanderson6866]

Thank you so much. So easy to follow and understand the process of those parts.

[@ND-jv4hg]

This was well done and helpful. But I have some important info that I didn't find on any of the 'won't start' videos: If it is the battery as it was with my 2015 Silverado, you have to actually INSTALL the new/good battery, NOT just jump it - that did not work, would not even make the solenoid click. It was still the battery. It took a trip to the shop to find this out. I believe them because any other problem with the ignition system would have cost more to fix. Plus it did work. The explanation from the shop is that it has to do with the computers and complexity of the charging system, and the need for direct cable connections. Jumper cables do not provide the necessary power feed. The voltage was fine, but I do not have a load meter and couldn't verify that critical info.

[@andylamm5571]

Thank you. My truck started in Neutral but not in Park. Range Selector Switch.

[@JM-tz8xf]

Thank you so much Andy and 1A Auto! My Camry wouldn't start after finishing up grocery shopping. I checked the battery, fuses, and cables. I was defeated and brought a starter getting ready to replace it there. I figured let me try and do the hammer and start method, and it worked!! I was able to drive my car home and replacement the next morning!!

[@man_kind]

Simple, informative and to the point. Great video!

[@phillyshoota2154]

Bro this may seem a little over the top but I have never watched a video before about diagnosing a car problem that answered every question I had about the topic plus the questions I thought of while watching the video and for some reason left me feeling calm af lol. Best video I've ever watched period.

[@1AAuto]

+@phillyshoota2154 Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@henrito2003]

Thanks for the information very clearly explained and right to the point ☝️

[@kaimukibackyard148]

Super clear description. Simplicity at its best.

[@M-r-c24]

Okay, but what if you can always start your car but sometimes, randomly, during the start process it glitches, or in other words, “dies” for 2-5 seconds in the middle of the start. BUT always starts and drives great? I have a 2018 Subaru just hit over 100,000 miles and this just started to happen. I also have a video I would be willing to share! Oh and I replaced the battery, brand new per the mechanic and it’s still occurring. Thanks for all your KZbin video. Very helpful 😊

[@MyLifeThai371]

I have a tip. On Chevy Silverados after you have been driving on snow covered roads on your way to work during the winter. After you get off work the starter won't crank. What happens is the drain hole in the starter housing gets snow and water packed up there into the starter gears. It then freezes and won't let the starter turn over. You need to go under the pickup with a little benzomatic propane torch and warm up the starter to melt the ice. After that I put a dab of door and window caulking over that hole and have had no issues with my pickup starting for the last 4 years now.

[@k9under]

Good point.

[@biancamohan5161]

@@k9under at

[@martyanderson6142]

You could probably spray penetrating oil then the ice won't stick and freeze

[@mattlaw3600]

So how about if you do this and you get the same indications but then you take the starter off the vehicle and then test it and it works? Could it be a faulty connection on the trigger wire or could it just be a speratic starter

[@1AAuto]

+Matt Law We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@maggiehansen7557]

Let me just say please that I LOVE YOUR video SO MUCH!! BEST WORK OUT THERE! I had already skipped through too many BS videos aaall about batteries even when the person asking states that the battery is good and asks how to tell between a starter and an alternator problem. I was getting furious at all the idiotic overexplaining...and then YOU came along ❤❤ again I cannot thank you enough for your crystal clear fast diagnosic examples, you are AWESOME!!

[@jingjing7245]

Wow, first video I looked up and it probably the best! Now heading to my car...

[@MrSamuelcabral36]

I was turning the key and car wouldn’t start until you said to turn key and listen for clicking so I was playing around with it. There were flickering lights then car started after I held key in turn position. Then it started. It dawned on me that I hadn’t used the car in 2 weeks. My car is old and i heard old cars can get messed up if you don’t use it for too long. I appreciate your vid. It is in formative and made me realize I got no one but me to fix my problems. I just need a guide.

[@Damerlavis7055]

I’ve been having that click and there’s no power after whatsoever but if I go to start it a minute later it fires up like just fine not sure if it’s a starter or not

[@rizzleriz4457]

Hey 1A, I noticed the test light was lit depicting that the starter leg is how. However, shouldn't a voltmeter test be done to ensure there is no voltage loss from the battery to the starter. A low of 9v for example would still light up the tester.

[@michaelsorenson3887]

Frankly some people can only handle a light either being on or off. This guy in the video is smart enough to use one as he diagnoses things, but I think it would just complicated the video. Example: simply getting the leads backward would show a negative voltage on the meter, even though the battery isn't actually putting out a negative voltage. I think it was a good idea to make this video as basic as possible. There's either voltage there or not for this example. While someone would likely not have that tool if they were just the average car owner, maybe they'd see one for $10 when they went into the auto parts store Those are my theories. Long story short, yes, you're right. You should use a meter to be more thorough and have the whole picture.

[@jamesjacobs592]

Great video. Simple to understand!! What if my truck starts but won't crank all the way up?

[@BrewCityRider]

What about putting your test light on the heavy starter wire? It should have power without cranking, and then have someone crank it to see if the light goes out indicating a big voltage drop. Could be just a bad connection/loose nut to fix that.

[@paradisenick]

Wonderful!!! Sorted me out a treat. Storm Eunice hits I need my truck and OH BUGGER it won't start. I knew it was something easy and your video helped me to find the problem!! Thanks you are a star!!

[@Carlitotoso]

Wow! This is a GREAT video! So very helpful 👏🏽👏🏽

[@linda_munoz]

Very helpful and clear with good instructions and explanations and clear video! Thanks!

[@JCMFix]

I like that you went through all of the steps.

[@JasonTylerRicci]

I've experienced failed starters on 2 different vehicles and the hammer trick never worked for me. Just my luck, lol. Great mentioning the manual transmission clutch safety switch. That switch is often overlooked when diagnosing no start conditions

[@WJHandyDad]

that was a great video... straight to the point and covered everything you need to know!

[@NemesisElitePro]

Thank you so much. You helped me fix my Nissan skyline R34!!!!

[@GodBlessHipHop]

will a bad starter work if you jump your battery? it seems the battery is good cause the lights are still coming on bright and strong. But the starter works sometimes and when it doesnt i jump the battery and it starts no problem. So is it the starter or battery in this case?

[@1AAuto]

+God Bless Hip Hop We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@cm1324]

What do you do if the range selection switch is bad? Should I still replace starter? My truck started in neutral but won’t go into any other gear to drive.

[@dougryan621]

Awesome . Thanks for the tips . Question how do I test the battery cable going to the starter is good or bad ?

[@armchairtin-kicker503]

... Although I have a FOXWELL BT705 Car Battery Tester, after a full charge of a battery, I was getting results that suggested that the battery was okay, but it was not. I found that fully charging a battery and leaving it disconnected overnight will reveal a compromised cell, the voltage having fallen below the acceptable limit, a voltage far below the 12 volt range. Given that the voltage of a fully charged battery is 12.6 VDC and the battery has six cells, the voltage each cell contributes is 2.1 VDC. Accordingly, the voltage of a battery with a dead or compromised cell would eventually fall to 10.5 VDC, the damaged cell being unable to hold a charge. This symptom is a dead giveaway.

[@MontgomeryTran]

I always wondered why tapping the starter helps.. Thanks!!

[@TBGaels32]

Could it be possible that the starter is bad if I keep blowing a 40 amp fuse on the ignition? Im having an issue with blowing a 40 amp fuse

[@michelangelovasquez4883]

I love your guys' videos so informative thank you.

[@1AAuto]

+Michelangelo Vasquez Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1AAuto.com

[@tonycervantes4816]

@@1AAuto how you know is of starter sr ?

[@venividivici6418]

Super clear and concise vid. Thanks so much.

[@seapanther53]

Thanks for saving me time and money. Now, how do I fix the selector switch?

[@Guacamoc]

You guys do such a good job. Nothing but best wishes from me

[@theroadking547]

Dude you just saved me from being stranded in a parking spot. My 2013 chevy Silverado didn't want to start and I just got a new battery. I put in neutral and bingo my truck started and made it home. Time for me to change the starter. Thanks for the video.

[@sweetcup6694]

Except that it wouldn't be your starter. It would be a neutral safety switch or range selector switch like he said.

[@ryangenge5970]

I'm having an issue where my truck wouldn't start. Just one click. I just installed a new battery as it was getting weak anyways. I tried starting it for like 20 minutes without any luck so I let the truck sit for like 5 minutes came back to try and start it and it fired up. This happens almost every time I go to start it now. I'm thinking its the starter? But why is it intermittently just firing up as if I wasn't just trying to start the thing for the past 10-20 minutes?

[@ZydecoSoul]

That is the question I am asking and I have noticed there are several people asking the same question however, no one is responding. I would love to know if you found an answer.

[@tedflint3193]

I learned a lot. Thank you for posting.

[@manuelramos4608]

Wow I wish I was a professional mechanic like you!

[@thatstrami]

Damn this video is excellent Thank you so much If I need a new starter I'm going to buy it from you guys

[@kos_m824]

I know this is an old video so im not sure if you'll read this, but in your intro you mentioned cranking with no start not being battery or starter, and then nothing else. That is the exact issue i'm having except it almost always turns over on the second attempt. Can you (or literally anyone else reading this) expand on that issue?

[@kaleidoscope8743]

Could you guys make an end-to-end system check video that shows how to troubleshoot a no crank condition, (hopefully on a 2006 Nissan lol). Just go through everything in the system that could actually cause a no crank. Whether it be the starter or ground wires or starter relays or fuses under the hood as well as ignition switch or anything in the cabin. Like totally I'm having the hardest time figuring out what's wrong with my car. The odd thing is that after you pull the key it will somehow reset itself and be able to start later. So it's hard for me to get it in that situation where it's no crank. It certainly shows up at the most inconvenient times and then I get it to the shop and they can get it started. I want to try to narrow down what the heck is wrong with the car. Put me in a bad situation with my boss too. Totally irritates me when they make a note crank video that alludes to the fact they're going to rule out the starter and before they can do it they run into a bad or low battery

[@jonathonher]

Wow you’re good. Lol very good details

[@markhuru]

Great vid. My transit van got me guessing , it starts fine, get it to work then turn key nothing, try try , nothing then by chance some time later starts? This has happened 2 times now? Scared to drive it now? Any advice?

[@1AAuto]

+@markhuru We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@julyrosales]

Man this is an in depth video!!! I like it and I am subscribing.

[@AgustinaQuinteroFelix]

Thank you so much. For helping us. Here in nebraska it has been snowing and has being frozen. My truck out sudden didn't want to turn on. Then when i hit the key on it clicks alot then everything turns off including the lights. My pedals are frozen and hand brakes. my keys got stock also. I think it might be the pipe lines underneath that are frozen. And a battery issue.

[@1AAuto]

+Agustina Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@AgustinaQuinteroFelix]

@@1AAuto Thank you so much. For your help. I just share the link to my brother and son incase they need anything to repair there vehicles . God bless you. And happy Holidays. 🎄🎉

[@darthhulka-burger3187]

Thank you. As Always, 1AA provides clear & concise info which I know will work.

[@johnvaldes8725]

EXCELLENT Video. Thank you sir!

[@ebrahimshaji9042]

Very nice and so beautiful job. Very well discussion of everything that I needed to know. Outstanding video. Thank you so much for your help and answering all my questions and inquiring.

[@manuelnajera1521]

So what was the issue if my Chevy 350 was cranking how it was at 30 seconds? New battery and new alternator. Starter or wiring? Saw smoke coming out lol

[@markymark6928]

Great advice..I checked mine and it's not seized up..its my starter which is much cheaper to replace and repair

[@jessimessi80]

Idk if you'll respond but I am at a loss. I have 2007 Toyota rav 4, had trouble starting, accelerating on hills to almost none, then won't go above 2 rpm. I replaced MAF sensor, fuel filter, and crankshaft position sensor, then car would not crank or start, now cranks sometimes I have also replaced battery. Has strong crank /turnover but no start. Any suggestions?

[@Lis2875]

Thanks, very nicely explained, My 2000 Firebird 3.8L, wont start, it's has new fully charged battery, all lights are nice and bright , I changed new starter in but it's still wont start... What it can be Please help..Thanks..

[@lucasmoore5969]

Blown fuse?

[@michelle-jn7ul]

He doesn't say it outright but the reason he checked voltage at the positive cable attached to the starter is because the cable could be bad and not supplying the starter with the power it needs. He really shouldn't have skipped that. You can use a jumper cable from the battery to the starter and see if it starts, if it does you cable is bad.

[@jerrychacon8814]

So if I touch both terminals with a screwdriver and it doesn't start the solenoid is good? Key in ignition on or off? Or it doesn't matter?

[@DEG1985]

Tremendo video felicitaciones.... Very good video, I think it could not be done better, congratulations ...

[@1AAuto]

+ISAAC ESTEVES Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@kaylamarie8309]

One of your best vids..thanks!🙂👍

[@JohnsonrandyJohnsonrandy]

What about jumping the solenoid with a screwdriver?

[@TheRAMBO9191]

Great video! Guna test out the nuetral tip. But I'm scared maybe my timing belt broke. My car wants to start holding the key on for like 6 seconds but then stops and makes a dry sound. I'm just guessing. My uncle will take a look. I have a 2005 dodge neon. And of course car prices are out of my range now.

[@marizaescobar-arias5837]

What was it!??? My car is doing the same 😣😣😣

[@dc5duben96]

thanks 1A auto for the great info!

[@1sclera]

I’ve been watching these clips since my first car about five cars ago so if you wanna send me a T-shirt, that’s cool

[@tickyul]

Excellent video!

[@chetosmorados]

Thank you for the detailed information!!

[@mitchallen5819]

So when testing the power supply it tests ground as well? So, you're doing two tests at once, inherently making it 3 tests?

[@imking500]

Thanx for the info guy. Much appreciated.

[@johncollins8304]

Incredibly good. Tjank you.

[@melodydow8729]

Thank you for the video cuz now i can check to see if motor is ceased up.

[@dlarricksmith]

Thank you for this content!

[@bannerbomb8693]

What if all my lights turn on on my dash cluster then as soon as I turn the key there is no noise but all the lights turn off. Then I stop holding the key and the lights turn back on. Then I wait a few minutes before trying again and it starts up fine? What would that be? I've had my alternator, battery and ignition assembly replaced due to them going bad. I haven't replaced the starter yet though. Does it sound like it could be a problem with the starter?

[@IvanHernandez-vo4jx]

Thank you so much! You guys the best!!

[@dropas4136]

Had this happened overnite on my s80 2001..hope it Will work out..

[@Lis2875]

Very nice and simple video, good explained.. Thanks.

[@1AAuto]

+Lis2875 Thanks for the feedback!