Bad Starter or Bad Wire? - Starter Tests Everyone Can Do (family intro)

Any year, Any Make, Any Model, Starter Motor Testing! Follow the steps in this video to be certain that your no crank condition is NOT a wiring problem. All you need is a test light and someone to hold the key in the crank position for you.
This starter motor has a voltage drop problem on the main heavy battery cable, that we identify with a test light. I will also show you how to recognize a bad starter or engine block ground, as well as a voltage drop problem on the solenoid post.
Starting, Battery and Charging System Testing Playlist:
• Starting, Charging and...
ScannerDanner Tools:
www.scannerdanner.com/tools.html
www.amazon.com/shop/scannerda...
For more information on this topic, I have written a “field manual” called Engine Performance Diagnostics which is available at www.scannerdanner.com as an eBook or paper book.
Want even more diagnostic training? Whether you are a DIY trying to fix your own car, someone looking to become an auto technician, or a current auto technician that wants to get more into diagnostics, subscribe to ScannerDanner Premium www.scannerdanner.com/join-sc... There is a 14 day free trial.
On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC.

[@Joesciorilli]

Love the video and love meeting Ellie! You’ve changed my life with your videos. I am one of the top guys in my shop because of you and I owe it all to you. Scannerdanner premium is the best investment if you’re looking to learn and I’ll forever be a subscriber! Thanks Paul you’re the best!

[@ScannerDanner]

Needed to hear this today. Thank you so much! To hear what this has done for you and that you're willing to stick around even if I've taught you everything I can, means the world to me as it's not just about me anymore. Caleb and his family depend on you guys too these days. Blessed beyond measure for guys like you. Thank you again

[@oscarcarrizosa1751]

@@ScannerDanner just what I needed this morning as I'm about to get up and go check a starter that I'm being told is bad now I can go and check it out and look like a star thanks Danner the Scanner

[@dakotabrandon9632]

​@@oscarcarrizosa1751is ❤6h oh i

[@ScannerDanner]

We are going to create a short version of this video with just the testing methods for later in the week. Just thought you guys would also enjoy meeting my grand-daughter Ellie for the first time. Some won't like it, but to my regulars, you guys are like extended family to me and I know you will.

[@BuggysTowJam]

Enjoyed meeting Ellie and the cute star wars onesie. Thank you for sharing! And great diag as usual! Thank you guys for being great teachers!

[@ScannerDanner]

@@BuggysTowJam thank you for being here with us!

[@jamesbarratt593]

Dude anyone who doesn't like the Ellie addition truly shouldn't be watching your channel. Clearly they are weirdos and there's no place for weirdos in the shop.

[@mike60521x]

Thanks - this is an awesome example video for troubleshooting

[@anthonyspencer6475]

​@@ScannerDannerlove video I have 05 Chrysler Town and country will not click turn key nothing but my dash light will not come on.raido good interior lights good head light good any advice

[@jmb-bj9gs]

That dog is so beautiful ! You should be a proud owner! Excellent video overall BTW!

[@mitchelloates9406]

Mechanic just managed to solve a "no start with intermittent no crank" on my late father's '98 F-150 Lariat with the 5.4 L engine, that my sister and her husband had neglected (and frankly abused) until it quit running. It was a long list of problems that had accumulated, but the "intermittent no crank" ended up being a bad ignition switch in the steering column - not the ignition tumbler, but the slide switch further down inside the column. They abused that truck so badly, they not only managed to fry the original ECM, but also a replacement they tried installing - wasn't until the mechanic went thru and fixed all the various other issues, and then installed a third ECM, that the truck came back to life. The truck is actually in my 84 year old mother's name, and she said once we get the truck back, it'll be a cold day in hell before sister and hubby ever touch the poor beast again.

[@kalindambozi2356]

From the time i learnt how to do voltage drop tests i really enjoy my diagnostics. My colleagues don't seem to understand how i do it and they just get surprised how i test voltages from positive to positive and negative to negative. Yesterday i was repairing headlights on a 2008 Yaris and this test came in Handy.

[@ScannerDanner]

It is so simple yet people refuse to trust it

[@JackyK555]

Outstanding thank you, much appreciated

[@kinglangren]

I fixed my nephews car, it had a bad starter control conector which I verified with no continuity. Then after fixing that the starter would intermittently not start so we replaced the starter. So it had two intermittent issues. It had been to the shop 3 times. Makes you wonder when a diy guy fixes something that 3 shops couldn’t. Beautiful family! Grandkid’s are the greatest.

[@ianwhatley3864]

Such a simple test and so accurate, just with a test light. Great video. Always appreciate your work. From the UK.

[@salvadorgutierrezr5914]

Great video and thank you Scanner Danner and Caleb for teaching us with basic tools ⚒️ that’s the only thing I have God bless you both and your family 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@whitetiger8652]

Great video guys as always as well as a great reminder of the importance of the good old test light! Thanks Paul and Caleb!!

[@thrasher305]

Love these simple videos. Always good to revisit fundamentals in voltage drop testing. Also the baby is adorable. God bless you guys

[@Wilksey37]

The amount of times i've taken something off and bench tested and put it back only for the thing to work properly afterwards is a perfect reason to make sure the connections are tight! Great video, make the most of baby Ellie, they grow up too fast!

[@AKChryslertech]

As a mobile mechanic i have to do those same tests for my customers. It always makes their day when i can say, " nope! All you needed was some clean terminals and a snug connection!" Thank you guys for putting this good reminder out for everyone. Love yall stay blessed.

[@MD-173]

These simple tests videos are absolute pure gold. Better than than the scan tool and scope stuff which I love too but Ellie stole the show! If you wrote a book dedicated to "Test Night Mastery" filled with every diagnostic you can do with this wizard stick, from Cars to home furnaces to boats to space shuttles I would buy 2.

[@ScannerDanner]

What a great idea! 😀

[@MD-173]

@@ScannerDanner Thank you God!

[@jamjr5132]

Adorable granddaughter and an informative video as usual!!!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@8953147]

Ellie is a beauty Paul!! Fantastic old school basics that need refreshed, so thanks you guys for bringing that to us! God bless.

[@2006jc]

I really enjoy how you include your family in the video’s. This was one of “The” Best video’s I’ve seen on voltage drop with using a simple test light. Couldn’t ask for any more.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you so much! We have a chopped down version coming up that is only the testing part but we decided for this one to include the extra stuff.

[@richard1835]

Caleb's got a wonderful family. God Bless you as well.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Very adorable little girl. Enjoy they grow up quickly. ❤

[@mustangsean2598]

Awesome videos. Thank you for doing what you do to educate!

[@waqasazmat81]

Glad to see Ellie for the first time and very happy to see she is doing well! @Paul better enjoy your time with your grand daughter they grow fast!

[@arcadiogalindez6407]

Man do I love videos like this your just always teaching …and your correct ..Simple fundamentals…basics ..you rock ..

[@jkbethune]

You are a very blessed man with a very blessed family. Thank you and Caleb for all of your efforts to provide such valuable information. And, thank you for allowing us into your family. Ellie is such a sweetheart. My sincere hope is that God continues to bless you and your family.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you so much John

[@tapecknows]

Love this! So great to have the tests explained. Gonna try these steps on my non cranking Renault Trafic van.

[@ryanbrunner3153]

So helpful you rock! I have 04 BMW Z4 that is having a starter issue and local mechanics say they need replacement all the time but maybe it’s all electrical!

[@weshawkins7165]

Good video guys. It’s amazing how the simple things can cross people up. Don’t know how many times I’ve had to do the hammer trick.

[@chrisruth2040]

Awesome video. God Bless you and your family. I enjoy learning and improving my diagnostic skills

[@fascistpedant758]

It's great to see your granddaughter doing well. Mine just turned 3 last month. She's the most beautiful thing in the world.

[@ScannerDanner]

You are blessed my friend. Love it

[@claudiajohnson8725]

Love that you have a reader in the family! Godfather! Awesome!

[@eddynovoa7705]

Amazing, he has the heart of a teacher

[@davidparks6444]

I'm a Tech Baby! Indeed, thanks for sharing Guy's. These are great video's I've been watching them for years. I also have years of car repair video's and was laughing my arse off when you spoke of editing times as I probably need two years to edit them, meaning, perhaps in the future( I smile ). I wrote this note to say, Thank You.

[@codywichman213]

One of the most basic simple tests that anyone could do at home if they are stuck with a no crank. You always talk about how grateful you are for the viewer support, but in reality we all should be grateful for your very easy and simple to follow testing methods. Nowadays people are learning how empowering it can be to have the knowledge of basic automotive electrical circuits. I'm always grateful for the knowledge you have shared, and all I have learned from your classes. The scanner danner channel has forever changed the way I trouble shoot vehicles..I will forever be grateful of that fact!

[@ScannerDanner]

Man, can't say thank you enough for these words. Blessed so much by them. Sometimes I worry too much about things, then I hear comments like this and it acts as a reset for my mind. Thank you again

[@AbbottAutomotive]

So simple, but so good. Keep the fundamentals coming too. 👍🏼

[@esuttonjr]

This is the greatest starter video I have ever seen. 10+

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@payomedrano3348]

Awesome !!!what a cool family video!! You guys are awesome always watching and learning. God blessed you

[@harvinlopez4645]

Great video. I’ve learned a lot from you. God bless you and all your family nice meeting your grand daughter too

[@carlm2590]

I'm alway up for a Professor Danner video. I always learn something.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Grand kids are a great joy and you have a cute grandbaby. On a 3.8 Chrysler I had a starter die. I did a few tests then determined I needed a starter. Once I got under the car and started taking out the starter I found the real problem. One of the bolts that holds the starter in has a threaded end that a nut goes on to ground the starter and it was lose. I just returned the starter after I tighten the the nut. Great video. Happy Motoring.

[@cofty]

Brilliant case study of voltage drop testing. Thanks v much for a great video

[@oscarsmith6519]

I have been informed of that test in shop class, but this video is the first comprehensive example. Thank it really cleared it up. Very helpful for a person trying to learn.

[@ScannerDanner]

Glad it was helpful! Glad you are here!

[@brianmason8400]

The last minute with the little one..., priceless my friend!!!!!☺️ YES, I've actually done that exact test to find the problem many times.....and I know it, THANKS TO YOU !!!!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Brian

[@dtandfam8100]

Awesome video Danner's! Love the footage of the fam bam! Thank you for sharing!

[@robertmedina6875]

Thank you Paul and Caleb! Good lesson 🙂 enjoyed seeing the family 😃 GREAT VIDEO!!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you my brother! Still no internet at our new church building for the livestreams 😪 but hopefully soon

[@anthonydurantine2292]

Always enjoy these videos. Pleasure to meet your family.

[@nellyxavier8923]

I am grateful to you Mr Danner and you son Caleb. You have literally saved me with your teaching and visuals God bless you guys .wow.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Nelly! God bless you

[@Ram2253spd]

Great test and it is great seeing Caleb’s family

[@8power0]

SCANNER IS STILL THE MAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@user-ov8ph7mn7o]

She is so adorable. Great video. I used the steps to help a neighbor figure out the starter was wired wrong.

[@Engineerboy100]

Excellent video guys, thanks for posting. Really good job on pointing out the details of how to test and why.

[@DieselTechBryan]

Great video Paul! Perfect way to illustrate the effect of a voltage drop. Others would have needlesly put a starter in it and not actually learned what the real problem was. "Don't be a parts changer" LOVE IT!

[@ScannerDanner]

Exactly! Thank you Bryan

[@TThunderElla]

This was soooo helpful!!! Thank you. I'm trying to figure out what's up with my batteries. If it's the starter, isolater or a drain somewhere. Again, great video. I definitely have an oldie and I love her. I told my husband to clean her engine up. But hell with that, I'm going to do it myself! Thanks again.

[@fabianthorne6831]

Thanks a lot for the good work and videos that y’all make,we all appreciate it and are grateful to you and your family,God Bless you and your children and grandchildren and your family Paul ,see y’all later.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you my friend

[@KTRACHO9000]

A beautiful shot, big help! thank you guys 👌🏾😎

[@Mr2004MCSS]

Great video and one I needed a couple of weeks ago. The starter in my fiancée's 94 Cavalier was intermittently not starting because the Bendix was not kicking out and engaging the flywheel. I had replaced this starter five years ago with a rebuilt one from Autozone. I got another rebuilt starter under warranty since it had a lifetime warranty and installed it. Things were good for about a week and then it would intermittently not start but this time the starter would just click. I knew all of the contacts were good because I had cleaned them all very well when I replaced the starter. It did leave us stranded at Walmart so I tapped on it with the tire iron and it started. It did this again and she wanted to replace it again. This is where this video would have been helpful because I wasn't testing the wiring correctly under load. I had the key on but wasn't cranking it. Anyway, I took it off and went to exchange it again and Autozone gave me a little trouble about it because when they tested it on their machine, it worked every time. I did discover that the post that housed the wire that goes to the solenoid was slightly loose and that convinced the guy to exchange the starter again. I installed the new starter and the first time I went to start it after the install, the starter just clicked. It clicked about five times before actually starting and has started fine ever since. The next time it messes up at least I will be able to diagnose it better next time. I'm sure these rebuilt starters are just junk.

[@user-uj1xg7hb2u]

Fantastic videos, I will never forget you in my Auto Electrical troubleshooting works the whole my life Paul and caleb

[@oloveorlando6939]

Great video guys. Love the relationship nd happy family. Im here due to my audi a4 no start/crank. Changed out starter with new. Was wrkn for a few weeks nd then it gave out again. Im gonna give it a look again at the wiring. Wasnt able to look at it properly when removing nd installing new 1 since it was during late night changing it out outside of my wrk. Thanks for the vid.

[@SniperUSMC]

Thanks, never would have thought of it, going to give it a try.

[@chordarrow1]

Thanks gents for the thorough demonstration.

[@billymelgar4411]

So there's a possibility I didn't need to change the starter on my Honda Accord. Great video! Thanks!

[@craigmahan5185]

Caleb congratulations on the baby!

[@vinces8974]

Very cool video, and I really enjoy the one when you helped your mother out, and your granddaughter is so cute! , Voltage drop is a good thing to know about thank you

[@markaihi7999]

Another great video . First time I've ever commented on any of your videos . Just want to say thankyou and appreciate the knowledge you share with us . Beautiful family you've got there. Cheers

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Mark! And for the first time commenting. It means a lot to me

[@alexisjohnson9608]

Family is a true gift and something to cherish.

[@ScannerDanner]

Yes it is Alex!

[@EZ9293]

This video is Gold one of my favorite, it was really cool to see Caleb doing his own trouble shooting I have been waiting for him to troubleshoot a vehicle lol .This video is exactly what your book talks about on page 25 that’s awesome

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you my friend! And yes it indeed is. No current flow, no voltage drop right?

[@james.8985]

Thanks for sharing and introducing the bub. 👍🇦🇺

[@f.c.urbaytis3599]

Really cool camera shots showing that starter trying to turn...you can see the dust get knocked off when it clicks.

[@robbycumby8019]

Great troubleshooting Sir . lot of knowledge . thanks for sharing your experience

[@New-Breed-Drywall-And-Paint]

Man this video was sick man . Coming from a family of electricians and a dad who is a wizard I just couldn’t ever understand it . The way y’all broke it down and trouble shot it was amazing . One of the best videos ever . I wonder how many people have changed a starter and of course it started cause you moved that nut and it’s making contact again . Amazing video . Amazing

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much! Most people don't get these concepts. Good on you man, for real

[@grindhard4312]

ScannerDanner to the rescue!! Good stuff bro 👍🏾

[@randyr.parker2698]

Great video! Little lady (Ellie? spelling?) is as cute as can be! ☺

[@TylerRivera635]

This is very important for everyone to know! I had a 2018 Silverado covered in salt with a no crank concern, go to the starter do this exact test and verified the terminal was the issue. Visually we could see corrosion on the terminal, so yes very important to know!

[@ScannerDanner]

Nice! Same tests on my 78 Power Wagon as on your 2018 Silverado

[@richardastronomo2983]

Wow so much information for that. Thanks Danner your the best. Stay safe and God bless

[@zoticus1]

A blessing to have a beautiful family. Excellent diag also

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much

[@shahzadshahzad7768]

Very good testing I get knowledge.

[@warrio3176]

Appreciate k wanting 6weeks for the the video. Salute

[@bobflannagan7262]

Love it all! Thanks for the thousandth time!

[@Ilovetittiesandbeer]

Wanted you guys to know that even though I am a mechanic for industrial semiconductor manufacturing equipment, I use many of you diagnostic concepts and methodology to make me better at my job. You have helped me to become one of the best techs in the fab over the past 5 years. Thanks you! To think it all started with me putting AC in my 1988 Civic and needing instruction.

[@ScannerDanner]

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing this with me

[@russellmesger4555]

I turn on headlights , crank it or try if headlights dim and no crank starter bad ( voltage to starter) lights don't dim ( ign/ wiring) voltage not making it to starter . This is true 9 out of ,10 times . 2 sec test!

[@aliben4886]

Love the test you did, it seems the same issue I have, I feel courant lost just between Can and start positions, thank you. Hi! for Ellie 🍒🍒

[@georgejones4071]

Thank you for your time fellas .

[@francy4lonz]

Wow! You're the Man! Amazing teacher.

[@jshunskey8909]

Man you guys are professional I've seen, effectively test a starter motor for real. Much appreciate 🙏 all the best to the channel👍❤️❤️

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you very much!

[@janetcypher2009]

Thank you so much for this video. You've saved me soooo much frustration. My Forester has been having random no crank no start episodes for months. It would usually start up on its own after some random amount of tries. Everything always checked out at the shop. If I had it towed in while it was happening, it'd start as soon as it got off the tow truck and everything would check out fine. It happened again last night and after hours of it not starting and everything I could reach testing ok (can't really reach the starter) I saw your video and decided to lightly tap the starter with a wrench. It started right up. I now know for sure its the starter and I'm not going to be out another tow fee or stranded if it really dies.🎉🎉🎉😅

[@gregoriorazgado5541]

Thank you I learnt something new on testing procedure

[@cjayjayjay2973]

Great job Caleb👍👍 and good information as always thank you guys

[@KeithSWD]

That cute kid lol! Great, basic checks learned only from the best, the ScannerDanner!

[@simonilett998]

Nice one as always Paul and Caleb👍 Who would've guessed, a Jeep with a wiring problem?? Cute little Ellie gets to learn valuable lessons about Chrysler products at such a young age...3rd gen Scanner Danner coming right up🤣👍🇦🇺

[@austenj4539]

'Power and Ground' tests to avoid part changing. Cranking with the key to try and complete the circuit proving 'key' to demonstrating voltage drop. Great demo to test the pillar/nut/connector on the starter to pinpoint the nut being at fault. Boy, that Jeep has some rust!

[@calebgriffiths9062]

Thanks guys. I was taught back in the 1960s, to clean the contacts and apply a smear of Vaseline. That stops corrosion. Especially useful on the battery terminals. Looks like you guys have salt on the roads, as we used to have in the UK. Makes the corrosion protection extra important. Never had any conductivity issues from Vaseline over the last 50 years!

[@comiu]

This is beautiful! I am being both educated and entertained by watching your videos. You helped me discover the useful hobby I was looking for.

[@ScannerDanner]

You are so welcome!

[@tonistarks2874]

Awesome video broski👍🏽much appreciated on ur videos

[@jfol1827]

Thanks for this video! A bad connection at the starter was the exact problem, saved me from needlessly replacing the starter

[@ScannerDanner]

Glad it helped!

[@Kiera616]

Good quality and content. Entertaining to boot!

[@richard1835]

This was an absolutely great video. Thank you, Paul

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Richard

[@codo7]

Thank you Mr.Danner.

[@ivaneu1]

Hello Paul,it was amazing video. The dog, baby, family and car problem seems to be a Brazilian situation. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and life with us.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you for being part of it with me!

[@josephfaro9013]

Great video Mr. Danner.

[@pk-fb2yr]

Who would of guessed 🤔. Thanks Scanner Danner and Calab.

[@rafaelmartinez6910]

Beautiful family.stay safe.

[@josereyesport23]

Awesome video man. Keep up the great videos. Always looking out for new videos on your channel

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Jose

[@dier-tr3ox]

Awesome... great information and well explained 👍 👏

[@jamesbush2720]

Great video!! Have this situation right now on my car!!