Starter Motor Troubleshooting Tips DIY - How to diagnose starter problems

[@spelunkerd]

Last month in Calgary, a 'sting' operation by a local journalist was done at about a dozen auto-shops. They brought a vehicle in with a bad ground connection at the battery. More than 3/4 of the shops sold the customer an unnecessary battery. As I recall, all three Canadian tire shops missed the diagnosis. Only one or two of the whole group did a voltage drop test and thus came to a correct diagnosis. I admired the one mechanic who admitted he messed up. Good review.

[@BennyGoodmanGoodman]

this is the best explained where terminals connect and how they work iv looked all over . and listened and watched lunatics but none could tell me where the terminals go . thank you very much for this vid

[@Lilmiket1000]

Man that is very in depth! Thanks a lot! I was just charged 100 dollars for a diagnosis and they said I needed a starter. Using your video I was able to remove the starter and bench test it myself and my starter works fine. Unfortunately, I already bought the new starter. I will probably go ahead and change it anyway. But I spent 200 on a part I didnt even need because of their wrong diagnosis. Calling them back tomorrow. I'm about 400 dollars in on this same old issue. I've been to 3 different shops and nobody seems to be willing to take the time to dig into a real diagnosis always got their hands out to collect payment. I'm going to be so pissed if I find out it was a simple bad electrical connection somewhere and only a few mins or few bucks fix after I've spent hundreds getting nothing done.

[@williamrafff]

I have a real aversion for 12v electrics but this is the clearest, most logical explanation of fault diagnosis that I have ever seen! Even I could follow it! Thank you Sir!

[@clark57225]

9-1/2 years later, You are a good teacher. What seems scary to the uninformed now make perfect sense. Time to go out and give it a try. Thank you.

[@Crazy5150760]

I saw a few comments say it was best starter info video ever and figured it would be a little helpful... And I was far from right, it was tons and tons of help. it was very detailed, very easy to comprehend and had visuals without being under a hood with every other part to destract us.. I will be doing all of this with ease tomorrow. Thank you very much!

[@PrkchpsNaplsaws2]

You should teach a class called "How to make a "how to video" for youtube: 101" You sir, are amazing. Thank you VERY much for this service to people who can't afford expensive mechanics.

[@darlawrence9295]

10 years later and this guy is helping me with my current problem! AWESOME!! Thank You!!! "Current problem" see what I did there? I crack myself up. 🤣😂👍

[@bernardocisneros4402]

I know starting systems and charging systems like the back of my hand and this video is by far the best video I've seen on how the starting system works and how to troubleshoot it. There's only one issue with his drawing of the complete starting system. The "alarm starter disable relay" is not wired that way. There are actually 2 components involved in disabling the starter by means of the car's alarm system. These 2 components are: 1. The starter relay which is shown on his drawing 2. The alarm system control module which isn't shown on his drawing. Inside the relay there is a coil and a switch. Inside the alarm control module there is a "ground" (The alarm control module gets this ground from the negative side of the battery). When you step on the clutch and turn the ignition switch to the start position, 12 volts will not flow through the starter relay coil to ground. Instead, 12 volts will flow through the starter relay coil to the alarm control module, and if everything checks good with respect to the alarm system, the alarm control module will give these 12 volts coming in a ground. This will energize(turn on) the relay and the switch inside of it will close to allow 12V to go to starter solenoid. So if you have an alarm system that controls the starting circuit, this will help you troubleshoot it, and determine if it's the alarm control module or the starter relay. If when troublshooting, you find that the module isn't providing a ground to the starter relay coil, don't automatically think the module is faulty. Before replacing the module, check to make sure the module is getting ground from the battery. You'll have to get a "pinout diagram" of the module to determine which pin feeds ground into the module. If you have a manual transmission you will have a clutch pedal switch, but if you have an automatic transmission you will have a "Park/Neutral Safety Switch" instead. The park/neutral switch is there to prevent you from starting the car in any gear except park and neutral.

[@davidbaker142]

Just sending thanks John. My wife's 1999 VW 2.0 Golf had problem which seemed like starter motor had gone. Turned ignition and just clicking. Fed up of high garage bills, I sat down and followed your tutorials on starter motor problems and using a multimeter. Bought a cheap multi meter and methodically set about the problem as you clearly outlined on your videos. Battery showed only 11.6v so got a charger which got it back to 12.4v. Low and behold car started up first time. Whether its purely down to low battery or down to the couple of hammer taps to the motor I'll have to wait and see but I am indebted for the clear and precise way you showed how to address the problem. Many thanks and keep the videos coming! Dave B

[@bearing01]

That's awesome Dave. Congrats. If it happens again, make sure the battery cable terminals are tight. That's the #1 most common problem next to dead battery. /John

[@busded]

thanks so much John! it ended up being the starter after all!!! Putting that thing in 2x was a pain, but sure made me do a happy dance when the warranty replacement went in & worked! Thanks so much for taking the time to help me and so many others- you saved me hundred$

[@Christiana510]

I have a circuit analysis midterm next week but my car also refused to start today. This video has just helped me on so many levels. Thank you.

[@jamesmegancostello852]

I've watched 10 or 12 videos, looking for a simple, logical explanation for starter system issues based on the function of the starter and potential symptoms related thereto. This has by far been the BEST video for that. I thank you sincerely for your help. By the way, what an ingenius idea, for teaching purposes, to touch the actual voltmeter leads to the appropriate places on the drawing! I wish you every success in your endeavors.

[@jack_attack_1]

Thank you so much for taking the time with this educational video. Your use of hand-drawn diagrams with the actual multimeter probes makes things so easy to visualize, even for a backyward DIY enthusiast like myself who has no background in electronics.

[@elizabethbrian6959]

Starter motors аrе used in a number of еnginеѕ, аррliаnсеѕ, and devices оf dау-tоdау ореrаtiоnѕ. Thеу аrе uѕеd in generators, cars, bikеѕ, water рumр, соmрutеrѕ' CPUs, laptops, аir соnditiоnеrѕ, rocket engines, ѕhiрѕ, аnd ѕрасе ѕhiрѕ, еtс. really informative post at manyautosltd.com

[@neon10ful]

By far the most informative video I have seen on the subject. Big help with my VW T25

[@PerRoaldFluge]

I found this video very instructive. I like the way the author repeats the main technical points until it realy gets under the skin of the audience. Using the knowledge from this video I could go out in my frontyard (?) and fix the starter problems of my Pajero 2.5 diesel following the logic of the author. Thank you!

[@TheSteelyT]

Outstanding Video! Your approach using diagrams drawn on paper and actual meter probes in your hands is very practical and easily understood. This is the best instructional video I have seen on youtube thus far. Thank You!

[@hebercook]

My dad spent hours and several videos trying to find an answer, and he finally found it through this video! Thank you for your help

[@MrWallyrooster]

A timeless video! This information is applicable to both a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air and a 1995 Dodge Pick-up truck.

[@mrobvious5892]

Another “here’s how to do it the HARD way” video!! It amazes me how few people know how to actually use a voltmeter correctly.

[@joseburgos5106]

Super explanation. Short, Clear, and to the point. Excellent skill on your part to teach this material. Thank you much. I am pretty sure I can find the problem on my 1999 Suburban tomorrow. I got a feeling that one of the cable is not good and with this instruction I will know the truth.

[@jchrisiciplan]

I'm improved my understanding not only of starters but of wiring diagrams and this is just great. Thanks lot !

[@mitchward1971]

Thanks John- I have gone from having no idea why my starter failed on my oldtimer Fiat 500 to having a very good idea why it failed- thanks to ur video and comments below. The failure is on the solenoid: the +ve pole & surrounding plastic casing has completely sheered off. Conclusion: Starter pinion is jammed and the current build up in the solenoid has caused it to self-distruct. Annoying thing is I had just had the starter reconditioned. Back to square 1- but hey at least I know what happened!

[@tristinsway4217]

What is wrong with my 1998 Ford transit diesel cab chassis it was starting ok until I changed the coolant bottle,now I only get 2 starts & on the 3rd start it goes click clock click but it will start when I jump it with my jumper pack It has 2 new batteries starter motor is 6 months old & battery leads cleaned & checked The earth straps are ok could it be a relay or ignition key however I checked the relays & there ok maybe the solonoid is wearing out already although it’s only 6 months old All advice would be so appreciated.

[@dalegribble60]

Very good video for the backyard guys. Wish I would have seen it earlier and did these tests. Mine would sometimes click once or twice then crank over. Instead, I visually inspected all wires and connections and found the positive at the solenoid looked burnt and corroded somewhat. Your explanation of a click no crank sounded correct. I just cut the connector and I'm going to replace it. I recommend to anyone that ALL connections be clean and solid first without question.

[@bearing01]

If the engine is warmed up and you turn it off, does it start right up again? Is it getting colder outside where you live? The engine coolant temperature sensor tells the engine computer to add more fuel when the engine is cold. It's like priming the engine or turning on a choke. If your sensor is going bad then it could cause you to have to crank the engine for longer before it starts. /John

[@aeboisseau]

This was the most helpful and thorough electrical problem troubleshooting video I've ever seen! Thank you so much! Please continue to post such awesome videos!

[@nickroberts7526]

Very, very well explained and easy to be able to hear everything that was being said on the whole video!!! So great job mate and please keep up your good work!!! :)

[@rayjvify]

Dam good explanation without all the BS . Thank you very much .

[@scubaryan]

Great video indeed! I was able to diagnose the problem with my Mazda 3, which would sometimes start and other times I would get nothing. When it didn't work, battery was fully charged and I would not even hear anything turn over. With knowledge learned on this video, I located the starter wire and by wiggling it, it would close the connection and the starter would work. But another slight wiggle and nothing would happen. It ended up being so much of a problem that mazda release a service bulleting to remedy it in 2008. I hope anybody with the same problem will find this video and maybe read my comments to save them hours and dollars. The replacement part is under $20, for a new wire connector (BAY0-67-SH0). Thanks again for the perfectly explained video!

[@captainamerica6521]

ive watched about fifty videos this is best one yet! yahwey bless you brother fathers real name!

[@dmartian]

The best video ever I have found among all other starter videos. I like how you explained it with the diagram. Very easy to follow.

[@bearing01]

Thank you

[@lesleymaby]

This is a brilliantly clear and fascinating video that even a mechanical doltard like me can understand. With the easily understandable language and fantastically clear diagrams I actually found it fascinating. Now I'm off to try and fix my malfunctioning ignition/ starter motor problem myself!!! THANKYOU!!!!!!

[@TheCorollagti]

Very good video and easy to follow tutorial. Although I do a lot of work on cars it's easy to forget the basics like these so this was a good recap and very clearly presented. Thanks for taking the time to put it together and post it up!

[@alexbermudo2525]

Thanks the best video that I ever seen,,verry simple,,but hit from top to the bottom,,from the Philippines,,marami pong salamat,,God bless you sir as always,,,

[@israelayemoba]

This is the best ,simple and most explanatory video have ever seen. More video sir and probably in an animated video.

[@JUANLOPEZ-dl6ux]

This is the best video I have ever seen on KZbin is like taking a mechanic's class a college will not even break it down in detail like he did thanks my friend

[@000001willy]

Excellent video. Very straight forward explanation. Having the explanation of the voltage strengths and how to test it is very helpful. Thank you.

[@TheEdudo]

the best teaching video on this subject i have seen, you should be a teacher ( although i think you might be already teacher).many thanks

[@jgizzy]

This may be the single most clear and perfect starter diagnosis video on youtube as far as I can tell. Very good explanations and perfect use of drawing and multimeter lead orchestration while narrating us through the process. You, sir, have a talent for teaching..

[@pekkahammainen6355]

Excellent presentation!

[@ebunny1970]

Agreed. Explained perfectly.

[@markbons7766]

Very well explained and all the needed metrics. Never seen it explained so well, thanks

[@feelingsoulgood]

I love how clear you are in your explanations.. I would love to learn how to rebuild my 75 chevy van from you .. thanks

[@MatthewMcWhirt]

Thank you for doing this video! Saved me a lot of time and money trouble shooting my van.

[@Medic594]

Thank you for this great video. I've saved it to my watch list because of the fact that I have a perfect memory, just not a long memory.

[@DEG1985]

Wow! This is the best video on the internet, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with others, God bless you today and always...

[@bernardocisneros4402]

Great video. The only thing you shouldn't do is at 6:38. Do not disconnect the trigger wire from the starter solenoid. By disconnecting it, you are opening the circuit and an open circuit can't have current flow. You need current flow to do a succesful "voltage drop" test. Leave it attached and put one of your voltmeter leads on positive battery post (On the post not the cable terminal) and the other lead on the trigger wire where it connects to the solenoid. With a good battery, your meter should read around 12.6V before turning the key and stepping on the clutch. After someone steps on the clutch and turns the key to "start", your meter should read close to zero volts. Ideally, your meter should read less than 0.3V (300 millivolts). If it reads much more than 0.3V, check for loose or corroded connections or corroded wires. It doesn't matter which lead you put on the positive battery post or trigger wire. This will only change the polarity so instead of getting +12.6V you'll get --12.6V. The positvie and negative signs don't matter. You're only concernd with the number.

[@stealthde1]

Thank you so much! Ive often stared at wiring diagrams and had no clue where to begin. Ive now narrowed down the problem thanks to your video and am confident on how to fix my no start issue.

[@richardmartini9784]

Super cool job son... Keep up the good work.. I would have added one thing.. That the trigger wire can be used to jump a starter.. With a hot line That can be as helpful as tapping the starter with a stick

[@sigmanfloyd7179]

You are an awesome teacher! Step by step instructions that even a dummy like me can understand. Thank you!

[@dismalfist]

Helped me IMMENSELY with my custom loom for a project car. Thank you thank you!

[@ousmanetraore4942]

Fantastic explanation, clear and straightforward ! Thanks I would like to have your view on my problem. I had to replace my starter this month as it melted down twice. First time I was parking, I switched off the engine, remove the key. I heard the starter was still spinning with the engine off and smoke came out from the hood! Second time, it melted down again while I was driving 5 mins after I started the engine. Any idea what can cause this issue?

[@ludwig_der_grobe]

It Helped me. Thank you very much. i was in the middle of the nothing. When I saw this video on my smart phone, i could see the problem was present in the alarm system, then I made a bypass connection wich helped me to start engine. Thank you very much.

[@Jake.Clabough]

This video was so freaking helpful I’ve been screwing around with this lawnmower for three weeks bypassing safety switches and all that! Finally got it fixed!

[@71freerider]

Probably the most informative youtube video i've ever seen. Awesome . I'd have you on my team in a heartbeat. Just noticed this was 2010 , it's 2018 now hope your still alive and good.

[@mobilehomelife4028]

Thanks for the video, I am having a starter problem. Your video confirms advice I have gotten and consistent narrowing down to two issues for me, battery or dead spot on starter. Being freezing winter days right now, lol, not had a chance to put this to the test but I am confident.

[@svWanderingPuffin]

John, awesome instructions and very clear! As I can't find an answer elsewhere, here goes: Starter bench-tested good. [INFO: Vehicle '79 Chevy "Ramblett", new to daughter. Ran fine, started every time, until I turned the dash-switch for lights. ] I found 4 wires to starter: 1 from battery, 1 from harness (both on big bolt), 1 from harness on small bolt, another from harness with the end shorted/burned off. That's my problem. WHERE does that wire go? Is it the one that slips into the square fitting? In my ignorance I put a small round end on it, and attached it, with the other one that had been on small bolt. NOW: wires attached as 2 on each bolt. NOT MOUNTED YET. (sitting on a bucket, not hanging by wires). When I attached the battery + at battery, result was very rapid clicking. QUESTIONS: *wrong end on small wire? * not grounded as it's not bolted on? PLEASE, SOMEONE, help? Baby's got new shoes, waiting to take a mom-daughter RoadTrip! BTW, old-style starter with 4 bolts.

[@ScorpionRegent]

Overall, a very good video explaining a cranking system. There was one obvious thing that wasn't mentioned. The fuse on the trigger circuit should be checked first if you suspect no signal to the starter. It's an easy fix and doesn't require any real trouble shooting. If the fuse blows again there's a short in that circuit and it's time to start chasing the problem.

[@xzzx22]

Thank you very much I'm a technician and you helped me to learn more about the starter, it the same on the generators!!

[@rayjmartinez]

Thank you so much. This helped out a lot. Just changed the starter on my 05 Jeep Liberty and it's still having issues starting but now I know what to look for. Thanks again!

[@newganimedes]

I have watched a lot of videos about the same topic. This one is the best.

[@TDSG34]

that was the absolute clearest explanation I have ever heard - thanks, it even made sense to me who only used a voltmeter once - lol!!!

[@samuelnoack1575]

A well explained video Thanks. I have a 2005 ford e350 pass. van. Last night I was driving & stopped the engine for 10 seconds. When I tried to start up again I had full dash lights & radio & only a single click from under the hood. It would do this single click every time. I did it 5-10 times. Each time exactly the same result. No cranking sounds at all. Any suggestions as to where to begin my trouble search?

[@mcdonnellsinc]

using multi-meter probes to demonstration where to take measurements at is teaching genius, no other video on youtube shows this.

[@bearing01]

Thank you. /John

[@Quintos.]

Absolutely amazing video, right to the point, easy to understand, and short and sweet.

[@adventures223]

This is the best explanation i have ever seen you explained it so easy thank you

[@oceanman7054]

awesome video. i did everything but still no start so im assuming it must be a faulty starter. it started fine a week ago so was very surprised, didnt think starters just suddenly went like that

[@CZDPKPL]

Hi thanks for your reply. You are correct. It is the deterrent system force the voltage down to 12 V. I have reset the system. It could crank as usual. thanks for your help

[@train4905]

Dear sir. An absolutely superb video.clear concise and spot on.exelent video sir.well done.

[@revolution3797]

Got a flat head 4 cylinder Hobart engine the coil starter is smoking from the nut. I had it running, it's a generator by the way military one. Found out how to put a load on it,because I tried starting it and it was hard to crank so I took the load off, can I plug the battery back on and the starter coil started.I thought I grounded something out so I went and got some terminal cleaner. I even disconnected everything this is from the fuse box. And it still smoke. I got a video of it

[@grooveroid]

Brilliant instructional video. Crystal clear explanation. Another multimeter is sold. Thanks!

[@bearing01]

@unforgiven7 It sounds like the problem is a welded shut solenoid. The lump on the starter body is the solenoid. Inside there are two heavy tabs and a plunger that moves to connect both tabs. If the battery is weak, when the solenoid is energized, plunger moves slow and internal arching can weld the plunger to the tabs. That means the solenoid is engaged all the time. This will also engage the motor drive pinion with the engine all the time.

[@HoustonPhysicsGuy]

Good video! Thanks! I am having trouble with my motorcycle and this helps trouble shoot the problem! Not so worried about my starter anymore! I think it's the connections or the solenoid now!

[@smoothoperator7306]

Thank You very much for nice dokument. My problem is : when engine cold its start very well and easy , when engine hot and waiting 50 second olso start is very well but when engine hot and waiting 20 minute than starter turning slow . And engine start after long kranking . What couse could be ? Battery is over 12 volt .

[@DrPiyushLashkari]

amazingly simple but powerful explanation for what my 3ph diesel generator not starting since morning. I spend more than 4 hours with some (so called) experts ;) ha ha ha. even they didn't recognized the problem. keep it up .

[@robertmonk-artist]

Brilliant,very clear explanation. Right now I'm back to the boat to trouble shoot my problem. Thanks a bunch. Rob

[@swiftsizzles]

This is the best video by far. Thank you for doing these diagrams

[@markstern8699]

Fantastic video that easily explains the electrical system for starter motor.

[@Lidrien]

Very helpful video, especially your use of the voltmeters on your drawings.

[@leelstanton]

This the only video that actually got me to understand. Thank you.

[@billwu4566]

Thank you so much for this very informative video. One of the best videos on starter diagnosis.

[@ChrisStubbs]

Great video, clear and well explained. Excellent use of pictures, thanks a lot, hopefully will help me find my issue.

[@islandbeaches395]

On point instructor 11 volts direct current when the ignition energized to the solenoid small bolt/switch wire and the positive always energize same direct current coming directly from the battery big bolt/wire.

[@bendaubitu1141]

Good explanatory video. Good voice to understand. Clear diagram. Good knowledge of auto electrics. Thank you for your help. 5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@enriquedominguez9709]

Crystal clear, Best explanation, I have found, Thank you.

[@aeyb701]

Well worth watching till the end. So clear.

[@HIGHTOWERescort]

I've not made use of these instructions, yet, but wow, what a great video! Perfect! Thanks for taking the time on it!!!

[@bearing01]

HIGHTOWERescort you're welcome. Thanks for commenting. /John

[@HIGHTOWERescort]

bearing01 I have since made use of this video and found it to be VERY helpful while fixing the car! Thanks again!!! :D

[@bearing01]

@1771abinder Thank you for telling me that you liked it. I like repeating and pounding in the important facts that you need to remember. Thanks for commenting and providing feedback. /John

[@gottoloveit4u]

thankyou very much you made it easy too find my starter issue,that it work then when I tried to start my 2001 venture van there was nothing fuses were all good relays un pluged and plug back in,still, I ran a new ground wire from the negative post on the battery down to the starter and connected it to one of the bolts the starter mounting bolts that gave me and gave me a good ground ...and she started right up .over and over .that fixed my problem thanks to watching your video :) tks from Kevin

[@bearing01]

The voltage on the wire coming out of the relay, which goes to the starter trigger input, that is the voltage that drops from 12V to 6V? If yes, then you have a bad connection somewhere or the relay itself has pitted contacts inside and needs to be replaced. I would pull the relay and insert a paper clip in the socket (better to use a wire with a fuse in it) to jumper the relay terminals (usually #30 to #87) and see if you get full 12V at the starter. If yes, then it's a bad relay. /John

[@kojohammond8531]

That was awesome, thanks a million. Will appreciate if you can do more videos only on car Electricals and electronics, alternators with computer control, starters, batteries, reading schematic diagrams, voltage drop testing , computer control components like sensors, how to test them etc. You can create a play list for auto electronics/Electricals. Once again thanks for this comprehensive simple understandable tutorial.

[@mntman603]

Lifesaver! I tried to do a swap on my starter today and when the wires came off ... Oops. Forgot how they went. Thanks for the help buddy.

[@spindoctor7893]

You must be an instructor. Perfect explanation!

[@mrbvids1706]

Congratulations on making a brilliant and useful Video. Many thanks.

[@ichoose7548]

Thank you very much for your video. Explained very well and easy to follow. I think I may have a short that smoked after I changed starter.

[@smadlani]

Awesome-very very clear for all levels of technical knowledge. Thank you for your time and effort

[@autoshackghana]

Excellent Video. Very well done. I don't know if it was just me but the audio was a little low however. Thanks for sharing.

[@cillaruiz]

Great video! One of the clearest explanations of voltage drop I have ever seen. Good Job :)

[@carltrommel9989]

Thank you. Your video helped me to diagnose my starter motor problems. I found that I had a dry joint connection on my solenoid coil wire. Re-soldered it and it's all good now! :-)

[@aliulugun4045]

Very good video, question I have replaced the starter motor on my ford focus, it started well first time then the car started smoking burning from engine bay, it was probably running for 3 to 5 minutes, I turned off the ignition upon seeing this, I checked the connectors to the starter motor and they were all well secured, with no corrosion and new nuts, the thick red wire which connects to the starter by and plastic housing that protects the wiring connectors has some green powder on the connection, and the wire does not feel a solid by the crimp join but still looks ok. And the igntion relay wire which is also makes up part of the plastic housing is in good condition, there was no sign of any wire damage due to heat etc so I can only assume the new starter which is a re con unit is faulty, I will get a multi meter to check the wiring as you have shown, I just can't believe a faulty/broken cable would cause that amount of smoke burn !! Any ideas ? I have removed the starter ready to take back to the store and the smell is coming from the toothed pinion !

[@JumpermanTech]

This was an excellent video. Thank you very much