Engine Does Not Crank - Compilation of Common Faults

If your engine does not crank, do NOT replace the starter without first watching this video! For my tech friends, this video is heavy on voltage drop testing a starting system and is a much watch for all of you!
00:00 - voltage drop on the main BAT post of the starter - • Bad Starter or Bad Wir...
02:20 - bad block ground (Nissan) - • How to test a starter ...
05:25 - bad block ground (Ford) - • No crank, no start dia...
07:04 - a bad block ground that looks like low battery voltage (Cadillac) - • Engine does not crank ...
09:10 - voltage drop on the "S" post of the starter (Hyundai) - • No crank, good starter...
12:55 - voltage drop on the main starter battery cable - • No Crank, new starter,...
15:59 - super high starter current (seized engine?) - • Engine does not crank ...
20:00 - starter tap test on moms car - • No Crank, new starter,...
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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.
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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.

[@jeffhesse8415]

My opinion, the best video for " no crank" diagnosing! In my 40 years of working on cars, I've seen everyone of those situations. It's so easy to make the wrong call if you skip a step or two. Voltage drop tests are very important with key on and checking in multiple locations (not just the wire but on the terminal sides as well). Thanks Paul and hi "Mom"!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Jeff!

[@ke6bnl]

I have to agree that was very helpful

[@cowboy41231]

MOM, your son is a living legend, i wish he could have been my mentor when i was younger. you've dun good! God bless!

[@PecanPie1102]

You taught me the most important lesson voltage drop. Battery positive to battery plastic case. Standing voltage. 👍. Cleaned with baking soda and plenty of wd 40. Back to zero.

[@Z14kt12timandjes1]

I've seen that video with your mom in the last segment time and time again and I never get tired of it. I love seeing your mom! God blessed you guys with a great mom.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Timothy!

[@papecheikhdiop8032]

God bless you Paul , you cannot imagine how i improved my skills watching you, long life to you, from Germany

[@ScannerDanner]

Wow, thank you

[@gregmccarter2176]

He's helped me big time

[@DeanLangley]

Thumbs up for mom! That was awesome. I’ve seen a seized accessory once. It was in my own car and it happened while running the belt started squalling and smoking. My asked shouldn’t you turn it off? I looked and saw it was the A. I. R. pump. I said no I don’t have any tools with me the belt will break and we’ll drive home before I shut it off. Taught my oldest son the tap the solenoid trick. He was eight and had to jump under the van at the Walmart and tap it for his mom to get the van started. Best video I’ve seen for no start no crank.

[@richardcranium5839]

learning how to properly do a volt drop is learning the basics of any electrical circuit. once you have that mastered its just a matter of different applications. good stuff paul

[@patrickhutchins6935]

Enjoyed meeting your mother and seeing her constant smile

[@supersam1914]

This type of information is really industry changing . I wish I had this available back in 05-08 when I worked at a dealer . I was learning but still felt like I was in the dark . Now a young guy like I was back then can use all this awesome information to continue to grow and work on his or her weaknesses.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Sam!

[@pavelkutishchev5551]

Paul, buddy, you are the best! Over the last 3 years im watching you saved me lots of money and taught great fundamentals so im even considering joining the industry. Thanks man for your great lessons! You doing a great job raising awareness on the ppl who interested in such things.

[@ScannerDanner]

If you do, I hope to see you on SD Premium next. It will be that edge you need for sure! Thanks so much

[@jiggyjc5587]

OMG I love your mom! I got choked up watching that as it reminded me of my mom and how excited she’d be when I would fix her car. She passed in 2018.

[@ScannerDanner]

I'm so sorry about your mother. And thank you for your kind words about mind. God bless you

[@Gary_in_NoVA]

Excellent video! I have to admit, as a DIY neophyte, some (most) of your diagnostics sail over my head rather quickly (lol), but this one is something I can really use. Thanks!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you very much!

[@shawnhimel1969]

This is a great compilation of testing. Once again each time you show the whole diagnostic process, probing both side of connections is very important because if you do not follow through the whole process it WILL lead you down a "RABBIT HOLE". I recently passed my ASE A6 on electrical and electronics. I have been watching your videos for a couple of years now and have your book, and use it regularly in testing. No matter the manufacturer, "THE THEORY STAYS THE SAME". Some of these videos I have saved and referenced in the past and the do help in real shop situations. I have been a paint and body tech for years, but about 10 years ago switched over to the Mechanical side. I am currently moving up through more ASE testing, and I thank you for continuing to give back. I am 54 years old and sometimes even with all of automotive Knowledge, switching over can seem like just starting out, that is why PROPER PROCEDURE IS SO IMPORTANT. Thanks Paul and keep up the GREAT work!!!!!!!!!!!!! Believers are achievers!!!!!!!!!!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you brother!

[@Paolo0902]

The last example definitely the best. Your Mum reaction after you almost finish filming is brilliant. The joy in her voice. Take care.

[@drunkprick]

Hello from Australia MOM! Your son is a LEGEND! Good job!

[@bfpn4016]

I was working on a 40ft Nova Bus, with a Cummins isl9 that no one could get started. Using these basic voltage drop techniques, I got it corrected & started in 5 minutes. Dead giveaway was that the rear bus frame/ground chassis measured 18 volts. Found & tightened up the loose ground bolt, Bus started! I learnt all of this from your book! 😌😌😌😌 Thank You Scanner Danner! 🙏🏾

[@ScannerDanner]

Heck yeah! Awesome man. Thanks for sharing!

[@user-uj1xq5bt2m]

Thank you Paul, It was educational! There is no better reward Than MOM's smile Long life to your MOM🙏🏻...

[@johnchambers12]

I was faced with a bad block ground on a customers car that looked good but it was corroded so bad about one inch inside the insulation at the block. I was told by the customer to replace the starter, i used my jumper cable to apply a ground from the battery to the block in front of the customer and i started the car, i replaced the $15 ground cable instead of the $185 starter. Happy Customer!

[@davidessien5465]

Sir, you're a good teacher!

[@TroyStevensStelzerPaintingInc]

Excellent vid, and all the techniques used are ones that everyone at home can following along with. Sorry oscilloscope; no soup for you!

[@kevinshasteen5682]

Your locked up alternator brought up memories from the past. I remember late 80's when 4 cyl's were getting popular, these cars would come in on the hook (tow truck) with complaints won't start. Some customers telling you to put a starter or battery in it; no diagnostics- just do it!! Usually their prob was an a/c compressor locking up, or a locked up alternator. By the early 90's both the American mfg's and even Nissan and Toyota were relegating their alternator production to Korea; there were no rebuild kits. The Korean alternators cost $600 to $1200. These were on brand new cars. Many times the alternators were on 30 to 90 day back orders. Same problem with the starters - oh the good ole days

[@onemechca]

Brilliant procedures to show diagnosing a no crank with simple tools..Thanks Paul...Hope your mom is doing well..

[@randyw.1252]

Fundamentals!!! Great video that should save most of us a bunch of time and money! Love your channel.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much!

[@gregskibinski9937]

THANK YOU!!! You’re the best! Paul my adopted son. First HI MOM !! You Mom borned the best kids! Now, you just saved me a lot of frustration. My 07 blazer started Thursday morning I was just pulling out to go see my wife in the hospital. And the power steering was growling so I pulled over to the curb in front of my house. Turned the engine off. Put fluid in and then jumped back in to go see the wife and all I got was a one click😢 so frustrated and panicked cause there is nothing worse than not being able to get to your loved one and you have no vehicle to get you there! Your video today is a gift from the creator as far as I’m concerned. My son picked up a starter for me I haven’t been able to install it yet. But now seeming this video I am going to check everything you showed how to. I can’t THANK YOU ENOUGH! God Bless for all you have done with sharing your knowledge. I will let you know what I find. Thanks again !!!

[@ScannerDanner]

Let me know how it goes! Thank you brother. God is good, all the time, even in the valleys

[@s.j.5850]

Getting props from Mom is priceless! Keep up the good work. The electrical part of automotive diagnosis tends to be the most difficult since we have to know the theory & it's practical application. That knowledge separates the parts changer from the high level technician. Glad you are sharing your knowledge with the rest of us.

[@vionelfernandez4474]

Example 8 is the best. God bless your Mom. You are the best teacher. Thank you for your videos.

[@dwej9080]

Paul, Thanks for your help! I had no problem putting a JDM engine in a 200K miles '06 Mazda, but when it didn't start I thought - Oh God what did I do? Followed you principles with just a DVOM and a test light with schematics off the internet and behold. It all came down to the smallest ground wire for the ignition coils. Unreal how a wire so small can prevent a car from starting! If you are ever in Chester county, stop by and I'll buy you a few rounds! Cheers!🍺

[@jordanboulay3780]

great video for any mechanic who doesnt understand the importance of voltage drop testing ive used these test many times

[@akaitv6606]

Arguably the best no start video out there

[@FBobby]

This is a great compilation for common causes and solutions. Every Tech should watch these.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@saddiquemohammad8702]

Dear sir , great voltage drop test .your techniques are pretty awesome.

[@billlangdon9198]

What a sweet lady your mom is. Awesome video and informative as always.

[@Randz2022]

Thank you for this, as a beginner I learned a lot from your channel God bless

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

High QUALITY !! Incredible communication / understanding of how to educate people . Thanks mate !!

[@ScannerDanner]

Much appreciated!

[@odishoodisho4904]

Another great one as always thanks for sharing your experience

[@petertorato985]

Best explanation on different no crank situation however the best example is #8. Love how your mom says it.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you Peter

[@djosbun]

It’s great to see the wonderful “Mom” again! ❤️

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

Video Saved. Priceless

[@Phantomas2011]

“COOL STUFF” for sure ! Love finding nasty voltage drops!!! Let my electrons go, cool video as always Paul 👊☝️

[@ozzstars_cars]

Excellent refresher! Keeping those diagnostic skills sharp.

[@Pablo_Automotive]

Great compilation Paul, Thanks for share

[@glenforehand4816]

"Scannerdanner is my son!" Nothing better than making mom proud. I love it!

[@ScannerDanner]

😊 she love me

[@geraldebad4453]

This is really brilliant idea mate. Please compile more video that has a same issue. Amazing!!

[@isalmankhan1]

I was waiting eagerly for another great video😍 Thanks for sharing SD👍 Always special thanks to Caleb Danner you're awesome👍 Stay Blessed Guy's❤

[@alejandrovelazquez2378]

Great video Paul 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

great compilation! Really enjoyed, Looking forward to a compilation on crank no starts! Thanks for all your videos!

[@victorgonza4528]

Great video Danner , thank you.

[@davidmoss9471]

I can see this format of video been made into a mini series covering a few topics. Carpet bomb of real world relative information! Great job Paul

[@ScannerDanner]

Me too! 😉 thanks for the motivation to do so

[@lakesautomotivediagnostics6509]

Hi Paul and Caleb hope you’re having a great day. Of course I have seen all of these videos individually, but this is excellently put together and a wealth of knowledge.❤

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@AbbottAutomotive]

Good stuff Danner. 👌🏼

[@MawiMutale-bg2rw]

This is great am following each and every step 👍✌️ Watching from Zambia 🇿🇲

[@mbs5328]

This 'compilation' concept is brilliant. I would love to see more 'Compilation of Common Faults' videos from Mr. Danner.

[@nancylewis7142]

Perfect. Thank you.

[@lolzlarkin3059]

Great vid. Fairly sure i saw that mini diagnosis before. But I'm pretty sure I would have got stung and have the engine in bits before looking at the alternator.

[@wingman8447]

Mom is great! I too have had these issues and more. Very good tutorial. Thank you.

[@James-fs4rn]

👍hey Mrs Danner!🤗 Thanks for sharing!

[@flatdaddio]

Awesome video!

[@ssrbob]

That was a great ending. Good stuff man.

[@kckuc310]

Nice video!

[@aleastwood1698]

Hi Paul say hi to your mom for me. It's great that your mom isn't shy to be on camera. Your mom looks like she is a great person, now I know where you get it from. Keep up the good work.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much and I will!

[@ritchieschofield1185]

Another fantastic informative video that Ive learned so much from. Thanks to you I'm putting all these skills into practical diagnosing. You should be really pleased the fact you've helped so many people from your videos. They say you can't learn from watching KZbin, well I certainly have

[@ScannerDanner]

On some KZbin channel, you certainly can! (Learn) Thank you so much!

[@joshclark6101]

Wow do more of these condensed trouble shooting videos of different systems.. brilliant, been a long time premium member love the diesel stuff more please

[@ScannerDanner]

I will be for sure! Thank you so much for your support of being a premium member.

[@colfergusson4242]

awesome video cheers for the solid advice

[@fermate1991]

Woa excellent videos I love your teaching.

[@t1e2v3a4]

Nice video thank you for share your experience with us

[@lucionsrandom5195]

Excellent video! Now the first thing I'll link when someone has a no start.

[@OneManOnFire]

Fantastic video

[@deltacollier5499]

Love this video 🎉

[@rrmech11]

Nice job 👍👍

[@luismartinez1824]

Awesome video

[@pureonyx5090]

This video was incredible 🔥 hello to your mom .

[@pauldavis8716]

Super excellent video

[@calholli]

We had a similar issue with a F100 straight 6 engine. Apparently it had two different starters for a manual vs automatic transmission; and would need shims, depending on the setup. It was completely locked up, I pulled the belt-- crank was still locked. So we just decided to pull the engine, (it had over 300k on it anyway). I pulled the head off and dropped the starter-- about to drop the transmission. and my buddy came over and asked what we were doing. So I grabbed a wrench and was going to attempt to spin the crank and show him it was locked---- and it spun super easy. lol. It had a leaky head gasket anyway, so we didn't really lose anything. Threw it all back together, and sure enough it was locked again--- because of that starter. So I did some research and learned about the shims.

[@supersam1914]

Cool Editing

[@johnnylindsey5808]

GOOD JOB

[@nwokejaphet9442]

You are my mentor

[@turboponies]

Bull's eye. Last one made me a sub. Cheers!

[@ScannerDanner]

Mom has that effect on people 😊 thanks!

[@garylewis3641]

You have such a good mom. Good video!

[@rickrogers2649]

Love these troubleshooting tips that don't require expen$ive $copes and $canners. Thanks Paul. Great stuff !! P.S.-Mom Rocks 😁

[@nelsonnarciso1791]

The thought thats there is wanna bee techs out there that can't do these simple easy repairs is mind blowing. Omg. Great video paul /Dan what ever your name is lol

[@steelblackface]

He's the best no doubt.

[@jeremyah78]

So good! So ‘foundational’, to use a word you often use, Paul😂👍✌️

[@alexluz7023]

i have a question for mom lol..... do you know why the last one is he favorite ??? is it because he bailed mom out or because it only took him a hit to fix it ???? lol Scanner Danner you are so good teacher and tech, as a father and son we all love you and thank you for your years of knowledge and sharing

[@ScannerDanner]

Both! 😆 thanks man

[@spelunkerd]

What a great summary. There are two things that make me frequently stumble on this diagnosis. The first is if the solenoid doesn't close (very common), we are easily be lured into the false impression that we've load tested the B+ circuit or the battery. That leads to the mental gymnastics of reasoning that if there is no measured voltage drop at the B+ post or the engine ground when you turn the key, and you do see 12V at the signal post, then voltage drop in the wiring CAN'T be responsible for the failure of the solenoid to close. So, you end up successfully replacing the starter, accepting that you never did load test the supporting wires. I get the notion that in a busy shop there's no reason to waste time looking for second problems that didn't cause the initial failure. The second is that any test will have false positives and false negatives, and as you say a test light doesn't draw enough current to adequately load high current circuits. Mine glows brightly with only 6V, so its lower limit of detection is only about 25 ohms, far more than the few ohms that can cause a starter fail. On the other side, if the loaded engine ground rises to less than about 4V, the light doesn't glow at all even with current flowing.

[@ScannerDanner]

In your first scenario you don't have to load the wires independently. You proved the starter was the issue. Unless we want to argue that we have a bad wire AND a bad starter at the same time! It simply doesn't happen! Make sense? Your not wrong in wanting to still load test those other circuits but it is a waste of time imo

[@erikturner5073]

I worked at a shop where a guy missed diagnosed and said the car needed an engine. It was another situation of the boss worrying about the bottom line and wanted the jobs diagnosed and fixed with little consideration of the techs skills. It was all about record times and making money even if it means screwing over the customer. It happens quite often in this field. Having techs doing work that they are not certified in. Anyways one day and an engine install later the car was back together and doing the same thing (engine wouldn't turn over). Eventually the boss had me look to see what was going on. Come to find out the alternator was locked up. Still the customer wasn't made aware and not only paid for an alternator, but also an engine they didn't need. Lesson wasn't learned and the boss continued to put techs on jobs they weren't certified in. Eventually I left the field entirely after 15 years of seeing this in multiple shops because a master tech such as myself had all the certs an those certs were used as community property.

[@ScannerDanner]

That's absolutely horrible!

[@s.j.5850]

You put in the time, effort, skills, & tools to do a good job and it is not appreciated (except by the customer) or rewarded. I too left the industry to continue working on trains. More money & more time off & a pension. The side note is doing most of the work on my own cars without worrying about which tech under what kind of shop priorities is working on my car.

[@erikturner5073]

@@s.j.5850 agreed 💯!! Yet people wonder why there's a automotive technician shortage! The list of reasons is LONG!

[@boboften9952]

Thank you Paul Thank you for the Test on the post footage Thank you for the Test on the Wire " Fun with corroded , crusty , exposed connections " ' 70s vehicles , 80 vehicles " One of the first cheeks done Excellent visually here Edit 21:30 Hi Mom Thankyou all the best

[@umairashfaq0332]

Your every video is gem sir.love you from Pakistan

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@jyao5409]

Brilliant

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Moms are awesome 🙏🏻

[@pitchforkpeasant6219]

Tell your mom i said thank you for YOUR existence. You are teaching valuable experience to so many others👍😁👍. ++

[@fatinsuhaili7872]

From malaysia selamat hari raya...good info mr scannerdanner..

[@throttlebottle5906]

15:34 that's a repair cable end with in-splice connector. they work OK if you can cut back to clean bright wire and cover everything full of dielectric grease so it doesn't corrode quickly. I 've used some on Jheep's and other Chry'ap'sler byproducts(lol), which tend to have the cable too short to put ends on and near impossible to replace the cables.

[@benjaminrich9396]

Sunday viewing :)

[@zzzzzzzz9067]

Thanks!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks so much! I assume this video helped you fix something?

[@smiles7631]

Hello Scanner Danner! I love to watch your videos. Your son does an excellant job filming and I learn something new every time. These days is it imperative that you have some training in electronics. I'm curious if you have dived into the new electric cars any? Hybrids and all electric is coming rather we like it or not. My employer just bought a new electric spotter truck. Its the little semi truck that pulls semi trailers around the warehouse. Its pretty cool! They put an RV air conditioner on the roof of it, lol. Our company says all electric by 2025' At least thats the goal. Changing the subject, I'm starting to think that us technicians should film what we do to cover our butts. After watching Eric O and the guys at Go Tech, etc. I'm seeing a pattern of This car came from a different shop and ....... Do you have any thoughts on this that you would like to share? Do we need to start wearing body cams like the Po Po lol? There is definetly a loss of trust out there. God Bless and be safe. Thank you!

[@careyautorepairs]

Thanks

[@ScannerDanner]

you didn't need to do that but thank you!

[@hairolf4397]

What's the average/nominal starting current usually? Great videos Paul, watched em all👏👏👏

[@ScannerDanner]

Less than 200 amps. 150 on average after the initial surge

[@cullenmiller8170]

I got burned by not understanding voltage drop as a first year apprentice when I put a starter on a farm tractor that was a no crank. The rebuilder didn’t say anything about the starter being okay either. I still remember having this sinking feeling after installing the so called rebuilt starter and it didn’t crank. 😩

[@ScannerDanner]

But you learned from that one didn't you? Thanks Cullen

[@VolvoGonzo]

I glanced up from my bong tok and I saw the sho on the intake and thought it was the scannerdanner logo. I thought, oh man this guy got his own car line

[@ScannerDanner]

🤣

[@jamesrahn8339]

Hi Mom! You're awesome!