How to Jump Power to a Starter. Explained by a mechanic.

[@stsenvironmental1317]

Perfect ! Love your wire idea instead of the more violent, lol, use of bridging a screwdriver and likely damaging the threads or bolt of the solenoid.....just did it on my Kubota tractor w your method and she is up and running....time to finish blowing the 2 feet of snow we got !

[@danz58]

Good explanation. Right to the point, thanks.

[@Rewind15Seconds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoeBlau-c4e]

Perfect explanation

[@kiheidude]

So if you jump your starter as shown and the solenoid is activated and the starter spins, then the problem lies somewhere in between the S terminal on the starter and the ignition switch? I’m getting power in the cab of my vehicle (Bobcat skidsteer) when I turn the key on, but nothing happens when I fully turn the key. Using a test light, I got no current at the S terminal when I had someone turn the key all the way. I’ve switched out the starter relay with a new one, but get the same problem. I’m just guessing (I’m not a mechanic), but the only thing left is the ignition switch and the wires leading from the cab to the S terminal. Is there something I’m missing? Any help is appreciated.

[@Rewind15Seconds]

@kiheidude If you're not getting power to the S-Terminal when you turn the key to start, then the problem is within the signal to start curcuit. Sometimes, there is a solenoid in line on the fire wall or somewhere before the starter. If there's a solenoid before the starter, they often fail. If that solenoid fails, then you can jump the 2 large terminals, and that will send power to the starter and start. If you are not getting the signal voltage and when you jump power to the S-Terminal, if the engine starts, then it is in the signal. Often a broken or rubbed signal wire. The short is often close to the starter because the wire often isn't secured well. Some starters will have the solenoid on the starter, and some are before the starter. If the battery power cable goes to a solenoid before going to the starter, then look into that solenoid.

[@kiheidude]

@@Rewind15Seconds Wow! I didn’t expect such a fast and thorough response. Thank you! There is the usual solenoid on top of the starter.. I’ll try jumping the power to the S terminal from the battery and if that is successful I’ll start tracing the wire back from the S terminal to the cab of my machine. Thank you again. Your suggestions are super helpful and gives me some direction as I’ve been all over the map trying to figure it out. The problem occurred suddenly when I turned off the machine then tried restarting it a few minutes later. After letting it sit a few days, it started up, I moved the machine, then it wouldn’t start again. It has me totally befuddled.

[@californiastate6458]

Thx u so much u expland that just wright

[@fiyahrhedz8844]

So kind of like flicking a lighter in reference to starting??? 😂

[@Rewind15Seconds]

Yes. If you jump the power to the starter motor, it will just turn over and not engage the flywheel to start the engine. Just like if you flick a lighter and not press the button to open the fluid valve, then the lighter won't light. That is a good analogy. The power needs to be jumped to the s-terminal, and the lighter needs to be pressed to light.

[@Baked804]

Was someone turning the key when you used the wire when it started for you?

[@Rewind15Seconds]

@Baked804 if the key is in the on position and you jump power to the solenoid and the starter turns over and engages the flywheel, then the engine can start.

[@Baked804]

@@Rewind15Seconds thank you