My Car Wont Turn Over - How To Test The Starter / NSS / Ignition Switch

[@livewireOrourke]

Five years later and this is still one of the best videos on understanding the testing of the starter.

[@coreyxpress]

8 years later and it still is the best.

[@ruee1960]

100% agree my friend

[@bleepinjeep]

Yep, I keep learning stuff every day... not that I'll remember it tomorrow. Sometimes I find myself watching my own vids to see how to do something;) Thanks for the help.

[@danieldavisart]

My 97 Jeep clutch push rod broke in half at the Guatemala-Mexico border on our way to the USA, welded the rod back together to get us home, and by-passed the neutral safety switch. We made it back in 9 days Now, the battery can't hold a charge and the engine won;t start even with a battery charger/starter, though the solenoid clicks. (good news is the blower motor works again after years of it not working due to changing the ignition after a pin broke in the steering column). going out to try again after watching your video twice....good stuff.

[@philharris893]

BEST STARTER/ SOLENOID explanation VIDEO I have found. NO fluff, No gibber gabber, Clear video, and explanation. Thank you Mat

[@bleepinjeep]

Philip Harris no problem, glad to share!

[@dreacolelani]

After watching this video, I was able to get my F150 started. This video is very descriptive with little jargon and live demonstrations that are actually visible to the viewer (that's hard to find). Thank you for your clear explanations.

[@Antlittle87]

I watched so many videos on this topic by far this was the best most helpful informational and cross brand applicable. thanks a trillion.

[@bleepinjeep]

+Antlittle87 sure, thanks for the sub

[@jorgeponce7947]

+Antlittle87 Fully agree

[@TheWarjunkie666]

That is the truth right here. helped me diagnose my problems on a 1967 Impala. Thanks! BleepinJeep

[@Mario-zj1jy]

Antlittle87 hi

[@mrgoatninja9367]

agreed

[@ruee1960]

Best explanation I've seen on how a starter & ignition works. I wish everyone with these DIY videos would follow this guy's example.

[@coltius]

It's been 10 years and this is still a super useful video.

[@PoorWays]

Hi Matt, thank you very much for keeping this video online. Just started having intermittent starting issues with my Comanche and wanted to know how to start it in a pinch with my screwdriver if I needed to. You saved my day!

[@larrygk1257]

Good video. It takes what others post and distills it down concisely. Going nuts presently n trying to test why all of the sudden the signal wire is not getting 12volts when ignition is turned over. Just got the car and it started 3 days ago. Car has not moved since then and now does not start. NEW battery, NEW Bosch starter and relay seems to be good. VW 1600 1970 engine 4 speed.

[@michaelreece458]

Finally... a starter repair video where someone knows what he's talking about!

[@JohnDoe-j7s2c]

The best explanation on KZbin. Literally!!!

[@skingk2632]

Certainly, by far, the most comprehensive disclaimer in the universe!

[@caspermayne]

Thank you for the video. I've tested mine in the same way, worked like a charm. I found out that the positive starter lead was in really bad condition. Had to take the starter out of the engine bay to find out. So I've just replaced the wire. Thank you great people on earth.

[@DaveyWalbeck]

Great video and a lot of valuable information given in it. So I was troubleshooting a starting issue, which I eventually solved and it ended up being kind of a uncommon cause. I viewed many similar videos and none covered this cause. Basically my Jeep would start fine and run and I'd drive somewhere and turn it off. When I tried start it later it would just have fast clicking. Battery was charged, starter worked fine and jumping it only helped a tiny bit. The cause? Ground wire to the engine. While I did have two grounds, one on each head, apparently it wasn't enough. Anyway, added a new ground wire and everything works perfect now. At any rate, I did appreciate your video and found it helpful

[@jeremiah1797]

I think I am having the same problem when you say you have two ground one on each head what do you really mean. and when you added a new ground wire . can you break that down for me.im trying to learn this stuff tire of wasting money .thanks...

[@jeremiah1797]

@Jenn Jenn its been a long time , I can't recall but if anything i remember when the car would go off on me when driving in the highway, it was the crankshaft....another time it was the computer, now when i also had to replace my starter i remember tapping on it with a small pipe or hammer and it would start i knew it was the starter going on me. and i replace that.. now i check the starter the way the guy in the video show .how to...i hope you get your problem solve soon..

[@lauram5906]

Thank you for taking the starter out to do this. I can actually SEE what I'm supposed to be doing. Now I can go test my starter. You're awesomesauce.

[@bravejj6996]

Thank you...You helped me fix my car without even being a mechanic....5 stars my friend

[@n8jgu]

Matt, very well done. The solenoid if it doesn't click would be a bad solenoid. Your bypass of the solenoid with a screw driver is a good tip. Some batteries has 12.6 volts but when you apply a load to them they go under voltage. If this happens then replace the battery. A starter motor has such a large AMP DRAW it also makes a good battery tester. Matt a good video follow up is battery load tester and specific gravity tester for flooded lead acid batteries.

[@robertroach7069]

You are one of the best mechanics I watch on here. You go full in, don't hold alot back, and also teach how to fix it after diagnosis. I solved all my issues on my car from just watching your videos. Just keep making more!

[@tyrellvenables7182]

Thanks for the video! We had a storm alert here in Kamloops B.C. and Using your video we got the jeep home just before it hit! Now I will wait for it to dry up before finding out if the N.S.S is the issue or if the ignition is the problem. Honestly though the ignition feels different when you turn the key so that is my bet. Thanks again! got a laugh out of the NASA helmet too :)

[@psopengoo]

Thank you!!! Helping a buddy do this himself saved him a lot of money

[@bitto65]

Good job Matt, good to see you learn something new as you go along mate. If ever you do have a query or are not 100% sure about anything, feel free to pop me a PM and I will be happy to help you along with some advice and Info. I am a qualified mechanic of over 30 years and have had much experience with rebuilds, mods, hot rods and restorations, even creating some pretty out there custom jobs over the years. Cheers and keep up the good work mate Lee in Australia

[@bleepinjeep]

Well those last two suggestions are over my head, even this was up there by my ears as you saw from my first attempt. Hope I got everything right in this one...

[@user-pi3el9rg5y]

Great video! I've watched at least a dozen on how to test the starter and this one finally explains it well! Thank you!

[@bleepinjeep]

William Cook sure, thanks for watching!

[@bbjagaa]

Me too!

[@vesputia]

the NASA helmet at the end was the icing on the cake of the only video that has helped me figure out what the Bleeping Bleep is going on with my Bleeping Jeep.

[@Mel-ml7eg]

Excellent video, explained well, good clear picture, I learnt a lot through watching , the best one i have seen yet.

[@mitchmad64]

HI great video. I have a slow crank and die situation on my van. Good battery Any ideas my friend thanks

[@helarlanchipa3344]

Man, Thank You! for making it so easy to understand, By far the best helpful video.

[@chicago1680]

Man what an awesome video glad I found this just had a issue with my car turning over and this pinpointed the problem right away. Just saved me alot of money, Thanks again

[@AdrianaRodriguezphd]

Thanks so much! I've always worked on my car with my Dad but now that I've moved away it's up to me. This really helps, cuz my Jeep won't start. Time to pull out the volt meter my dad gave me and I never thought I'd actually use! Haha, thanks!

[@rick850angler6]

Hey matt my jeep wont crank it was fine a lil bit ago new batt good connections good relays and fuses not sure whats up i found that theres no power at the plug that goes to the starter and i turn key and nothing...thanks

[@flowermaze___]

Saved the day! This works, the NSS paper clip trick did not for my case in a 1998 XJ. I wonder what that suggests? A fully cooked NSS or maybe something else hmm

[@alfredkabura]

Thanks I be confident if I come around this kind of problems the major issue is finding a warm garage with a lift in it.

[@steverose2405]

Good stuff; thanks. If you have 12 Volts from the ignition switch, but nothing happens (no sound or click), isn’t the solenoid to blame?

[@rucker3693]

Thanks for the video; very helpful.Can you use a schumacher battery charger instead of the car battery to troubleshoot?

[@adamex12290]

awesome!! your videos help out.i have a crack on my starter solenoid. i think im just gonna replace it hopefully my car would start. but then again i had problems with the truck starting up sometimes i have to put it on neutral to start.... i need tips on that

[@LivingWithTheGuzmans]

Thanks for the info

[@steveo782812]

Good video. Thanks for showing the part how about how to jump it with a screwdriver. I always though you jumped the hot to the ground (or jump the contacts in the solenoid), but I see what you are saying by the bendix won't push out and engage the starter. Thanks for showing that. Never knew that.

[@ricardovelez958]

Thank you so much. I’m having problems with my starter or what I believe is the starter I will to bypass my ignition wire and plug to the starter positive to see if I get a crank.

[@gnajones]

What are the other tools that you used? Does that multimeter have an audible setting?

[@KeithHolbert]

Thank you so much! Your video was so informative and just plain so a novice like me can learn

[@devinyounce2905]

this helped the most by far keep it up man

[@johnnyaberg9617]

Best video I have found about starter. I have a question: My car have started to "click" then turning key. Battery perfect and also cables are fine due to voltage etc. BUT my starter in test 1 on your video throw out the solonoid but starter doesn't run. On test 2 the starter runs. What is the problem?

[@rogerdeutsch5883]

Great video and fantastic example of activating the starter with the screwdriver. Thanks.

[@italianphotographer]

Thank you for this great video! My 2002 Grand Cherokee 4,7 V8 HO is hesitating to start when the engine is hot. The battery is only one year old and it works just fine when starting the engine when it's cold in the morning. When it's hot and running, I stop and the start the engine again, it sounds like there is not enough power from the battery, (or not enough power arriving to the starter). Any idea on what could be the problem? Has it anything to do with the wiring? Thanks!! :-) Luca

[@superjoint57]

Are you able to get replace the wire from the solenoid to the starter? I have a 2007 Grand Cherokee and I believe this is my issue. It appears to be a green bradded wire/connection. Thanks!

[@simonflores3410]

the small wire by the positive wire at the starter does it connect at the battery terminal the one for the ignition switch good vedios

[@Mr.Fiero1984]

Good video. Starter issues are a pain in the ass. Will a faulty starter cause your power windows not to work?

[@michealbeach3983]

Very cool short and concise if that's the right spelling.another long video didn't even mention ignition switch. thank you

[@kcsunday8151]

This was an amazing short and to the point video!..So much information to help nail the problem down. Thank you so much!

[@7BEG]

Hey Matt, I removed the starter from my 97 Xj, the I conect the started like you did on the video... when the solenoid and the always "hot line" are conected the rotor spins way slower that if would bypass the hot line and the conector that has a black wire.. Does that mean the starter is broken??

[@jgizzy]

Roberto Chaves Were you testing this off the vehicle? It so then the speed difference is due to amperage/power being lost inside your solenoid before it makes its way to the starter motor (black wire). Since the starter motor turns over faster after you bypasses the solenoid's "hot line" then you know there is a lot of resistance in the solenoid. This resistance is usually because the 'contact plate' in the solenoid is worn out, or either of the two windings inside the solenoid have some resistance in them (Hold-in winding, Pull-in winding). The first thing to check would be your contact plate as it takes a lot of the electrical abuse because it acts as a high-amperage switch to transfer power to the starter motor itself. Purchasing a new solenoid or finding the culprit inside your solenoid and replacing that component, will fix your issue. I know you asked this 1 year ago but I thought it may be helpful to others who may have your same issue.

[@dmac1170]

Great explanation, by far. Simple and straightforward...you da man!!!

[@bleepinjeep]

sure, thanks for watching!

[@jahdroy9595]

The problem with my car is that the solenoid only click when i try to start it so what might be the problem? ,can be the ignition or my starter , cause when i try to turn the vehicle the light in the dashboard bog down untill i released my heand , but the starter only click no start

[@Ghosteriz]

What's the model of that starter you were holding in video?

[@pablogomez7519]

do you have a video that test neutral safety switch???

[@thecozy101]

Best explanation I've found and easy to understand! Thx!!

[@newsreach]

I saw the post where you said that a rapid clicking sound indicates a dead battery. But I'm hearing that rapid clicking sound on my 1998 DeVille while it's being jumped by another car. It's doing less now than it did before I hooked it up to that other car. Have you any thoughts on this?

[@newsreach]

bleepinjeep Thanks.

[@xlrobertolx]

Hey, thanks for your videos! I have a 96 jeep Cherokee country 4.0l that recently started making a clunk noise when I try to start it. After one try it seems to start up fine. The voltage meter reads around 12 before turning the ignition on, then it dips into the red... I have recently put in a new alternator. Not sure if this is related to the fact that we ran the last alternator to the last mile. Could my battery just be too drained or would my starter be the culprit?

[@bleepinjeep]

Check the battery.

[@danceswithcritters]

MY 92 FORD EXPLORER. the ignition wire that connects to the solenoid is a push on clip, which makes it impossible to attach the multimeter positive , to perform this test. there is an unused post type terminal next to the ignition wire connecter.DOES THIS UNUSED TERMINAL HAVE THE SAME FUNCTION?

[@LocalFloridaFam]

When i test the ignition wire do i need to have the key to the ON position or try and crank it? i tried it with the key in the ON position and was getting fluctuating numbers between 0 and .08 dont know if maybe i wasnt getting a good connection or something else is wrong because i was getting bad readings at first when i was testing the positive wire on the starter but evenually read correct.(bought the mutimeter yesterday) this starter is still in the truck

[@clayteemcwilliams8088]

Thanks you made it so simple for me , keep up the good teaching.

[@stkhoops]

@bleepinjeep if it will I test with the screw driver and the shaft shoots out, but it doesn't spin, does that mean my starter is bad, or something else?

[@jhall9013]

on the constant wire, does it have a fuse ?? will it hurt to run a new wire, or cut & splice it to where it will stay hot ??

[@clemens4232]

I have a 1992 jeep wrangler and my ignition seems to be out. do you know if the ignition have a fuse ? and what may I have to replace if the ignition is bad ?

[@jamesbailey7785]

2005 Hemi; This truck has over the past 6 months had moments of (turn key no response). Each time crawled under with a cpl taps on starter and she fires right up. It happened twice yesterday. The truck has also issues with the wiper/delay/turn handle. I gathered from many it was common and I replaced with new. It worked for a day and resorted to same spiratic operation. I checked fuses. Sometimes it works fine though most not. On delay it might cycle 2/4 times. Could both be related to a ground issue as the truck has rust from Cab down like it has been run thru the salt water half of its 127 tho miles.

[@904PinballZine]

I needed this video! Great one, keep them coming!

[@bobwick6330]

Great!!

[@a7xswimmer]

Got a 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (6 cylinder, 2WD). The starter would click, but not turn, so the first thing we did was get a new battery, and that worked for a couple of days, but then we ran into the problem again. Tested the started, and the ignition would get 12V like it was supposed to, but the starter would still not turn. Got a new starter in there, but still ran into the same problem. Any other suggestions as to what it might be? Thanks

[@a7xswimmer]

Thank you for the response, but I was actually able to find the problem. The wire leading from the battery to the starter was shorting.

[@stanwilson8089]

Excellent explanation,I'll be tuning in

[@rosamelano3857]

Hello fellow jeepers, I have a problem with my xj everything works all the lights the radio it even locks with my remote control but when I turn the ignition it won't crank or anything. Any tips that might be helpful? Could it be my starter?

[@ericgordon8542]

Neutral safety switch

[@paulluap2829]

Very informative, clear and easy to follow. Helped me a lot. thanks

[@montyalbright7097]

Can't get no better than that with the information you offered thanks

[@SomeGuyBrock]

Whats the recommended gauge for the different wires going to the starter?

[@stephensparano59]

great vid on how to diagnose starter problem I'm having on the Jeep.

[@Bro.ŽO]

best video for starter problems! Thanks

[@outdoorsman8385]

that was a badass detailed video man, thanks.

[@DJ1MYKEMRX]

Hey man big fan of your Vids used a whole bunch. But now my prob is that i installed the new Starter and it turns over but doen't actually start..? any ideas..? i also have no volt meter..

[@joshp1841]

so i have a 76 camaro and it would not start i put a new starter in new battery both battery cables are new and all fuse are good still the starter solenoid does not do anything would that mean i have a bad ignition switch or is there something i need to check

[@HornetWSO]

Fantastic tutorial on starter diagnostic! Thank you! Superior!

[@LayneSteighlee]

Could use help! I drive my car for a bit (starts up perfectly) and get home, shut car off, and try to re-start it and it won't start....but then it will start up 5 or so minutes later. any assistance on this? It is def not the battery as I just replaced the battery a couple weeks back.

[@jf8220]

A nice easily understood video. Good Job.

[@pappynotpapi2070]

Okay. So mine spins but it seems weak. Would you have a idea on what would cause that? Battery is charged all the way. Does that mean it's bad?

[@F150fx2sporT]

Great video man. I have a 95 Mustang 5.0. And I just hear a click and no turning over just a click. Battery is good. Changed the starter as still 1 click. Checked the neutral safely switch and its good too. I can hear my fuel pump prime so I know it’s not a problem. New spark plugs. New cap & rotor. I can’t seem to find the problem

[@bleepinjeep]

Sounds like you are not getting power to the starter. Most likely battery or cables.

[@F150fx2sporT]

BleepinJeep I was working on it today. I removed the started and checked it with te battery terminals and it started spinning right away. I’m gonna check the battery cables. Thank you for the reply. Love your videos man

[@motot5398]

Victor Sanchez its your starter relay

[@F150fx2sporT]

Moto T i found out it was a bad connection from the distribution wire to the ignition coil

[@F150fx2sporT]

Moto T i found out it was a bad connection from the distribution wire to the ignition coil

[@yamnjam]

Great video. But at the end did he say the opposite? Like when you put the meter on the S post and someone turns the key it SHOULD read 12 volts...means the starter is good right? Cause there at the end he says 12 volt reading means it's bad. Maybe I'm confused. I'll watch again.

[@mikewilliams6079]

He means that if the voltmeter reads 12 volts, then there is no problem with the ignition system as power is being sent to the starter solenoid. This will then force the gear pinion in the starter motor forward to engage with the teeth on the flywheel and turn the engine over. However, if the voltmeter reads 12 volts but the starter motor does not spin or engage with the flywheel, then it (the starter) is bad.

[@yamnjam]

Mike Williams I see what you're saying...if 12 volts is getting to the S post, the ignition is fine...and it will read 12 volts. But he kinda said at the end if the meter shows 12 volts it means the starter is bad...if it does not show 12 volts the starter is good. I need to watch it again!

[@ThePoolman2007]

@3:48 i did this to my landcrusier starter for my 52 m38 and it sparked once and now it wont do anything any ideas what happened

[@WoodardBonnie]

I have a 1997 acura cl and when I go to start my car sometimes I will get just one click and then sometimes it will start normally auto zone told me it was my battery but I'm not sure any help !! Thanks

[@arianahatfield7986]

hi i have a 2000 dodge neon and i replaced my battery and my ignition switch and my car still wont start i can turn the key over and nothing happens the lights will come on on the dash and the fuel pump kicks on but i dont have a cranking noise when i turn the key any advice for me would be great im thinking it could be my starter or my computer if you have any advice please let me know hank you.

[@AppleValleyIndie]

i just got a new starter from the junk yard ''not exactly brand new'' but it worked when i put it in the next day i noticed that the positive terminal was really hot when i would have the car running and later on that day when i turned it back on the starter gear stayed extended and i could hear it clanking just went out to turn it on once more and now it wont start at all, somethings telling me its the switch mainly because of the terminal getting hot but im not to sure

[@rucker3693]

1998 Astro Van wouldn't turn over. I put a new starter on and started running for a few days. Then started acting up same way again. It won't start, it won't turn over, it won't do anything, with the new starter on. Do you have any advice or suggestions for me? Thanks in advance

[@KCsk8r]

I dropped new engine in 2008 wrangler; I have everything buttoned up and tripple checking connections. As soon as I connect battery it wants to starts without key. I have to remove battery wire for it to stop. I've tried the key in and out Turing it in all positions. Tried the brake and gas maybe to get the computer to respond. Lastly, I replaced the actual starter. Same problem. Followed the igition wire and it looks fine; no short.

[@jenn-mamadukeso.c7153]

great video excellent descriptions and instructions .. even I as a woman could follow and understand thank u

[@dugglas29]

Omg you helped me so much, thank you! Awesome video, not like the boring stuff. :)

[@sophiabayar9697]

I bought the cj 7 for about 2 weeks and today the starter died, so the question is: do I order a standard starter for 1983 CJ 7 or do I need something different because my 1983 CJ 7 original engine was replaced with a Jaspers 4.2 L Inline 6 258 engine? Thanks much in advance.

[@bleepinjeep]

starter goes with the engine. so yes you'll need a starter for a straight 6

[@bleepinjeep]

starter goes with the engine. so yes you'll need a starter for a straight 6

[@sophiabayar9697]

BleepinJeep ok thanks so much for your advice!!!

[@toanhlai6522]

Anyway I can activate the the gear drive with out turning over the starter so I can set my shims on the gear drive thanks for any help

[@OysterPir8]

It's not that I'm not getting ANY power, but its taking a lot of effort. I just put in a new battery and it's doing the same thing.... Any ideas? The helmet and space walk are awesome, BTW

[@bleepinjeep]

What kind of effort, elbow grease?

[@OysterPir8]

No, it's as if the battery was very low. like its a lot of effort for the starter to get going.

[@iRumbleBOX]

Good video matt. I need to bleep my jeep.

[@trail2k2]

need help, 2001 corvette. i have to hold the key in the start position for 5-10 seconds. it's like a signal delay of some kind. doesn't try to crank during that time. starts right up after holding the key in start position.

[@DarrenOrtego2708]

Have a 93 altima have a crank but no start issues I hot wired the gnition coil to the battery car cranked then made a wind down sound now it will not turn over any clue?

[@eganmag]

Thank you just tried it but you are saying that from ignition switch to positive should still start my car even if the ignition switch is still no good?

[@bleepinjeep]

it will turn it over, the switch still has to be on for the computer and other things to have power.

[@gilbertcruz65]

Margaret Egan ""

[@franksansone5819]

Starter on my 05 TJ does nothing when I turn the key. I had my friend tow me and it jump started right up. When I do the screwdriver bypass trick it turns over but doesn't start. Do i need to have someone in the Jeep pressing the clutch or no? Just turns over and doesn't fire up. Any help I would appreciate it. Weird because the rolling jump start fires right up.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

sounds like the neutral safety switch or ignition switch scenario. or starter's not getting enough power. did you find the problem?

[@franksansone5819]

Not yet. Thanks for the lead though. Someone told me the solenoid might be shot.

[@kc9hej]

So, I had this problem and when i go to jumper the connections it just cranks and cranks but never starts. It started fine 12hrs prior. Replaced the starter and same condition. I am sure I am connecting the two correct jumpers with the screw driver because i can see the belt turning. Can a faulty ignition switch keep it from actually starting also?

[@kc9hej]

+Zachary Mallory The answer is yes. Ignition assembly replaced and all is good again!