How to Test Your Car's Starter and Solenoid Assembly

Here is a quick video on how to test a Starter and Solenoid assembly, using just a screwdriver, jumper wires and a 12v battery. Not the most scientific test but its a good DIY test you can perform before you go out and by a replacement starter for your car.
Here are Links to Tools and Parts Used in the Video:
Jumper Cables: amzn.to/2bOIYSF
Alligator Clips: amzn.to/2c30fIt
VIDEO LINKS:
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. Ratchetsand Wrenches assumes no liability for any property or personal damage that may arise from doing a repair on your vehicle after watching any of my repair video's. Due to factors beyond the control of Ratchetsand Wrenches, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Again Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Ratchetsand Wrenches.

[@craigmorton644]

Could anyone help a brother out... I changed a starter motor and it spins real real slow.. It pops out and spins/ runs fine out the car on bench test.. So I bypassed the cables using jump leads straight to starter... And when it's fitted back in car it only makes the click where the spindle pops out but it doesn't spin when in the car. The positive lead heats up when this happens at the positive starter connection bolt. 2 months and still no further forward. 😭 Not sure why it works fine out the car on bench, but using exact same jump lead connections when fitted in car it just doesn't spin the crank. Driving me insane.

[@quizoxmarx6945]

No.

[@mattwoolley]

Best video so far on starters.

[@markjohnson7508]

Its ok but not accurate. The gear or bendix assy is thrown out by the shaft spinning when motor is powered on and the solenoid is a high current switch and does not operate the bendix assy (gear)

[@quessbenniefield6069]

@@markjohnson7508 😅😂😂😂

[@tsaphah321]

Always clear simple and straight to the point...I feel like I owe this guy some money...keep up the excelent work brother.

[@jackburton2680]

Just cuz it spins doesn't mean it will work when installed on your vehicle. It not moving at all will tell you it's bad, but again just cuz it spins doesn't mean it's good.

[@Fixdecay]

I have a grinding sound again with my new replacement starter on my 96 300zx. The original starter would grind and chewed up badly about 1/3 of my flywheel. The flywheel and clutch was replaced with a new starter. (Possible rebuild $298) Now it is happening again. The mechanic told me to turn the key slower. Sounds like BS to me. Any chance it could be caused by a bad positive cable or ground? What to do?

[@geomod6850]

Thank you. These videos are priceless in helping us keep our old vehicles on the road in these difficult times. Much appreciated sir. Good on you.

[@MisterPapaShango]

Simplest and clearest video on starter basics.

[@myRatchets]

+papa shango Glad you liked it, thanks.

[@anti0918]

This will tell you whether or not the starter *could* work, but not whether it will definitely work. I just had to replace the starter on my car, and it tested fine, but wouldn't work on the car. The explanation I got was that there was no load being placed on the motor, so it was able to spin more freely than it would have on the car, trying to turn the flywheel. I was getting a loud click every time I tried to turn the key. But occasionally the starter would still start up the car. I replaced it with a new (remanufactured) starter a few weeks ago and it has worked fine ever since.

[@qamarbakers599]

Ratchets And Wrenches please help My 2009 wrangler got a new battery , oil change everything etc but it doesn't crank . Just a click . Workshop changed the battery again and it started but I'm not satisfied . I think the problem is related to what you explained here . How can I tell ?

[@abauer9865]

I have a starter that works when jumped, but only clicks when using the Key. I have a known new battery. What would this tell you to check next? This is the situation that I am in.

[@nickfasola5887]

This guy is good; he is knowledgeable, precise and easy to follow, an excellent mechanic !!!

[@andreww2624]

Witnessed cars at my workplace would not start, no click, no cranking noise, nada. Coworker bypassed the solenoid(as shown in this video) using screwdriver. Car key has to be in on position. WARNING: BE CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE WITH SCREWDRIVER(SUCH AS METAL HOUSING), could damage other electrical components. Temporary car start method only works if access easily available to starter motor terminals(like say if located at front, upper part of engine). My 91 Honda Civic's starter motor is located at bottom, rear(near middle of firewall) of engine. So I cannot use this method to start my car as the solenoid went kaput.

[@andreww2624]

+Andrew W Sorry, my mistake on the details. My bad, don't know how to delete my post.

[@LayZeeDawg]

Thanks for this video. Solenoids can be purchased for anywhere from 15-30 dollars. Most starter failures can be narrowed down to a bad solenoid and crud build up on the shaft causing the pinion to stick.

[@noobgamershub]

Thank you so much, I founf out that my solonoid and my starter are working fine, My onlybproblem was, the un attached socket that connnected to ignition switch, so thank you so much, atleast I learn to pull out my starter and learded that there gear is perfectly fine, hahaa, that @$"':$ unattached socket gives me a couple of head ache hahaha

[@aidanwilkins8281]

You just helped me figure out my starter was not broken, the bench start told me my starter was good it was something else, went under my car and found it was a number of things! I really appreciate this 💯 - 1965 VW BUG

[@marcusdoolette1547]

Thanks man. I like the way you keep it simple and make it look easy. Really clear info on something I've been wondering about for ages. Really enjoying your vids. Very helpful. Keep it up. Your channel is one of my better KZbin subsciptions. Cheers.

[@myRatchets]

Marcus Doolette Nice, glad you like the channel. Stay tuned for more video's. Cheers

[@deeshah6676]

Can you do this with the starter in the car?

[@eazilyunreal2701]

Can i do this without removing the starter from the car?

[@zekeski]

can i do this test while the starter is attached to the engine??

[@tkjazzer]

What does it mean if it works after tapping on it with a hammer?

[@rebuilderinabox]

If the bendix pops out but doesn't spin, it means the solenoid contacts are bad (contrary to what the movie states). The starter would actually most likely be good because the pull in coil needs a ground through the armature, then the ground brushes to complete the circuit. Meaning that the armature and brushes are functional. If you remove the solenoid from the starter, and try to electro magnetically pull in the plunger ass'y, you have to ground the motor terminal (the one that the starter lead wire is attached to). If you try to just ground the case and apply voltage to the spade terminal the plunger won't pull in. Try it on any starter, any make.

[@minnie19booboo]

I am interested in knowing if the part that pushes the gear hits the flywheel first or does it spin first, then push out? I'm working on a sbc and I have the shims correct I believe, but sometimes when I move the flywheel slightly the starter gear doesn't push into the teeth. But the other times I can. I don't believe the flywheel is cracked or warped. Just wondering what part finds the flywheel first the spinning or the pushing? Thanks!

[@crillin570]

This testing might not work sometimes. I just replaced a started that works when tested like this but does not work when in the car. I was worried and thought the engine might have seized. Luckily the car started fine with a new starter.

[@ianirwin1237]

I would say your switching voltage from ignition is faulty

[@dinkerz]

I’m having the same problem. The mechanic said it might be a sticky solenoid, so to just replace the whole starter.

[@joelh3030]

Needs a connection inspection and/or cleaning. Starter cant work without good connection and proper ground

[@DavidGomez-nm5mb]

​@joelh3030 then why did the new starter work without any modification to the wiring ? If it was the wiring not even the new one would have worked

[@cnhz01]

Same experience here @crillin570.

[@breakingfree7869]

Thank you! Love your videos. FYI I am a 56 year old woman, you and others have saved me tons of money. I do what I can myself and have a good idea what a car needs before going to a shop.

[@poon589]

Simple and straight to the points. That's my most seeking information. Thank you very much.

[@krysontario7175]

Great video - appreciate the introduction to what all the terminals are etc. It was very helpful

[@TebowTime2014]

I was having the no start issue with my 97 Grand Cherokee but the issue was that it wold start most times then out of no where it wouldn't and I would get stranded. I plan on following your tips in the video or should I just replace the whole thing?

[@aussieislandlife3408]

Very clear and methodical instructions, just what I needed. Thanks

[@browill9]

Wow! You saved my day brother. I love the way you explain things.

[@annalexander8752]

I feel the same way. I love the way this was explained.

[@Borrego43]

When I do the test it sparks like crazy any idea if that’s in issue or if I’m doing something wrong??

[@__Justin__.]

Normal

[@str8hood830]

I did this test on my starter and nothing happened. The gear didn't spin or engage. This actually drained my test battery down some from about 13v to 11.5v I was able to see this since my jumper cables have a digital voltage reader attached. Anyone ever heard of this? Anyway the video is great

[@blix8787]

thanks for the video. it helped me to determine if my starter was bad or not. which in this case it wasnt. save a few dollars.

[@leofofodk]

Hi. My starter works just like yours, but just a little slowly, but only out of car. But if I put it back in the car, it just pops up and doesn't spin. Why does it happens?

[@donpeer9917]

Thanks a million! No start this morning on my 2004 GC. Recently had the starter replaced so I'm thinking fuse. Watched your video, looked at the starter from the topside, and saw the solenoid ignition wire was hanging free. How did that happen? Anyway, reconnect the wire and we're good! Started right up! Can't thank you enough!

[@michaelbryley9774]

Kll

[@demontagemontage]

شكرا لك

[@Chonkium]

Him : *says starter motor* Captions : *Stormwater*

[@40pike96]

Hi I like your videos! I just took off the starter from my 2003 XC90 Diesel. The car had a hard time to start and stalled/cut out the starting. Other than that runs good. The starter motor and the solenoid worked in the test. I cleaned the conectors and put it back. I think my battery is crap. its was made 4 years ago. what else can it be? Happy new year! Best regards, Oliver

[@dannysa503]

I replaced the starter 96 Honda Accord, it worked for 4 days and then started acting up. So I have to Tapp it with a piece of wood and then it will start. It does that one time in the morning only, once it starts once in the morning it will start OK for the rest of the day. Any ideas ? Anybody? ☺

[@GerryJ08]

Great video. Question. I have a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. The van is experiencing an intermittent starting problem regardless if the engine is hot or cold. When the key is turned I can hear the fuel pump, various electrical clicking but the engine doesn't even try to turn over. I repeat this over 3 or 4 times with the same sounds and result when eventually the van starts. The battery, alternator and starter have been tested and were deemed to be "OK". I think it's an intermittent problem with the starter. The van has 145000 kilometers. Any thoughts on what to test or what your "gut" sense of what the problem is?. Thanks

[@04bonesaw]

Thank you so much for the help. I jus need a working battery to test it because mine is completely dead lol but this video really helped 👍🏽

[@mariop3519]

OOOKaaay, thanks for doing this video. I went to the Local Auto Zone and one person said it was not working properly after testing, then went local Advance Auto parts and one said it was spinning but the plunger not engaging. Then went to another AZ and it said it was dead , now mind you this was the first place I wen to, so I went back again and they again said it's dead. So I saw your video hooked it up and it works flawlessly! The motor engages, the plunger engages perfect... I normally like the AZ and Advance places but because of your video I was able to verify the starter is working as needed and did not get poked in the eye to the tune of a $180 for a new one.. Thanks Man, just like when you did you're 1.8T timing chain Vid, you saved the day.

[@mrobvious5892]

@keep it simple. At the end you said that you hooked it up and the starter was working fine. Why did you take the starter off the car in the first place if there was nothing wrong with it????

[@dimitargetsov9690]

With my best regards , don't You think : THE CHECK FOR THE STARTER MOTOR ONLY IS : SHUNT (WITH THE SCREWDRIVER) FROM THE "DIRECT SUPPLY" TO THE "BOLT" . POINTS : 1. "DIRECT SUPPLY" ( 12 V FROM THE BATTERY OR FROM THE RED (+)JUMP START CABLE). 2. "KEY SUPPLU" ( 12 V FROM THE CAR KEY ). 3. "BOLT " (RECEIVES 12 V ONLY WHEN THE SOLENOID IS WORKING . AS A SHAPE RESEMBLES "DIRECT SUPPLY". )

[@Albisriede]

Great info, thanks. After installing a new starter almost a year ago AND one of those relay gizmos, the manufacturers of which assure you that it will solve your 'clicking starter problems' I'm back to square 1. The damn Samurai won't start. Took out the starter after seeing this video, to make sure I didn't screw up something during installation. The starter works fine according to above example. Back in the vehicle it went, checked to make sure ground/negative is properly engaged. It is. Checked circuit to battery before attaching positive to positive on solenoid. It reads 12.8 Volts and should be good. Then hooked positive from battery to positive on solenoid body stud and then connected as shown in video above with a direct connection to battery positive. The starter/solenoid engaged okay, tried to turn the engine, but only turned it over half a crank, then gave up like a dead battery. Tried the same with jumpers hooked to my other car, which I know has a good battery. Same result. Very annoying. What could be the real problem? I'm ready to torch that Sammi.

[@charles-hu8ru]

Iam no expert but I would say you need to verify your flywheel spins and is not locked up. 2. This test does not actually prove that the starter is good, only that it operates as it should. In other words this is a no load test. When it engages the flywheel it may not have the torq. To turn the flywheel over. I believe this could be verified by checking the amp draw of the starter during a crank cycle against the starter specs.

[@robertness349]

Best fukin video ever made known to man.

[@borderboy7252]

Amen to that. Got me out of a hole

[@savisharma6506]

You are the best fukin man (not really a man) ever known to man

[@ankiwikman1218]

Finally I find a video that clearly shows and explains what each post on the solenoid is about. Thank you!

[@johnpapas2035]

I have a 12V battery for motorcycles 4ah full charged but it doesn work, the starter is from skid steer loader 12V 3,7 KW do i need a bigger battery?

[@tspirit99]

Thank youuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!! my starter motor is shooting out the pin but won't spin. You've answered in detail, thank you.

[@tswpholla]

So, the Solenoid makes the starter pop out, and the motor is what makes the starter spin. Thank you for that information I wasn't sure exactly how the mechanics worked. So, the one click that I hear when I turn the key is the Solenoid making the starter pop out?

[@scothubbard5323]

I have a question for you. If you remove the wire between the starter motor and solenoid. Then supply the 12V to the signal wire as you demonstrated. Why wont the solenoid itself operate and motor not turn??? The starter motor obviously can't run, but why doesn't the solenoid retract back a push the drive gear out ???

[@benbabajide7027]

Thanks for all your videos. I was able to diagnose no crank no start issue. I narrowed is down to the starter, ordered a new one and replaced it. My car is back on the road. 👍🕺🏾💃🕺🏾

[@Benzijune]

Thanks 🙏

[@freespirit1975]

I had to replace my starter because the pinion gear would pop out and engage the flex plate, so the starter motor and solenoid were working. But, the pinion gear would not quickly disengage for a second or two after the engine started and made a grinding/dragging sound before it pulled back. Any idea what caused that and could I diassemble the old starter and repair it? Maybe clean something?

[@Junqueira2233]

Hi, where could be a problem, if starter rotates, but pinion doesn't push out? Starter is new. I changed it, because of this problem. It hapenned on my last ride before winter time. When I was running on highway, engine stall suddenly. So I glided to the highway exit and put cas aside and tried to start engine, but it didn't. Only starter was moving. We towed to my garage and there I noticed, that starter didn't move with crankshaft. I tried to change starter relay, but it didn't help.

[@treykashflow6183]

First lead bolt is getting constant 12V from battery (12.8 actually) so good checks out! I then have friend turn the key and the second bolt (from the ignition switch) is only reading 10.4V, is that my issue? Ignition switch/relay not full voltage? Third bolt that attaches directly from solenoid to starter ..picking up/sending nothing! Bad new solenoid i got from factory? Or is that simply the result of only the 10.4 being sent in voltage at 2nd bolt? HELP!!!!

[@richiem9316]

take it out and bench test it, if it passes maybe your bat is failing under load (likely)

[@michoacanohh2227]

I have a question i have a 2017 dodge charger rt daytona i drove it home from work parked it attempted to start it and it just wouldnt all i heard was clicks over and over for about 15 trys. Went to go get my toolbox and jack which took abiut 30 mins. Came back to the car and it starts now everytime no problem. Strong start ive turned it off and on over and over enough to piss off my neighbors then said screw it the cars fine. What would make my car act that way? Crankshaft position sensor? Camshaft position sensor?

[@mdashiqurrahman39]

Hi there, my starter spinning when I use direct battery opposite direction. But when I'm following your instructions my gear only engaging (moving forward) but no spins at all. But it's spinning by using direct battery powered

[@yokechan2765]

great

[@EJ257IHI]

I tried this with a battery that measured 12.61 volts, but all I got were a few sparks, neither the old starter or the new starter spun or moved up.

[@ShinkuGouki]

My starter was working fine. A few days ago,I went to start it and the starter was smoking. I have a 2006 Chevy cobalt. There is an oil leak and the starter was wet. I wiped the oil off but it might be internal. It turns weakly sometimes.

[@markjohnson7508]

Pretty good vid and gets the point across but...... 2 things wrong here. One. Just because the motor is running and engaging the gear assembly known as a bendix assembly, is not testing of the motor can produce enough torque to actually turn an engine over. Two. The solenoid is a mechanical high current switch that allows the motor to be switched on from a low current switch ie a starter relay that is powered by your ignition key etc... the gear (bendix assy) is thrown out by the motor turning.

[@davedeatherage4902]

Thank you for this film. I just recently subscribed to you're channel, you've helped me this starter- solenoid problem, and I learned from you to check my relays from you're great video's. I'm just learning DIY'er. Thank you again, I've been at this learning 2&1/2 year's now, still a beginner, can't afford to pay others to do work, so learning to do work myself. 😊👍thanks again sir.

[@onetransmission7871]

A starter can only be tested under load. A real test bench has a 90° piece of a flywheel bolted down tight. Engage the starter and ready Amp draw and voltage. There is no other accurate, consistent test.

[@migmen79]

Good video. However, when I try it I hear the starter spinning but the car still wont start. The belts turn about an inch or two then they stop for about 2 seconds and repeats again. Without doing this the car is totally dead. (I tested the starter at an Autozone and tested good) Any further advice?

[@yaniraleiva6314]

Thank you friend, for showing the way to test a starter and selenoid, I like the way you explain the troubles or symptoms.

[@polosavage1]

Sweet simple and to the point with clear explanation and visual

[@rudyrudy5384]

Thank you so much, my starter just spins in place when given power, it doesn't push up.and spin it just spins. I'm hoping this is what's wrong with my car

[@theloganfiles5579]

Thanks now we all know how to steal a car😂😂

[@missflip90]

Ok I just did this test. What happens if the starter pushes out and gear spins like it’s suppose to. But when you go to double check it does nothing no movement in rod or gear.

[@darattaqwa]

Thanks for a good video, what does it mean if there’s just a single click sound when turning the key but sometimes the car will startup fine

[@ricardo485]

Should the gear on the starter that makes contact with the flywheel turn freely from the starter shaft....because I can turn mine with my finger Is that normal

[@STILIE95]

Thanks❤ my kubota started right on using a screwdriver right in the starters plus and plus🙏🙏

[@aamirmasood3786]

thanks for the video good effort it made my day easy and saved money aswell. Thanks again...

[@abdirahmanali131]

Thanks for the video that you're good idea

[@gxoticbirds9282]

Can a 1.6 starter fit a 1.8 engine? Are they compatible ir their different

[@JayGee824]

My vehicle turns on but the ignition doesn't crank. When I took out the starter to test it, it popped out but it didn't spin that fast it was kind of slow..do u think i need a new starter in order for my car to work?

[@wayneconnor4283]

hello, great video mate, i need help with this situation please. what doe that mean??? i did same testing with jumper lead just like this video but my starter motor was spinning straight away when i put on positive and in this video didnt...

[@jsportgarage7665]

Would a bad starter cause your car to continuously blow the ignition fuse preventing the vehicle from cranking and starting?

[@cowboysbbq3572]

James Molinari short to ground

[@petersheridan6638]

Good informative and easy to do. Peter Sheridan

[@AngelHernandez-ex7ji]

it sparks when i connect the gap

[@debramayes3180]

If I take battery cables off and vehicle keeps running,is this checking starter or solenoid?

[@vice4134]

Where is the link to test the battery??? It didn't show up in the screen. Guess you forgot to provide one.

[@jammy46235]

What if it is intermittent like sometimes it stars and sometimes it doesn’t do anything I’m having the same problem just a little different sometimes I turn the key and it does nothing at all and sometimes I turn the key and it fires right up

[@Tony-xc3nb]

Exactly what I needed to know! Thank you for a great video.

[@grob011]

Ace video. Super clear.

[@streetrage]

Very accurate, to the point, and informative. Great vid.

[@naybyouri]

Excellent movie.. The other ones made me dizzy with moving all around

[@thelittleredbarn174]

Can you do this without removing the starter? Thanks

[@MrsBuddevil]

My small wire from post to starter motor spins 180+ on the motor side ... is that normal?

[@chicagoalmighty45th95]

Why is no one showing the solenoid resistance check. That will surely show you a bad solonoid

[@jlantzx34]

What happens if you try this and the only thing you get is sparks from the ignition post.

[@vicvary]

What is it starts but engine stops after Key is turned back to on but can run inbetween on and start

[@robertmundell117]

Ok well if I go to town I'll still have the other starter tested and I'll let you know how that goes

[@hypermolegd1707]

I searched online everywhere as to why the wheel wouldn't spin, but it would push out no answers anywhere other than just saying it's bad and not saying why. Within 2 minutes of watching this video, all my questions were answered, and I now know the motor is bad and not the solenoid with proof thank you!

[@pioneerdroneservices2909]

Hey bud that was a really good video appreciate the info

[@sanchfire]

506 comments... i can't go through them all (heheh) i have a 2007 toyota corolla - no start no click.. changed out the 8 yr old battery no change... checked 15 amp fuse + relay under the dash.. driver side as per your other video on how to test the relays thanks for that... So my question is .. if all tests pass.. fuses are good, relays are good, including the starter testing as you showed. can starter it still be bad? i reinstalled it and car started fine first 6 times then the problem of no start returned i took it out again and it continues to engage on testing... im so frustrated right now.. only thing to do is start changing parts.. and its a hot * day...

[@sanchfire]

turned on every time w/ new starter... testing the old one seems to be ok though.. hmm

[@lancedmello]

My started developed the classic 'Click no start'', I got the starter out and proceeded with the bench test, TEST 1, Negative to the case and positive to the positive terminal 1 on the starter, Result Solenoid works and motor does not spin, TEST 2, Negative to the case and positive terminal 2 on the starter, Result Starter works perfectly and so does the solenoid when power is supplied to the signal post, What could be the issue ? is it the armature , solenoid, Bendix or the brushes. I was told if the armature is shorted , it would never spin.

[@none8901]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@sergekreshchuk]

Wow what an intro! “Hecketosulfuretookehimgonnashotostartmotorandsolenoid..” Good video tho, very helpful 👍

[@TruGentleman78]

Ok I'm having a problem with my 03 suburban. There's a screeching noise coming from the bottom of my truck and it's not the belt. I've been told that it's my starter not working properly. They say that the gear comes out to spin my flywheel but it doesn't go back all the way causing the screeching noise. Is that common? If not, I don't know what else it could be. Help me!

[@noahimel]

What does it mean if the starter stays engaged 30 seconds to minute after start then disengages?

[@itsmeonlineitm1339]

can you make a video of toyota starter of repair the brushes

[@CarlRMauri]

I agree with the two individuals below!! TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE AND PROFESSIONAL thank you!

[@mitchfarrell3982]

Love it. Thankyou ! Saved me lots of Time