Symptoms of a Bad Starter, Common Causes, and How to Test It

Common symptoms and causes of a bad or failing engine starter and how to troubleshoot it.
Symptoms of a Bad Starter and How to Test It
Engine Does Not Turn Over
Slow Crank
Unusual Noises (clinking, grinding, and whirring)
Intermittent Start Problems
Starter Free Spin
Possible Causes of a Bad Starter
Bad or dead battery
Battery terminals corroded or
Cables have a bad connection to the starter
Bad starter relay
Bad Starter Solenoid
Bad neutral safety switch
Bad Starter
How to Troubleshoot the Starter
Test Battery
Check Battery Cables
Test Battery with a multimeter (12.40 volts or higher is good).
Battery voltage should not drop below 9 volts on start.
Test starter solenoid is getting voltage.
Do a voltage drop test.

[@Medibear-ce4vs]

Thank you for explaining that to me. It was very helpful. I'm hoping it's just the starter, but who knows these days with the 1990 Chevy G20 Van?

[@VictorYanezIII]

My 79 monte carlo I turn the key all the electric comes on fan all that but has no crank nothing

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

Check the battery has a good charge and the terminals are good. If that is good, check the starter relay, solenoid, and starter.

[@user-fw3ut7kn1c]

I have a 02 Buick regal I turn the key all lights comes on and I go to start the car it just turns but will not fire up.