What is how to test a starter?

Here's how to test a starter motor, with links to relevant concepts:

Testing a Starter Motor

A starter motor is a crucial component for starting your car. If it's failing, your car might not start at all. Here's how to test it:

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into starter-specific tests, check these basics:

• <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Battery%20Voltage">Battery Voltage</a>: Ensure your battery has sufficient voltage (typically 12.6 volts). A weak battery is the most common cause of starting problems. Use a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Multimeter">Multimeter</a> to measure the voltage.
• <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Connections">Connections</a>: Examine the battery terminals and starter connections for corrosion or looseness. Clean and tighten them if necessary.
• <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Fuses%20and%20Relays">Fuses and Relays</a>: Check the starter relay and any relevant fuses. A blown fuse or faulty relay can prevent the starter from engaging.

Testing the Starter Solenoid

The solenoid engages the starter motor and provides power to it.

1. Voltage Test at the Solenoid:

   • With the ignition off, use a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Multimeter">Multimeter</a> to check for voltage at the solenoid's large terminal (connected to the battery). You should see battery voltage.
   • Have someone turn the ignition key to the start position. Check for voltage at the small "signal" wire terminal on the solenoid. You should also see voltage here when the key is in the start position.
   • If you have battery voltage at the large terminal, but no voltage at the small terminal when the key is turned, the issue might be the ignition switch, wiring, or a neutral safety switch (on automatic transmissions).

2. Bypass Test: Caution: This test requires caution as it directly bypasses safety mechanisms.

   • Locate the large terminals on the solenoid. These are the terminals connected to the battery and the starter motor.
   • Use a heavy-gauge jumper cable to briefly connect the two large terminals on the solenoid. Expect sparks!
     • If the starter motor engages and cranks the engine, the solenoid is likely faulty.
     • If the starter motor still doesn't engage, the starter motor itself is likely faulty.

Testing the Starter Motor Directly

1. Direct Power Test:

   • Disconnect the starter motor from the solenoid.

   • Using heavy-gauge jumper cables, directly connect the starter motor's positive terminal to the battery's positive terminal.

   • Ground the starter motor's housing to the battery's negative terminal.

   • If the starter motor spins, it's likely functional. If it doesn't, the starter motor is likely faulty.

Interpreting Results

• Starter Motor Doesn't Engage at All:

  • Check <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Battery%20Voltage">Battery Voltage</a>.
  • Check <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Connections">Connections</a> for corrosion and looseness.
  • Check <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Fuses%20and%20Relays">Fuses and Relays</a>.
  • Test the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Solenoid">Solenoid</a>.
  • Test the <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Starter%20Motor">Starter Motor</a> directly.

• Starter Motor Engages But Cranks Slowly:

  • Check <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Battery%20Voltage">Battery Voltage</a> (a low battery can cause slow cranking).
  • Check for excessive resistance in the starter motor's <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Connections">Connections</a>.
  • The starter motor itself might be worn.

• Starter Motor Engages, but the Engine Doesn't Turn Over:

  • The starter drive (Bendix) might be faulty, not engaging the flywheel properly.

Disclaimer: Working with automotive electrical systems can be dangerous. If you're not comfortable performing these tests, consult a qualified mechanic.