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:

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.

[aidanwilkins]

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

[geomod]

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.

[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.

[tsaphah]

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

[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.

[Gman]

Thank you. Wanted to prove where the fault was as I’ve had a number of electrical related issues and didn’t want to spend out unnecessarily. Took me 10 mins to get the starter off and test to find the solenoid was faulty. Thank you.

[nickfasola]

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

[breakingfree]

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.

[ankiwikman]

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

[MisterPapaShango]

Simplest and clearest video on starter basics.

[TarynMcLean]

Thanks Mate, haven't worked on me own vehicles for a while now. so when the old farm ute starter played up, you were a god sent and had her fixed in a jiffy

[mariop]

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.

[Pmz]

I picked off a used starter of an old engine..and followed these steps to test starter. Thanks for posting and sharing this knowledge. Saved me time, energy and money.

[benbabajide]

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. 👍🕺🏾💃🕺🏾

[yaniraleiva]

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

[stewartoates]

Well done mate, why can't everyone take a note from this blokes notebook. Straight to the point. 👍

[chrisroma]

Dude great video saved me a trip to auto parts store and stopped my wallet from bleeding .i especial appreciate the remark to clean starter contacts if it don’t work .my Silverado was come and go no start no click .chased all suggested areas in video .tested with multi meter and someone turning key all voltage was correct .removed starter and wouldn’t fire with jump pack .cleaned all posts and it worked again .thanks for great video it helped me greatly .keep the great vids coming

[ricardosom]

Great video and clear explanation.. I took motor off, took it to auto parts store and they told me it’s no good. But now I wanna test myself as second opinion and learning purposes.
Thank you for your help.

[krysontario]

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

[pierrepotgieter]

This is the best video I have watched regarding my starter. Easy and to the point. I waisted a lot of time watching other trash first.
Thanks for this great content. 🎉