Diagnosing Starter Problems- EricTheCarGuy

Once again I team up with BBB Industries to bring you the basic steps in starter diagnosis. If you suspect a bad starter you might want to run through these checks before you commit to get a new one, you just may find that you don't need a starter but rather some other issue is causing the no start.

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ETCG

Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[nikopriest]

Just wanted to come back here to say these videos helped me get my AST Diploma 7 years ago. My lecturer was a no show a lot and having the knowledge from these videos the exam was a breeze. Eric you're the man!

[FaceTheFacts]

As of today, I've used your resources for a water pump, timing belt and transaxle repair on a '88 Nissan Maxima and a water pump, heater core, thermostat and starter/solenoid on a '87 Ford F150.
Great info and you've probably saved me thousands, just by posting your vids.

[nouyang]

I love watching your videos.. growing up my dad had taught me about fixing cars .. sadly he had passed away back in 2011. I don't really have anyone else to help me fix my car if it breaks down and I look forward watching your videos and it has been a big help.. I personally want to thank you for the time you put in doing your videos and helping others.. much love and thank you ❤️

[jhorne]

As a person who once taught auto mechanics for awhile and as a technical writer for some 20 years, I can say that this is an excellent presentation - clear cut, logically progressive, and complete. I would like to think that you are contemplating writing an automotive repair text or manual.

[jamesmurphyii]

Eric.. Your videos provide more balance than a mechanic usually gives in person. Very informative.. simple.. easy to understand… humble in a sense that u dont always use mechanic jargon.. and all combined with a splash of humor. KEEP IT UP.. NEED TO BE ON A TV NETWORK

[shtayve]

I owe you a great deal of gratitude. I was about to buy a new starter tomorrow assuming that was my problem. With your tips and advice I found out my problem was a loose wire to the battery you saved me a great deal of money work and stress. These videos also helped me when I had a blown head gasket. I appreciate your knowledge and willingness to help us all. Thank you so much. -Steve

[baburejaz]

Dear Eric: I have watched a lot of your educational videos. They are all very very good. You are a born teacher with a lot of patience, excellent pace and flow of information. Thank you very much for good quality videos and sound. That is a lot of hard work. Keep up the good work. You be blessed with lots of good health, prosperity, happiness and righteousness, Aameen! 

[ifrancus]

Thanks! Always loved a good differential diagnostic procedure.

[rodvill]

I've been watching your videos for more than a week now, and I've learned a tons of things from your videos and thanks to you I don't have to go those auto shop mechanic that charges more than I should pay. Now, I'm doing almost all the minor or major fixes on my own. Keep up the knowledge transfer man you're a pure blessing hope you continue to create more helpful videos to help people like me. \m/ You Rock...

[kristadollar]

Eric you ROCK! I have a 06 Honda Odyssey that would not start tonight. I have had the car 1 wk. This past 3 wks have been incredibly awful for me. Lots of issues no $$. so anyways back to your AWESOME video. The van would not start freakked out called the dealership 25 mls from me with a car I can not bring there cause I can't get it started. Watched your video, got to the anti theft & the key, got my valet regular key would not start it, green key light flashed on the dash (it has been for a couple of days didn't know what it was thought I was leaving the key in to long???) Put the valet in the car started right up. Tried my regular key no start, turned it around van started right up.

I love you! You are the greatest! If you are ever in the Holiday FL area I owe you a BIG HONKIN' coffee! You are the greatest!

[DavidRLocke]

You do some good instructional videos, my friend! :) I'm an old fart that has been around stubborn old wrecks for too long. One thing I pay particular attention to in slow-or-no-crank I call "I-squared-R" loss. I have about 20 or so DVMs such as you might use. But I generally never reach for one. I take a feel of the connections at the terminals of the heavy cables. I always find a warm one, which is the connection I'm going to give some attention to. Works almost always.

[Izzybizzybboy]

Eric, I've watched many of your videos but haven't put any to use until now. My roommate broke my car key. Tried starting it with just the metal key and not the fob and it only cranked. You stated that it could be the anti theft so I grabbed the fob and placed it near the ignition when turning the key over and hot damn it started. Normally I don't post comments but I wanted to say thanks because I'm not sure I ever would have thought of that and probably would have ran around in circles even though I never had problems starting it before the broken key matter. So thank you, what you have done may have not been big in your eyes but it definitely helped me out saved me some quid. Good luck on your project car.

[ericthecarguy]

@hentaidrifter It's hard to say, it could have been the starter windings or a connection issue, I would have liked to check the voltage drop or amps when the problem was occurring to know for sure.

[mrdrgoyette]

Hey Eric, This video saved me a lot of money and pain. Yesterday I got gas at a local station. When I went to start my 2010 Toyota Sequoia, there was just a click. I called roadside assistance to get a jump start. They couldn't start it. I then called a wrecker to get my truck towed to my house (3 hours later). This morning I was looking online to buy a starter and watching YouTube videos on how to change out the starter (5.7L). As you know it is a major pain! I happened upon you video on how to diagnose starter problems. You indicated that the key could be the source of the problem which triggered my memory that I saw a blinking Key indicator on my dash. I grabbed my spare key and it started!

[ericthecarguy]

@aodhanof90 You always start by checking the battery and connections, I might try and find an auto parts store with a battery tester if you don't have access to one. If the battery is good try the checks in this video, voltage drops, to see what you have to determine if the starter is the issue or if it's something else.

[salvadormonella]

Eric, you're not just "The Car Guy, " you're a "Car Guru." Good information on diagnosing starter problems that aren't starter problems. Thanks!

[captainvlog]

Crazy watching this old video 13 years later. I remember when I had my old Honda and I used to watch this guy back then. His videos got me through month to month as my car kept breaking down while I was unemployed looking for a job.

[DonaldShade]

Thank you. I assumed it was the starter after jumping the battery and banging the solenoid to no avail and was towed 80 miles back to home. (Thank goodness for AAA 100 mile towing option).

This morning I followed your advice in NOT assuming that it was the starter began diagnosis at the battery. I discovered that my battery voltage was 12.4 volts.

I again jumped the battery and it started right up. Apparently when I jumped it last night (in the middle of a very dark California desert) my jumper connection was poor. Lesson learned.

Anyway, I just lowered the Tahoe off the jack, put away the tools and connected a charger to the battery.

You saved me from alot of frustration and expense by showing me that the starter was NOT the problem.

THANK YOU!

[lewdards]

Ive been watching erics videos for 15 years, he has easily been the most valuable resource for learning about car repairs than any course i have taken or any other youtuber. truely a master of car repairs.

[bendragon]

Just ruled out my starter being bad and found the source of my no start. Thank you for your videos Eric you da man!!