Bad Starter or Bad Wire? - Starter Tests Everyone Can Do (family intro)

Any year, Any Make, Any Model, Starter Motor Testing! Follow the steps in this video to be certain that your no crank condition is NOT a wiring problem. All you need is a test light and someone to hold the key in the crank position for you.
This starter motor has a voltage drop problem on the main heavy battery cable, that we identify with a test light. I will also show you how to recognize a bad starter or engine block ground, as well as a voltage drop problem on the solenoid post.
Starting, Battery and Charging System Testing Playlist:

ScannerDanner Tools:

On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!

Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC 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 ScannerDanner LLC, 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 ScannerDanner LLC.

[Joesciorilli]

Love the video and love meeting Ellie! You’ve changed my life with your videos. I am one of the top guys in my shop because of you and I owe it all to you. Scannerdanner premium is the best investment if you’re looking to learn and I’ll forever be a subscriber! Thanks Paul you’re the best!

[spencerjohnson]

The value of the information and instruction given in this video is immeasurable. I love how you not only explained what was wrong with this starter, but you also explained and provided examples of what else could be wrong at the same time! You have earned a subscriber Mr. Danner!

[ScannerDanner]

We are going to create a short version of this video with just the testing methods for later in the week. Just thought you guys would also enjoy meeting my grand-daughter Ellie for the first time. Some won't like it, but to my regulars, you guys are like extended family to me and I know you will.

[kalindambozi]

From the time i learnt how to do voltage drop tests i really enjoy my diagnostics. My colleagues don't seem to understand how i do it and they just get surprised how i test voltages from positive to positive and negative to negative. Yesterday i was repairing headlights on a 2008 Yaris and this test came in Handy.

[kinglangren]

I fixed my nephews car, it had a bad starter control conector which I verified with no continuity. Then after fixing that the starter would intermittently not start so we replaced the starter. So it had two intermittent issues. It had been to the shop 3 times. Makes you wonder when a diy guy fixes something that 3 shops couldn’t. Beautiful family! Grandkid’s are the greatest.

[mitchelloates]

Mechanic just managed to solve a "no start with intermittent no crank" on my late father's '98 F-150 Lariat with the 5.4 L engine, that my sister and her husband had neglected (and frankly abused) until it quit running.
It was a long list of problems that had accumulated, but the "intermittent no crank" ended up being a bad ignition switch in the steering column - not the ignition tumbler, but the slide switch further down inside the column.
They abused that truck so badly, they not only managed to fry the original ECM, but also a replacement they tried installing - wasn't until the mechanic went thru and fixed all the various other issues, and then installed a third ECM, that the truck came back to life.
The truck is actually in my 84 year old mother's name, and she said once we get the truck back, it'll be a cold day in hell before sister and hubby ever touch the poor beast again.

[Wilksey]

The amount of times i've taken something off and bench tested and put it back only for the thing to work properly afterwards is a perfect reason to make sure the connections are tight! Great video, make the most of baby Ellie, they grow up too fast!

[AKChryslertech]

As a mobile mechanic i have to do those same tests for my customers. It always makes their day when i can say, " nope! All you needed was some clean terminals and a snug connection!" Thank you guys for putting this good reminder out for everyone. Love yall stay blessed.

[codywichman]

One of the most basic simple tests that anyone could do at home if they are stuck with a no crank. You always talk about how grateful you are for the viewer support, but in reality we all should be grateful for your very easy and simple to follow testing methods. Nowadays people are learning how empowering it can be to have the knowledge of basic automotive electrical circuits. I'm always grateful for the knowledge you have shared, and all I have learned from your classes. The scanner danner channel has forever changed the way I trouble shoot vehicles..I will forever be grateful of that fact!

[jkbethune]

You are a very blessed man with a very blessed family. Thank you and Caleb for all of your efforts to provide such valuable information. And, thank you for allowing us into your family.
Ellie is such a sweetheart.
My sincere hope is that God continues to bless you and your family.

[jc]

I really enjoy how you include your family in the video’s. This was one of “The” Best video’s I’ve seen on voltage drop with using a simple test light. Couldn’t ask for any more.

[ianwhatley]

Such a simple test and so accurate, just with a test light.
Great video. Always appreciate your work. From the UK.

[salvadorgutierrezr]

Great video and thank you Scanner Danner and Caleb for teaching us with basic tools ⚒️ that’s the only thing I have God bless you both and your family 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[dazeboy]

ScannerDanner you are da Manner!! Parts Cannon disabled once again..😝🤑🤩 Test Light wizards!! I can't quit watching! Blessings to your family!!

[The_Redkween]

Wanted you guys to know that even though I am a mechanic for industrial semiconductor manufacturing equipment, I use many of you diagnostic concepts and methodology to make me better at my job. You have helped me to become one of the best techs in the fab over the past 5 years. Thanks you! To think it all started with me putting AC in my 1988 Civic and needing instruction.

[New-Breed-Drywall-And-Paint]

Man this video was sick man . Coming from a family of electricians and a dad who is a wizard I just couldn’t ever understand it . The way y’all broke it down and trouble shot it was amazing . One of the best videos ever . I wonder how many people have changed a starter and of course it started cause you moved that nut and it’s making contact again . Amazing video . Amazing

[oscarsmith]

I have been informed of that test in shop class, but this video is the first comprehensive example. Thank it really cleared it up. Very helpful for a person trying to learn.

[whitetiger]

Great video guys as always as well as a great reminder of the importance of the good old test light! Thanks Paul and Caleb!!

[TylerRivera]

This is very important for everyone to know! I had a 2018 Silverado covered in salt with a no crank concern, go to the starter do this exact test and verified the terminal was the issue. Visually we could see corrosion on the terminal, so yes very important to know!

[thrasher]

Love these simple videos. Always good to revisit fundamentals in voltage drop testing. Also the baby is adorable. God bless you guys