Car or Truck Engine Won't Start? How to Diagnose a Bad Starter

Engine won't start? Check out this video, where Andy shows you how to diagnose many of the reasons your starter might not be working!

Check out our playlist for more great diagnosis videos:

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[awolnski]

Doesn’t get any better than this. No life story and Parkinson’s camera operator, just straight to super helpful information.

[chrisweaver]

Ok sir, my father is a master Mechanic both my grandfathers were truckers so by default that makes them a shade tree mechanics. So I’m by far not a greenhorn when it comes to vehicles however I will say this was one of the most impressive YouTube videos of how to diagnose any problems on a vehicle. Simple, precise and to the point thank you sir.

[jessemartinez]

Dude !!! Thank you !!!! I think you just saved me $900 ....mechanic told me, yup you need a new motor ....i see this and put a socket on the pulley and BOOM I turn the motor EASY !!. Its just a bad starter and he was going to keep my old motor (which is good) and get paid for labor.

[cwimdob]

Best automotive video I've ever seen. He touched on every problem possible without adding stupid things during the lesson
5 stars

[troubledyouth]

Dude when I thought I'd never find a good teacher or someone on YouTube that actually explains things thoroughly thus man comes alone and teaches me more about just 1 problem than iv ever learned about cars my hole life finding out on my own

[ArmycAvnd]

Seriously out of all the self help videos here this by far is the most user friendly! Thank you

[PaytonADZ]

This great ! Thank you. My 2000 chevy s10 wont start (battery fine) this guy actually shows where the starter is to tap it. Save me $150 in towing cost.

[tylerd]

These guys are top notch. Never have I seen or heard this guy forget to mention valuable details. He always covers everything needed in a sensible, detail oriented kind of way. Thank you for always thinking safe and delivering to the point content. Much appreciated, cheers!

[evanlane]

But what if I have a cranking no start? What could it bee

[PascalesPop]

This video got my dad out of a Sunday jam and saved him from a tow fee…while making me look smart in his eyes. Thanks A1!!

Will order my next car parts from you guys in return.

[lazorgaming]

I was about to call a tow truck for my car before trying the hammer trick. Worked like a charm to get my car to the shop. Thanks !

[johnbehneman]

Thank you so much!!!! I need to turn the engine over by hand tomorrow. BEFORE I spend money on a new starter. Thank you for the breakdown!!!! You answered all my questions and then Thanks for sharing your gift with the world !!!!

[TallFamilyFilms]

Absolutely fantastic troubleshooting - very thorough. Only thing I might add is that my son was able to once use the hammer trick without someone actively trying to start the vehicle. He just tapped on it and then hopped in to start it. Might help someone else.

[lostmoose]

So laid back the way how you talk and explain things !
Thank YOU !

[stayinalivemedical]

I really appreciated the description of the sounds that I would be hearing for each problem. But then going the extra step to help me see how to test the battery connection, probing the harness and then test crank the engine with that in place helped to clear up what multiple other videos never helped me with. I hope to diagnose my son's car in the morning and be able to get it repaired quickly...for the cost of parts and with the added bonus of father and son time!

[maxschaumberg]

Whenever I get frustrated with a project, I think to myself... What would the '1A Auto Messiah' do. I can't tell if he works as an auto mechanic or a Therapist.

[JoanLewis-yskl]

I really appreciate the comprehensive approach and straightfrward treatment of the issue. Thanks so much!!!

[llroman]

Great video. It takes me three times trying to turn it over to get engine to start. I will try your tip on putting it in neutral and trying to crank it. Just replaced battery terminals and thought a stripped loose terminal was the problem, but not that easy. Will check fuses and relay. Thanks for the wonderful 1A Auto videos!

[waynebinky]

Also it helps sometimes to look at the grounds from the battery to the body and body to the engine. Check for looseness and corrosion especially on older cars that live in the salt belt.