How to Test if Your Car Starter is Bad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

When your car won’t start, it can be incredibly frustrating. In most cases, it’s caused by a dead battery or a faulty starter motor. A bad starter can be hard to diagnose, but it’s important to identify it so you can take the necessary steps to fix it. To help you determine whether your starter motor is bad, this article provides a step-by-step guide on how to test if your car starter is bad.

A bad starter is defined as one that does not turn over the engine when the key is turned, or one that makes strange noises when the key is turned. It’s important to note that a bad starter doesn’t always mean that the starter motor needs to be replaced. In some cases, it may just need to be cleaned or adjusted.

Perform a Visual Inspection

The first step in diagnosing a bad starter is to perform a visual inspection. You’ll want to look for any physical damage, as well as signs of wear and tear.

Checking for Physical Damage

Look for cracks or other signs of physical damage on the starter motor. If you find any, then it’s likely that the starter motor needs to be replaced.

Looking for Signs of Wear and Tear

Also, look for signs of wear and tear on the starter motor. This could include loose wires, missing parts, or other indications of wear. If you notice any of these signs, then it’s possible that the starter motor needs to be replaced.

Check for Corrosion on the Starter

Corrosion can cause a starter motor to malfunction, so it’s important to check for any signs of corrosion. If you find any, then it’s likely that the starter motor needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Identifying Corrosion

To identify corrosion, look for any white or greenish powder on the starter motor. This is a sign of corrosion and should be addressed as soon as possible.

Cleaning off Corrosion

If you find any corrosion, it’s important to clean it off. You can do this with a wire brush or an abrasive cloth. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when cleaning the starter motor.

Listen for Strange Noises

Another way to tell if your starter motor is bad is to listen for strange noises. If you hear any grinding, clicking, or buzzing noises coming from the starter motor, then it’s likely that the starter motor needs to be replaced.

Listening for Grinding Noises

Grinding noises are typically a sign that the starter motor is failing and needs to be replaced. If you hear any grinding noises, then it’s time to get your starter motor checked out.

Listening for Clicking or Buzzing Noises

Clicking or buzzing noises are also an indication that the starter motor is failing and needs to be replaced. If you hear these noises, then it’s time to take your car to a professional for further inspection.

Check Battery Voltage and Amperage

If your starter motor is bad, it could be due to a weak or dead battery. To check the battery, you’ll need to measure its voltage and amperage.

Measuring Voltage and Amperage

You can use a multimeter to measure the battery’s voltage and amperage. First, set the multimeter to the appropriate setting. Then, attach the red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. Finally, record the results.

Testing the Battery’s Charge

Once you have measured the battery’s voltage and amperage, you can use the results to determine the battery’s charge. According to research conducted by Oregon State University, a fully charged 12-volt battery should measure around 12.6 volts. If the battery measures less than 12.6 volts, then it’s likely that the battery needs to be recharged or replaced.

Test the Starter Motor with a Multimeter

The last step in diagnosing a bad starter motor is to test it with a multimeter. This will help you determine whether the starter motor is functioning properly.

Setting Up the Multimeter

First, set the multimeter to the appropriate setting. Then, attach the red lead to the starter motor’s positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal. Make sure that the leads are firmly attached.

Testing for Continuity

Next, test for continuity. To do this, turn the multimeter to the continuity setting. If the multimeter reads “OL” or “open,” then the starter motor is bad and needs to be replaced.

Reading the Results

Finally, read the results. If the multimeter reads “closed,” then the starter motor is functioning properly and does not need to be replaced.

Conclusion

Diagnosing a bad starter motor can be tricky, but it’s important to identify it so you can take the necessary steps to fix it. The steps outlined in this article will help you determine whether your starter motor is bad and what action needs to be taken. Remember to take safety precautions when inspecting and testing the starter motor, such as wearing gloves and safety goggles.