Why Your Engine Starter Won't Work and How to Fix It

This guide is designed to help you identify whether the issue with your non-working starter motor is due to an electrical problem or a fault within the starter motor itself. We are a team of ASE certified mechanics that have created this guide to save you money and get you back on the road ASAP. We will go over each one of these issues in order of popularity and ease.

Getting Started

Make sure the parking brake is set because you may need to raise the car up to do the tests, also open the hood.

Lets Fix It!

The starter motor is used to rotate the engine over so it can begin the combustion process. The starter motor will fail to operate if:

• Starter trigger wire is not getting a signal.
• Starter solenoid has gone bad
• Starter motor armature has shorted out
• Worn out starter motor brushes
• Motor housing magnets have broken apart

1. The first thing you want to do is use a test light to see if the starter solenoid is getting 12 volts (power) when the ignition key or system is in crank mode. To do this the starter motor needs to be located, next locate the solenoid which acts as the switch for the motor section of the starter which is mounted to the motor casing in most cases, (Some Ford products will have the solenoid mounted near the battery). Use a test light or voltmeter and test the trigger wire, the test light should light up or have 12 volts, if not you have an issue with the electrical system which is not a starter motor problem.

2. If there is power to the trigger wire use the testing light or voltmeter to test the large terminal on the starter motor. This should have power at all times and can be load tested when you command the starter to engage with the ignition key or button, (crank mode). If you have power at the large power cable and then it stops when the key or button is used the problem could be:

• Bad connection at the battery
• Shorted battery cable (positive or negative)
• Bad battery
• Bad starter control relay

3. If you have power to both the trigger wire and main power wire then the starter motor itself has a problem. You could disassemble the motor and replace the brushes or repair the armature, most people get will simply get a new or rebuilt starter motor and install it.

Credits

This guide knowledge base was created by the 2CarPros Team, and by Ken Lavacot: Automobile repair shop owner and certified master automobile technician of over 30 years. If you have question or need help please ask one of our experts we are happy to help. Please visit our 2CarPros YouTube Channel for additional car repairs.