My starter is not working?

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

If it always starts when you jump start it, I suspect there is an issue with an electrical connection. Most often, it is at the battery itself. Take a look through this link and let me know if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Now, what would be really helpful is when it doesn't start, is to check if the starter is getting power at the solenoid when the key is in the start position. If you can do that, it will really be helpful. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

If that isn't the issue, we need to check the starter relay. Keep in mind, a starter can work one time and not the next. I attached a picture showing which one is the correct one to test. Here is a link that explains how to check a relay:

To be honest, my first suspect is a weak connection at the battery which is improved when a jumper cable clamp is put on it. So, check that first.

Here are a few links that may be helpful to you. I figured I would add them in case you need them.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Check out the diagrams (Below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Do you hear any light clicking under the hood from the starter relay, or do you hear a single rather loud clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank"?

For a loud clunk, keep trying it until it cranks, which it will, ... Eventually. There's a simple repair for that. If the starter relay doesn't click, suspect the neutral safety switch. Try starting it in neutral instead of park. We can split the circuit into four parts and do all the preliminary testing right in the starter relay socket.

Measure the battery voltage too. It should be 12.6 volts. If it's 12.2 volts, it's good but discharged. Closer to 11 volts means it has a shorted cell and must be replaced.

Hi:
I need you to check two things. You will need a volt meter. First, check the battery power. It should be 12+ volts. Next, have a helper turn the key to the start position and check the smaller wire on the starter. You should have 12 volts there to. If you do, remove the starter and have it bench tested at a parts store. Chances are the solenoid is bad on the starter.

Before all of this, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight, and the ground to the engine block is clean and tight too.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

The rapid clicking of the starter relay is the classic symptom of low voltage to the starter solenoid, either due to a run-down battery or a corroded cable connection. First measure the exact battery voltage. It should be 12.6 volts. If you find it's around 12.2 volts, it is discharged. Charge it at a slow rate for an hour or two, then try cranking the engine. If it's around 11 volts or less, it has a shorted cell and must be replaced.

If you do get the engine started, measure the battery voltage again while the engine is running, and tell me what you find.

Unfortunately this test of the battery is not accurate. Here is a guide that will show how to load test this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Let's run through this and report back what you find. However, if you need a battery here is a guide that will help with this.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Thanks

Good morning.

How did you test the battery and charging system? It sounds like you have low voltage and that starts at the battery.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

There is long term memory in the system. You can still have it checked. It will just show inactive.

You have a voltage issue here. My gut is telling me it is battery related.

What do you mean by diodes checked?

What was the charging voltage?

Roy

That usually is a result of a failed alternator.

What do you mean the alternator told you the diodes were good? Do not understand that.

What is the voltage at the battery with the engine running?

Roy

11 1 is very low. It needs to be 12 6.

I am still concerned about the charging voltage. Can I have the exact voltage

Roy