Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

How to evaluate the functioning of the starter motor

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Starter motor

It is always better to evaluate the functioning of the starter motor on a bench, because doing this operation on the vehicle can be dangerous. So once we have removed it from its housing, we connect one of the jumper cables to the negative terminal, and the other end to a metal part of the starter motor. We will connect the other jumper cable to the positive terminal, and the other end will be disconnected from the starter motor, for now. We identify the power terminal - which is usually the smallest - on the starter solenoid, then using the crocodile clip with the wire, we connect the end of the positive terminal to the test battery, and briefly touch the other end of the wire with the crocodile clip to the excitation terminal of the solenoid. If the solenoid is functioning, we should hear a "click" and the pinion extends outward, and consequently the starter motor starts to rotate smoothly. If nothing happens, the solenoid may be defective. If you hear the click but the starter motor does not turn or does so slowly, there may be an internal problem with the starter motor, such as excessive friction or worn brushes. If it works correctly on the bench but once reassembled it does not, then it is a problem with the vehicle's electrical system.

Posted on 8 November 2025 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

Removing the Car Starter Motor
Removing the Car Starter Motor
(Various brands) Various Is the starter motor on your car showing no signs of operation? Here's how to remove it from the engine bay. Disconnect the starter motor power termi…
How to Test a Starter Motor (Before Replacing It)
How to Test a Starter Motor (Before Replacing It)
(Various brands) Various Before replacing a starter motor, check that the problem is not elsewhere. Measure the voltage at the battery (it should be around 12.8 V). Try to st…
How to replace the starter motor of Fiat Doblo, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat Linea vehicles
How to replace the starter motor of Fiat Doblo, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat Linea vehicles
(Various brands) Various The starter motor of a vehicle is one of the most important components in the engine's gear, as it is vital for starting the engine and actively part…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to replace the horn on a Renault Duster - Dacia Duster

Today's main instructions will show you the procedure for removing and replacing the horn or sound signal on the Renault Duster, as well as the Dacia Duster. First, open the bonnet of the vehicle and start removing the front bumper by unscrewing all the fixing screws; you will find the horn right in front of the radiator, as shown in the video. At this point, disconnect the electrical connector and unscrew the bracket screw to remove and replace the horn with the new one; finally, reassemble the front bumper!

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos