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 Test a Starter Motor (Before Replacing It)

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Starter motor

Video tutorial

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 start the engine: if the starter does not turn, measure the voltage directly on the starter power cable during the starting attempt.

If the voltage drops to zero under load, the problem is likely a faulty cable or connection (burnt, oxidised, or reduced section cable). If the voltage remains stable (e.g., 12 V) but the starter does not turn, then the starter is faulty and needs to be repaired or replaced.

A simple test with bypass cables can confirm the starter's operation. If the starter turns with the new cables, the fault lies in the original wiring.


Posted on 9 August 2026 by ScegliAuto


Related tutorials

How to test a starter motor with external cables
How to test a starter motor with external cables
(Various brands) Various In this video we can see how to test a starter motor with external connection cables to the car. This video is focused only on testing the starter mo…
How to Test the Starter Motor Without Removing It
How to Test the Starter Motor Without Removing It
(Various brands) Various Learn how to test a vehicle's starter motor without removing it. Lift the car and place it on axle stands: you will need two crocodile clips and an e…
How to Test a Starter Motor
How to Test a Starter Motor
(Various brands) Various The aim of this short video is to determine if the heart of the starter motor (the part that spins) is functioning, even if the solenoid (the part th…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Replace the Glow Plugs in the Fiat Ducato 2.3 Multijet?

Glow plugs, as the name suggests, raise the temperature of the engine in diesel vehicles to allow for easier starting. The manufacturer, in this case, Fiat for the Ducato 2.3 Multijet, specifies how often they should be replaced, and a warning light will illuminate when it's time. This work is carried out under the bonnet. First, remove the upper engine cover, then lift the coil and, using a socket wrench of the appropriate size, unscrew the glow plug to remove it from the base, followed by installing the new one.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos