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Checking and Emergency Start of a Starter Motor

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Starter motor

Follow the procedure to check the starter motor without removing it from its housing. Inspect the starter fuse, usually located in the main fuse box: if in doubt, consult the owner's manual. A blown fuse is easily identified by signs of melting. Check the fuses with a multimeter, switching it to voltmeter mode: ground the negative probe on exposed metal on the vehicle body and connect the positive probe to each terminal of the fuse in turn. If only one terminal shows voltage, the part is faulty. Remove the fuse; a resistance that is too high indicates that the fuse is blown. Ensure the contacts are in good condition. Check that the terminals are connected to the wiring. If necessary, give them a good clean. Measure the battery voltage with the engine off: to verify that the starter solenoid and motor are functioning correctly, connect one end of the power cable to the positive terminal of the battery and the other to the solenoid signal terminal. You should hear the flywheel turning. When starting the engine, gently tap the housing of the faulty starter motor. The vibration may help restore the lost contact between the starter solenoid and the brushes of the electric motor. This is an emergency method that will only work a few times.

Updated on 5 August 2026 by ScegliAuto

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