Car Starter Problems? Five Starting-System Inspection Tips
Car starter problems arise unexpectedly and for more than one reason. Whenever there's corroded terminals, loose connections, a bad, worn out or damaged system component, you'll notice. Starting your car becomes more difficult or it simply refuses to start.
Unfortunately, you won't see the source of the problem when all of a sudden the system fails. And repeatedly turning the ignition key, hoping that eventually the engine will fire up when it refuses to start, doesn't always help. Most often, it creates more problems.
Fortunately, common starter system problems happen in predictable places. And you have at your disposal more than one strategy to help you check the system in your car. Whether it is lack of power, a bad electrical connection, or a bad starter component, use these five troubleshooting tips to fire up your engine again.
Begin with one of the most common sources of engine starting problems.
Checking the Battery Voltage
You need to know whether you have enough juice to operate the starter motor by measuring the amount of voltage in your battery using a voltmeter.
- Set your voltmeter to a range higher than battery voltage, like 20 volts on the DC (direct current) voltage scale.
- Turn on the meter and connect the test leads across the battery terminals. Touch the negative lead to the negative (-) post on the battery and the positive lead to the positive (+) post on the battery.
- Turn on your car's headlights.
- Read the display on your meter. Your battery should have between 12.4V (75% charge) and 12.6V (100% charge) to properly operate the starter motor. If there's less than 12.4V, recharge the battery and try to start the engine again.
With a reading of 12.4V or less on a three to four years old battery, it's a good idea to hydrometer-check your battery. The hydrometer is a simple tool that lets you know the state of charge and health of your battery. So you'll know whether one or more cells have failed. Buy an inexpensive hydrometer online or at most auto parts stores. Then check this article on troubleshooting a car battery using a hydrometer.
Common Sources of Starter System Problems
- Loose electrical connections in the starting system
- Dirty connections
- Corroded battery terminals
- Worn out or failed starter system parts
Inspecting Cables and Wires
Corrosion around battery terminals prevents electrical flow. This is a common problem on a battery or starter system that hasn't received much attention. If you notice a layer of corrosion around one or both battery terminals, clean them with a solution of baking soda and warm water.
- Mix 8 ounces of warm water for 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a small container.
- Thoroughly mix the solution.
- Disconnect the terminals from the battery and apply the solution to the terminals and battery posts using a soft brush.
- Clean the battery top with the solution as well to remove dirt and acid, which drains battery power, but don't let the cleaning solution seep under the filler caps.
- Remove the caps from the top of the battery and check the electrolyte level. The electrolyte should reach the bottom of the filler rings. If necessary, add distilled water to bring the electrolyte to the correct level.
- Check the tray where the battery sits and clean it as well.
- Reconnect the terminals and try starting the engine again.
Inspecting the Starter Solenoid
Check the connections at the starter solenoid (the small cylinder on top of the starter) or starter relay. Most Ford vehicles use a remote starter relay instead of a solenoid. The positive (red) battery cable connects directly to the solenoid or starter relay. Can't find the relay? Consult the vehicle repair manual for your particular car make and model.
If the solenoid or relay fails, the car won't start:
- To quickly check the solenoid, disable the starting system by disconnecting the thick wire from the center of the distributor cap or by removing the fuel pump fuse — consult your vehicle repair manual to locate the fuse, if necessary. This will prevent the engine from accidentally starting as you check the solenoid or starter relay.
- If you disconnected the wire from the distributor, ground it to a bolt or unpainted metal bracket on the engine block using a jumper wire.
- Ask an assistant to try starting the engine as you listen for any sounds coming from the starter solenoid or relay. If you hear a solid and loud click, it means the electrical current is reaching the solenoid and it's properly working. If you hear a weak click or chattering sound, check the wires connected to the starter solenoid or relay.
- Check for dirty, loose, disconnected or broken wires that will prevent electrical current from reaching the motor. If the wires and connections are in good condition, the starter motor, solenoid or relay have failed, and you need to replace it.
Starter Motor Components
- Main Housing (yoke)
- Overrunning clutch
- Armature
- Field coils
- Brushes
- Solenoid
Checking the Starter Motor
Depending on your particular vehicle model you may need to raise the front of the car or remove the intake manifold or some other component to reach the starter motor. Consult the car repair manual for your particular model, if necessary.
If you need to raise your car, safely support it on jack stands, engage the parking brake and block the wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
- Make sure the starter mounting bolts are tight. Loose mounting bolts will keep the starter drive from properly engaging the flywheel. When this happens, you'll hear a grinding noise as you try to fire up the engine, since the ring gear on the flywheel and the pinion gear on the starter clash, unable to mesh properly.
- If the mounting bolts are tight, remove the starter motor from the vehicle and check the pinion gear — this is the small gear at the front of the starter that engages the flywheel to crank the engine. Check the condition of the pinion gear's teeth. Worn or damaged gear teeth will prevent you from cranking the engine as well.
- Using a standard screwdriver, try to rotate the pinion gear in both directions. The gear should only rotate in one direction. If it moves in both directions or doesn't move at all, replace the starter.
Make sure to watch the following video to get a visual reference of the trouble points you want to pay attention to.
Inspecting the Engine Flywheel
If you removed the starter motor for inspection, this is a good chance to check the flywheel as well. The flywheel is the large, heavy wheel between the engine and transmission. This is the wheel that the starter pinion gear engages to crank the engine.
- Once you've removed the starter motor, set your transmission to Neutral.
- Have an assistant rotate the crankshaft by turning the center bolt on the crankshaft pulley using a ratchet or breaker bar and a socket. You'll find this pulley at the front and bottom of the engine block. This pulley rotates the drive or serpentine belt to run the alternator, steering pump and other components. Depending on your vehicle model, you may need to remove a wheel to gain access to the pulley center bolt.
- Watch the flywheel as it rotates and make sure the teeth are in good condition. Missing or damaged teeth will prevent the starter motor from cranking the engine. Replace the flywheel, if necessary.
Testing the Starter Motor for Proper Operation
If you suspect the starter motor, take it to an auto parts store for testing. Many auto parts outlets will test your starter for free. An aged starter motor may have worn out brushes, armature, shaft, or burned field winding that may cause unusual noises, excessive current draw, slow cranking or no cranking at all.
A quick inspection at an auto parts store will reveal the drive mechanism and motor general condition, whether the starter draws enough current to operate, and the general state of the internal components.
If the previous checks did not turn out anything wrong with the starting system, you still have other simple troubleshooting strategies to further test the starter motor. Check the tips outlined in the article "Bad Starter Symptoms: Why Won't My Car Start?"
When you face car starter problems, remember that lack of proper battery maintenance, faulty electrical connections and components will prevent your starting system from working properly. Whatever the source of the problem, these troubleshooting tips will help you when your car won't start. They'll provide you with a relatively quick way to solve your starter problems.
Test Your Knowledge of Faulty Starter Motors
view quiz statisticsThis article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
Questions & Answers
What happens if the wires that connect to the starter from the engine touch?
Those wires come from the power side of the battery. You can produced a bad electric shortcut if those wires touch the engine block itself, for example.
Helpful 54My car is having trouble starting when I turn the key, and then after about an hour, it starts back up again. What’s going on?
You need to make sure you have good spark and fuel pressure. Another issue is poor compression, but this usually happens on high mileage engines. Match the symptoms to the descriptions on the headings. Also, follow the procedures described in the post. This could give you a clue about the problem.
Helpful 75Why does my car turn off on the freeway?
There could be several reasons for this. The problem could be in the ignition system or a particular sensor. This other post can give you an idea about how to diagnose the problem. Hope this helps.
Helpful 2My car is cranking but not starting. I checked the spark. It doesn't have any spark. What's the problem?
Depending on your particular model, check for a faulty crankshaft position sensor, ignition coil or module, distributor (including cap, rotor) and distributor to the coil wire. You might want to download trouble codes, even if your check engine light is not on. There could be a pending code for a sensor, (if applicable).
Helpful 1I just had my battery replaced, yet my car periodically has trouble starting, and it sometimes takes a couple of attempts. What's going on?
Usually the problem is in the ignition (for example, bad ignition coil) or fuel system (for example a weak fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump). If the car runs with no issues once it starts, you may want to check the starting circuit and have the starter motor checked. There could be too much resistance. This other post may help:
Helpful 2
Comments
AUTHORIf the problem appeared right after removing the ramps, something might've been disconnected. Check the wires around the work area. A sensor might be unplugged. Hope this helps.
1993 Z28 engine cranks but doesn't start. Replaced plugs, has brand new battery. Took car off of ramps and now won't start.
- AUTHOR
There's a short in the circuit. You need the wiring diagram for your particular model. Then trace the voltage with a test light. You may find a relatively cheap aftermarket manual at your local auto parts store. Hope this helps.
I have problem starting my 2002 320i bmw. It cranks no start. I checked the fuse for fuel pump it keeps blowing. I tested the line for the fuel pump, no power.
- AUTHOR
Check for trouble codes, no matter if the check engine light is off. I'm assuming the engine cranks (turns over) but fails to start. If there's no spark, there could be a faulty sensor. A bad crankshaft sensor is a good guess but there could be other issues. Maybe this other post can help:
I have a 2008 ford focus st mk 2 with a Volvo turbo charged engine problem is it stalls and never again started it was 8months ago I've read your article and tested for spark there are no spark bought a new crank sensor cam sensors airflow meter but still no spark I am desperate for help please
Louis
- AUTHOR
Check the starting circuit. There could be high resistance, not allowing full battery power to reach the starter motor. Check for loose, corroded or damaged wires. This other post may help:
Mere paas swift zxi car hai maine starter moter b new lagai hai battery b new lagai hai phir b 2 din ke baad bahut lanba self leti hai
- AUTHOR
Probably this other post can help:
My jeep compass after feeling patrol it starte for few sec and stop, than start again and stop till now it's start for few seconds and stop
- AUTHOR
If the engine suddenly died, as if turning the ignition key off, you may be dealing with a bad sensor (crankshaft, camshaft sensor perhaps). But there could be other issue. The whining you hear when cranking the engine may come from the starter motor. Have the sensors checked. This other post may help as well:
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I have a 2005 Honda Civic ex I was driving came up to a stop sign stopped then went to go and it just died no noise or nothing just died pulled over then put it in park tried to start it but it wouldn't start it cranks over but makes a spinning or whining noise pulled the oil cap and tried to crank it and the rocker arms r moving so I'm not sure what else could be wrong a single mom and I really need some sun or help on what it could be please help me thank you
- AUTHOR
If the engine doesn't crank check the starter motor and circuit. You can have the starter motor tested at your local auto parts store. This other post can help you test the circuit:
Hi, I have Ford Escape 2008 . It’s not crank ,display sign works fine but it start with starter , what could be problem ?
- AUTHOR
if the engine cranks, make sure you got good spark and fuel pressure; if it doesn't crank, check the battery and the starting circuit:
Hy i have a hyundai atos prime and its giving me a problem it doesnt wanna start and the battery is fine the lights are on,the radio is also working.what could be the problem??
- AUTHOR
This other post may give you some tips if the engine doesn't turn over:
My key will go to ACC on ignition but will not turn over its a 99 Toyota corolla VE no noises at at just won't turn over what's the problem?
- AUTHOR
Source of temperature related problems like this may vary. You may find a fault in the fuel injection, vapor lock (fuel system issues), faulty engine grounds or even a clogging air filter, may lead to this.
My Toyota dyna 15b engine, When I start my truck it cranks very well, there I go and cover some long distance, but then if I happen to stop and switch off the engine and restart the engine, it won't start it'll just be dragging up until I wait for it to cool down, then it will crank strongly, what can be the problem please help?
- AUTHOR
If the engine was starting without problems prior to the repairs you made and now it cranks without starting, make sure you got good spark and good fuel pressure. These are the most common trouble spots. Also, make sure you have a good crankshaft sensor.
I replaced my fuel pump battery and crankshaft sensor and my car still won't start why is that?
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- AUTHOR
Have the starter motor checked. There could be something wrong with it.
My car Toyota vios NCP93 cannot start. At starter motor got sound 1second only..
- AUTHOR
Check the ignition system, specially the coil and ignition module.
I have polo classic 1.6 2009 model i park my night ,in morning whn i starter the car doesn't wnt to starter,i take out one spark plug i found tht no spark
- AUTHOR
A new and quality battery should stand its charge for at least a month, unless you’ve fitted your car with high power consumption gadgets. As the battery ages, you’ll see its rate of charge dropping, usually, to two weeks. Of course, you need to take into account your local climate (too hot?) and driving habits. It’s possible your car has a parasitic drain. This other post may help you locate it:
Mercury Grand Marquis 2000 battery 5 yr. life dead in 4 yrs. replacement dead in 2 mos. Vehicle not in frequent use. Alternator checked out OK. What could be draining the battery?
- AUTHOR
Make sure the battery has a full charge. If necessary, have the battery tested. Also, test the alternator and charging system, if necessary.
My ford figo doesnt start it give ABS malfunction and if i may ask is it possible that because of that it wont start since it a automatic transmission. And wat i need to do. Im stuck i cant move
- AUTHOR
Check the starter solenoid. You are probably hearing the starter armature spin.
My wife's car does not start but just makes zzzz sound but when you push start it works. I checked the battery it is fine and also I charged it fully but the problem is still there. What do I do with the figo 2010.
- AUTHOR
You may need to clear the codes. If you don't have a scan tool, go to your local auto parts. They can do it for free. Hope this helps. Also, make sure your battery is charged and good, if there's no crank follow the appropriate section in the post.
First time on here but looks really helpful.
Did a diagnostic test and it said crankshaft sensor and I replaced it and did another diagnostic test and it said car was safe to drive but it still doesn't start what could be the reason
- AUTHOR
Hi AMO
There could be too much resistance in the circuit. Check the connections and wires for corrosion or damage.
MY STARTER WIRE GETS HOT WHEN I START THE CAR AND JUST CLICK
- AUTHOR
There might've been trouble with the bushing but there seems to be problems with the stator and rotor.
Good luck
- AUTHOR
Glad to hear you fixed it.
Gud day, i resolved the problem, the carbon brush contact to the armature is weak, i clean the contact and try to start, the starter is back to good condition,. Thank sir for suggestion,.
- AUTHOR
Hi G,
Go over the steps in the Checking the Starter Motor section of the article. Or you can take the starter motor to an auto parts store and have them check it for you. If the motor is OK, check the connections, to make sure the motor is getting the correct voltage.
Good luck.
- AUTHOR
Hi Geronimo
Go over the section Checking the Starter Motor in the article. You should be able to find out whether the starter is still good or not.
Good luck
Good eve.
My truck is 4hg1 engine the starter motor 'armature' malfunctioning running, and the soleniod when i turn to start the ignition key is okay, any suggestion thankz.
When i turn start the ignition, the armature of starter can't run and the solenoid is okay,. Any suggestion please.
- AUTHOR
Hi jayk3
Check the ignition switch, it might have worn out contacts.
Good luck
What would cause a starter to sometimes work? When I turn my key to on position, all indicator lights come on and I can hear fuel pump working. When I continue and turn to start position everything goes off until I release from start position. Eventually it will start, sometimes after many attempts, sometimes after one or two, and sometimes it starts right up the first time. Usually after sitting overnight or long periods of time, it starts right up, and when I try starting it within 30 minutes after driving it and shutting it off it seems to work fine, usually but not always.
- AUTHOR
- AUTHOR
Hi CT,
Make sure you have good spark, and then check fuel system pressure, there could be a bad pressure regulator or a failing fuel pump.
Good luck.
I have a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora that battery died on, once battery was charged car won't start. It turns over and makes a shrill noise.if I shoot gas directly into manifold it runs.I have replaced fuel filter and injectors, starter crank sensor and cam sensor HELP! any ideas? It reads no codes when tested.
- AUTHOR
Hi Jessica,
Try to get the trouble codes from the computer memory. Probably a friend or an auto parts store will lend you a scanner. The code will tell you where to start. Also, these other two posts might help:
Engine light on car trying to start but wont... suggestions?
- AUTHOR
Hi Jeremiah,
Hard to tell without some tests but a possibility is a dirty fuel filter or worn fuel pump.
You might also want to check the battery terminals --corrosion or loose terminals-- also check the charging system.
Good luck
I have a 2002 Chevy Blazer it will turn over but not fire on the first try but on the second try it will fire right up an run like a dream what could it be????? Just did the starter
- AUTHOR
Hi Tami,
It may be possible the starter motor and flywheel are not correctly aligned or there's damage to the ring gear of the flywheel. Check the starter is properly mounted, along with shims, if any.
Good luck
Hi I had a problem last year, my ford escape was stuck in reverse, turned out I needed a new gear cable, replaced that , now every other start makes a loud wrenching noise. Took it to a different garage, mechanic says take it back to people who replaced gear cable because it's misaligned, so I did that and they found that the starter motor is worn out because of the starting problems but said it's not because of it being in between gears(misaligned gears) confused please help
- AUTHOR
Hi Geraldine,
If you have access to an multimeter, check that you have enough battery power: 12.4 to 12.6 Voltage is what your looking for. Otherwise charge the battery and try again. Even if you get this voltage, you may want to take the battery to an auto parts stores to have the battery checked. If the battery checks OK.
If the engine cranks and turns, check that you have spark and fuel coming in.
If the starter motor doesn't sound like it used to, probably you have a faulty starter.
Gook luck
My car sounds like something running won't start now I'm told it's the self starter how do I fix it's a city golf need assistance I have disconnected the battery
- AUTHOR
Hi phongmaran,
Don't have the schematic with me. Check the fuse to see if it is good.
If you can get hold of the diagram, whatever components (relay?, switch?,any safety swtich?) over passing can give you the clue.
Good luck.
- AUTHOR
Hi johan
Tap on the starter while a helper try to start the engine. Did you check the condition of the ring gear on the flywheel?
If you can hear the starter clicking or a solid click, check the starting circuit, there could be a loose or bad connection.
Good luck
Hi Marco
my Renault megane is burning up starters
the car will start once with the new starter then i will go for a drive and then when is top and switch it op the car wont start up again what could this be???
- AUTHOR
Hi CO,
Make sure your battery is actually charged:
* turn the high beams for about 30 seconds, then turn them off
* wait 2 minutes and measure base voltage again
if it is below 12.4V, you need to charge it.
Also, check all the connections in the starting system, from battery to starter motor. Look for corrosion, loose connections, or damaged.
There may be problems with the solenoid, too.
Good luck
my starter drags while starting. what wholuld be the problem ? I checked the battery and it is fine. the battery measurs 12.4 v. what is the next step I can do ?
- AUTHOR
Hi DH,
If you hear a solid click when turning the key to start the engine, current seems to be reaching the starter motor. Check your connections and also the ignition switch. Track the current with a multimeter.
Good luck
I am having issues with the starter bend-ex. It will not engage the flex plate. Have replaced starter, flexplate and battery. It will start up once, then when I go to start it again, it just clicks. Do you have any ideas of what I can try next? Have shimmed starter.
- AUTHOR
Hi Marco,
Make sure the battery is actually charged. A base voltage reading from your battery above 12V doesn't necessarily means your battery is good. Have it checked at an auto parts store, make sure it is properly charged and still good. They will charge and check the battery for free.
If you got a good battery, check the starter solenoid and the connections to it - should be clean and tight. It seems voltage is not reaching the solenoid if you're not hearing anything.
Good luck
1993 GMC Suburban. It will not start. no sound at all. good battery and starter. i thought it was the n switch.
- AUTHOR
Hi jalal
It is normal for the pinion gear to kick in. This is to rotate the flywheel to crank the engine. If you just hear a click when trying to start the engine, make sure your battery is fully charged and all the connections are good. Then check the starter motor. An auto parts store might bench test it for you.
Good luck
- AUTHOR
Hi Troy,
You seem to have a problem in the fuel system. Start with the fuel filter. When was the last time you changed it. Then check fuel pressure. This can point to the fuel pressure regulator or fuel pump.
Good luck
My Chrysler starts with starting fluid but won't start what should I do
I have issue with starter motor clicking noise I remove the starter I notice the pinion gear while rotate it going out is it normal !!
THANKS A LOT FOR SHARING KNOWLEDGE FOR LAY MAN.
- AUTHOR
Hi bj
You may have a battery problem. Make sure the battery is fully charged, (it accepts the charge, or is being charged properly). Also check the starting circuit, including the battery terminals. All connections should be cleaned and tight.
Good luck
thanks for your advice, very helpful indeed. I replaced our starter motor with a new one and the car ran for a day, now its doing the same thing clicks over but just won't start. any ideas???
- AUTHOR
Hi MS,
The pinion gear kicks out during cranking. If you have the right starter for your engine model, it'll be position correctly to mesh with the flywheel.
Good luck
Hi where should the pinion gear on the top of the starter be positioned? It seems like its not out far enough.
For several weeks, my car just wouldn't start on the first try and you'd hear a click. 3 or 4 attempts later the car would finally start. Eventually, every component of the starting system was replaced, including the up sized ground cable, starter motor, alternator, and still the same problem. Finally, a mechanic who was highly rated with electrical systems found the answer. The lug terminal attached to the hot lug on the starter was oversized for the lug plus the crimp on the terminal was not a good crimp, the mechanic showed me the ratcheting crimper he used for the new connection. After 25+ starts I know that the problem has been fixed. FINALLY. This was on a 94 Olds Cutlass Ciera. Happy Motoring all.
- AUTHOR
Hi Sippy,
Make sure the transmission in in Park,
Try putting a little pressure on the steering wheel (if locked) while trying to turn the key to see if it gets unstuck,
May be the key is too worn, wiggle the key slightly and see if this makes it turn, if so, you may need a new key,
Or maybe the tumbler/cylinder or related mechanism is broken and needs to be replaced.
Hope this helps
Good luck
Key would not turn. Solution?
- AUTHOR
Hi,
Yes, misalignment may prevent the starter pinion gear to not mesh properly with the flywheel.
could the transmission not lining up properly cause the starter not to engage?
- AUTHOR
Hi GK,
Thanks for the comment. Glad it helped.
Good luck
You are awesome!!! Very well explained... helped me a ton... if you are not currently teaching you might want to consider it haha
Thanks a lot for in detailed explanations and it is was a great support to understand the issue.
Thank you for posting this great information. I appreciate it.
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