Note: Before starting the starter diagnostics, make sure that the battery is fully charged and that the alarm system and the immobilizer are not activated.
1. If, when turned on, the starter does not rotate at all, then on models with automatic transmission, you need to check whether the selector is set to the position "R" or "N".
2. Make sure the battery is fully charged and all wires connected to the battery and starter solenoid terminals are stripped and secure.
3. If the starter turns but the engine does not crank, the overrunning clutch or (depending on performance) starter downshift is slipping. In this case, the starter must be replaced or repaired. Other possible causes of this malfunction are loosening of the starter mounting bolts or breakage of the teeth of the flywheel crown / faceplate.
4. If, when turned on, the starter does not turn at all, but a click is heard from the operation of the solenoid, then the cause of the malfunction is due to the battery, the main contacts of the solenoid, or the starter motor itself (or seizing in the car engine).
5. If the solenoid plunger does not click when the starter is turned on, then the battery is faulty, the power circuit is faulty, or the solenoid itself is faulty.
6. To test the solenoid, connect the auxiliary wire through the fuse to the plus of the battery and the ignition switch terminal (small terminal on solenoid). If after that the starter started working, then the solenoid is normal, and the malfunction is caused by the ignition switch, the selector position sensor (automatic transmission) or wiring.
7. If the starter still does not work, remove it. Brushes and commutator can be checked. But if the starter remains defective, then it must be replaced or taken to an auto electrician for inspection and repair.
8. If the starter cranks the engine too slowly, then first of all check that the battery is charged and that all terminals are securely tightened. If the engine is seized or if it uses oil with the wrong viscosity, it will turn slowly.
9. Run the engine until it warms up and reaches normal operating temperature. Then turn off and disconnect the ignition system. by disconnecting the ignition coil connector. Pull the #14 fuse to disconnect the fuel pump.
10. Connect the plus of the voltmeter to the plus of the battery and, accordingly, the minus to the minus.
11. Turn the engine over with the starter and take the voltmeter reading as soon as the needle stops indicating the voltage value. Do not operate the starter for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the voltmeter shows 10.5 volts or more when the starter is cranking the engine at normal speed, then this is normal. If the voltmeter shows 10.5 V or more, but the rotation speed is low, then the solenoid contacts are burnt, the starter motor is faulty, or this is due to a bad connection. If the voltmeter shows less than 10.5 V and the engine rotates slowly, then the starter is faulty or the fault is due to the battery.
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