Buick 12645298 Starter

If trouble occurs in the starting circuit, don't just assume that the starter is to blame right away. The following are to be checked first: ensure clean and secure battery cable clamps on battery, replace any suspect battery cables among them, test battery condition, look at starter solenoid wiring and connections, check for tightness of starter mounting bolts, verify transmission position (PARK or NEUTRAL for automatic transaxles or clutch pedal pressed for manual transaxles), and evaluate Transmission Range (TR) switch adjustment. When the ignition switch is turned to START and the starter does not operate, test for battery voltage to the solenoid by hooking up a test light or voltmeter with an assistant turning the ignition switch to START. If no voltage is present, inspect the starting system circuit. If there is voltage but the starter does not engage, remove it from engine compartment and bench test. Thus where a slow turn over of a starter is encountered, evaluate the starter cranking voltage and battery current draw while comparing those values with specified ones; if they do not meet these values replace it while also looking at condition of battery as well as cold-cranking rating. Last of all if a starter receives voltage but doesn't activate it should be removed and inspected on bench in order to examine operation of solenoid; also viewing its components along with those of a starter.