But don't just assume that the starter is guilty right away if you are troubleshooting a malfunction in the starting circuit. Instead, begin by inspecting several key components like; clean and securely connected battery cable clamps to battery. Check battery cables for damage and replace any damaged ones. If it fails any tests, evaluate its condition and change it. Inspect starter wiring and connections, and also check the tightness of starter mounting bolts. Examine relevant fuses in engine compartment fuse box, if they're blown, investigate the cause and repair the circuit. Evaluate the ignition switch circuit for correct operation. Verify that the underhood electrical center contains a properly functioning starter relay. Ensure this as well as Park/Neutral position switch functions correctly since these systems are important for applying battery voltage to the starter relay respectively at least during cranking. If no engagement occurs when turning the ignition switch to start then check for battery voltage at the starter solenoid. Attach a 12-volt test light or voltmeter to the starter solenoid terminal and have an assistant turn the ignition switch to start while monitoring the test light or voltmeter. It should burn brightly or show battery voltage there. Absence of voltage indicates checking fuses, ignition switch, starter relay and related wiring in starting system. If voltage is present but starter does not turn over remove starter from engine and bench test it for defects. Slow turning requires checking of cranking voltage at starter using volt meter from battery which should not drop below 8 volts with amperage draw not exceeding 350 amps over a 10-second crank period; anything above that can result in a failure of some elements associated with starting system requiring testing within service department. Finally, if nothing happens when power is applied to a particular device (in our case, the starter) but it is believed to be energized, this means that there are two possible problems with the solenoid or starter. Inspect whether the engine is seized by attempting to rotate the crankshaft pulley. If necessary, apply voltage to a bench mounted starter solenoid using a test battery and observe its operation including the pinion drive extending and rotating. From these observations decide whether the solenoid or starter is bad and if not, what may be wrong within the starter assembly.
