How to Diagnose and Replace a Starter
Learn how to diagnose and replace a starter in your car or truck. In this video I show you the common causes of a car that doesn't turn over, and then I show you how to replace the starter along with many tips and tricks to make the job go easier and better.
Starter I used: goo.gl/dpUUWI
Mutltimeter: amzn.to/2SDSUT1
Battery Load Tester: amzn.to/2ifhMRK
Battery Charger: amzn.to/2iiD9wN
Swivel Ratchet: amzn.to/2j9VGzQ
Universal Joint Adapter: amzn.to/2iuiNnO
Thread Locker: amzn.to/2jxRqXv
Silicone Paste: amzn.to/2ja5Q3A
Thank you AutoZone for the support and letting me film in the store. Here is more info about how to check your starting system: goo.gl/qfSiVF. They also will load test your battery for free. #HoodsUpAmerica
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix. This video was supported by AutoZone and all opinions are mine. I commonly go to AutoZone for parts and products so this was a great fit!
Comment your "starter stories" here. I know some Audi's need the engine lifted to get to the starter and the Cadillac NorthStar engine has the starter under the intake manifold! What a bad design! Follow me: → Instagram: instagram.com/chrisfixit Stuff I used in the video: Starter I used: goo.gl/dpUUWI Mutltimeter: amzn.to/2ja4Axd Battery Load Tester: amzn.to/2ifhMRK Battery Charger: amzn.to/2iiD9wN Swivel Ratchet: amzn.to/2j9VGzQ Universal Joint Adapter: amzn.to/2jxRqXv Thread Locker: amzn.to/2jxRqXv Silicone Paste: amzn.to/2ja5Q3A
One time my starter went out in the middle of Iowa and well long story short I managed to run my engine out of oil
Even Citroën has this bad design, or probably even worse, because, when I worked on a Berlingò of 2010 there are 2 of 3 bolts that are not easy to reach. I needed to take down the battery and his bracket to reach them, and even with the battery and the bracket down wasn’t that easy to reach them.
My starter story begins with me being a "smort" aka small idiot when I hooked my battery up backwards. Fried the regulator, fuel pump, starter, and shorted the radio. All were fixed, now i have no radio or dome lights.
Just came to this video because I was uneducated when fixing my 1993 Ford Ranger, I replaced my alternator, even the starter relay. But now I’m in the process of fixing my starter.
hey chrisfix you should come to Washington state and help us with my 1986 iroc z camaro.
my starter is ezy to locate
He makes it look so easy
I was on auto play watching audio videos but still watched whole vid
U r legend thanks
😀🔥🔥🔥♥️♥️
i put my hatchet to good use in tight places too
you sound EXACTLY like randal from CLERKS
fact 1: this Mazda is actually Ford, you can see it in the fuse box fact 2: as a Ford owner I feel your pain with these tight fits
In my case, the starter is working but cranks the engine very slowly when it's cold out.. but starts just fine when the engine is warm.. (the battery is brand new) also, I'm hearing metal grinding noise when it starts slowly, what could that be guys?
I did not see a cat under the truck
Excellent information and visuals. Thanks. I would add "ignition switch" to possible sources of "no start".
Thanks I just save 450 dollars,300 for the job and 150 for the towing
My car shakes a lot when it starts and stops. Does it have to do with the starter like in the video?
can anyone explain the scientific principe under the fact that the starter works when Chris hit it with hammer, Thanks.
یک بار دیگر هم گفتم فاشیست ترینها رو امده اند . هر کس اندکی بیدار بوده عقب کشیده
we have a mtd yard machine tractor and we replaced the starter and now it wont crank with key its also a shift on the go
Hey Chris, what if the car cranks a little too long then starts?
Could be a bunch of things, have you observed any other kind of issues like a fuel economy drop or engine codes?
I like to disconnect the wires first (if possible). That prevents a lot of grief when having to deal with rusty and corroded terminals that don't want to loosen. Vaseline can be used to smear on the terminals (goes for your battery too).
Thanks for sharing!
Can't you skip diagnostic part by push starting the car ?
That gets the car started but doesn't tell you exactly why it won't start normally, you should still diagnose the exact issue!
Have been reading the starter on the Mazda MX-5 NC (3rd gen) is super tough. When mine died I didn't have any idea so the dealership took care of it.
Interesting, thanks for sharing!
Great video Chris but that Mazda has 139 000 miles on and already a starter needs to be replaced??
oh boy this channel is based on fixing these fords falling apart
or you forgot to put the safety NFID chip back into the carkey :-)
What’s up Chrisfix Hey I have a problem with my truck I have a 03 Mazda B3000 And I resent replace my starter but the issue I have is that when I put the new started and tried to connect the battery my truck start cranking without a key on ignition. What do you think can cause that problem? Please help me out!!!
Could you have just replaced the solenoid of the starter?
Thanks Chris, as a girl this video really helpful especially if i send my car to mechanic i know what he is doing.
6:05 - Ah! The Jeremy Clarkson method!
Loved the vid! Good job. And thanks for showing the preventative measures to fight corrosion.
When I proceed to ignite my car, the symptoms of a dead battery occur. The rapid clicking sound comes on. However, I just bought a whole new battery. It turned on and used it. Later, the car randomly stalled at a red light. What could it be????
Hey guys, I'm in need of help. My 2008 ford focus has a very weird starter. The car doesn't start on the first or second turn of the key like normal. It also is weird that I can just flick my wrist and turn the car on rather than holding the key down. Is that normal? I thought my battery was dead, but it tested good. The alternator passed the test as well. Only thing left is to diagnose the starter. Anyone else with a focus that has this weird starter thing?
Ok, kinda getting happy I'm starting on an s10, i have no safty switches, hell, it lets me try to start in 1st
6:21 When he turn the key to the run position and shut it off and turn it to the run position will that pressurize the starter?
My car flooded! I watched your video on gas tank removal because the gas pump mount had a crack and water went in. I cleaned the tank, changed the broken part and put it back together, days later the starter started struggling to turn the car on. I watched this video and I knew what I needed to do next. Thanks Chris for showing me how to fix my car, I saved probably $2k on this! Keep up the great work!
But how do i know if a starter fots my car. I cant go to a part store because i live in a countey where for some reason they think its unnecessary to have one so i have to order online. Or can i just go to my mechanic and ask him to order it for me?
What about if it cranks for a few extra seconds compared to normal? Sometimes fails to start first turn but usually turns over after a few seconds of cranking
2:23 that rattling sound brings so many bad flashbacks of me and my car. A 20 year old clueless me always thought it was the starter and not the battery.
How to know if your solenoid is not working properly and if the solenoid can replace it
0:38 is literally no one gonna notice that car in the background is rolling backwards?
Awesome video. Thorough explanation. Great job! By the way, the part about tapping on the side of the starter is what worked for me. Why did that work??
Just a safety note, on a sloped driveway and no chocks behind rear tyres? Relying on handbrake?
Hey ChrisFix! I have a Volvo XC90 V8 that may have a starter problem. I have checked all the fuses and changed the battery, and every time I start the vehicle, the engine has a difficult time turning over before being able to start fine. But after driving 30+ minutes when I shut off the engine after I arrived at work I then need to use a jump pack to start the engine again after I get off of work. Is this a starter problem or a different problem?
I can not remember the car a brother had that the starter went out. He asked me to come over his car wouldn't start. When I got there my dad was already there and had the car jacked up so I could craw under with a tester to make sure we were getting voltage since he had good voltage up top and couldn't even here a solenoid click when we turned the key. Could not find the starter. It was on top of the transmission. I couldn't believe it was so easy to get to.
Hi chris, I have a 2013 Honda Accord v6 push button start (keyless). When I put foot on brake & push the start button in Park I hear 1 click inside the starter but no crank. When I pull the solenoid control wire & put positive lead in it with negative lead on neg. battery terminal I see 12volts for a split second then back to zero volts. My question is should that 12v stay solid after pushing the keyless push button start? I am trying to diagnose on why it takes multiple push button attempts to get my 2013 Honda Accord V6 to crank over by starter. I see many people owning 2013-17 Honda Accords complaining about this. I see that in 2013 Honda put the starter solenoid inside the starter housing instead of having a separate external mounted starter solenoid prior to 2013. Thank you for providing any info that can help me or others. Happy Holidays & Stay Safe!
Us brits looking at this like “wth does he have a door key or his car”😂
:o
Today I was working on jeep and touched the end of metal on wire with pliers that is connected to started and it started my jeep without key in ignition, didn’t even kno that could hapoen
Really your instructions on the cars has given me a good message now I can do wonders to my car all by myself thanks very much people watching your repair jobs will definitely appreciate your good help thanks Richard Dcruze of Cochin Kerala India
3:33 my cars check engine light doesent come on and my car starts perfectly. Only lights that come on are battery, oil and abs light. Maybe my car is just a little bit older
Chris you're the man!
Thank you Chris! I think your video's are the BEST. Straight to the point and done. I like that!
Could you have repaired that old starter yourself like; change or clean the brushes, replace a brush spring if needed, clean the commutator, lubricate the shaft ends, or whatever? Enjoy your channel and the repairs you share with us. My truck, an 02 Ford Ranger 4.0L 4X4 (Gold), is very similar to the truck in your video, so it makes it more interesting to me watching. I have replaced the AC relay in my truck's AC recently, and I do carry a whole spare relay and fuse box for my truck for $60 on ebay, and by using one of its relays for the AC Unit the spare use box paid itself off and there's more fuses and relays to spare. I also have a cheap new relay tester. Thanks for all those TIPS you share, and a thumbs up to you my friend.
Cool
Hey chirsfix, I'm from Australia and with our manual cars we don't need to put the clutch in, so why in USA it's different
Thank you
Just fixed my girlfriends car. Chrisfix is the man to go to. Thanks you very much man. Btw it was the battery.
Tightens battery terminal 'nice and tight' Entire battery moves hahaha
I'm Amazed your AutoZone is open 24 Hours!!!
Very informative with lots of tips.. Not the first time I came by Chrisfix videos for good reason... great job
Thanks Chris, forgot to mention removing the negative from the battery lol
What is the main reason of starter burning
Before the starter was invented you used to have to crank the engine to start it. Annoying! And Dangerous because it would spin back.
7:07 did you chalk off the wheels
Lol. Why is all your vehicles breaking down
I had a 3rd wire. Where does the 3rd one go?
Intermittent no crank/no start on 2010 malibu. Only during the cold seasons...dropped new battery in because it wasn’t up to par. (Needed it anyways). Will start at times then not start for a day or so. Starter, neutral safety switch or possible relays? Heard it could be a plethora of issues, some of these included. Any advice helps!
@ChrisFix , Man the hardest one probably is the one from Mercedes Benz A class 170 W168. I couldn't find a good video about it.
I'm just about to attempt to change a starter motor for the first time. This video has given me some great insight.
Why does hitting the starter with a hammer work? What problem does smacking it (other than getting out some aggression because your starter is a POS) solve?
What if my car makes a grinding sound when I start it
Always unplug the Neg battery terminal when working in the electrical system. Be safe!
Thanks I just change my starter on my 92 ranger.
Awesome!
0:47 But the battery is clean
I know!
Suggestion - Instead of silicone paste, something like CRC Marine Corrosion Inhibitor might be better, as it won't pick up dirt after it dries.
My car has this issue where I gotta hold the key in the starting position for 30 second to a minute when cold starting. Annoying as hell
Any issues while driving or just when starting?
If you hit it with a hammer doesn’t that mean the solenoid is bad because the contacts inside are burnt ?
You are a piece of shit CHRIS FIX.
This one time I had a starter and it got stuck in a fence and ripped it while I was walking.
@ChrisFix Its was a starter jacket. 😜
How did it get stuck in a fence?
Hey Chris, do you have any advice for a starter that is drawing to much power? Sometimes it takes me a few turns before my car starts.
@ChrisFix Thank you!
Starter should be replaced if that happens!
Mine starts when its wants to and some times the antitheft light comes on and if you leave the ignition on for a minute........... it will start
What about a starter button tool ,from batter positive to starter positive.?
I replaced my starter one or two weeks ago. It was pretty smooth, except for the fact that I forgot to disconnect my battery and ended up shorting the starter to the oil pan through my ratchet 😅😅
Chrish is awesome!🥴
Chris, I am sure that when you die, you will go to heaven. Look how many good deeds you've done, you're a high scorer in the guy's books for sure.
Thank you Criss, when ever I have a problem I come to your videos and find a solution. Your awesome!
Hi one question for my CVR 2006 starter , when weather is warm not issues..but when is cold very hard to start the car , I got a new battery...but still the hard start
What about sometimes when I start my Tacoma it makes a gnarly grinding noise from the starter area would that b the starter not retracting from the flywheel?
Make sure to check your grounds to the body mine corroded out and it cost me 500$ to fix
Great video for "Idiots" that regret when they were teenagers, not going out there to find out what their dad was doing under the hood their family car.
So uhhh what if my whole starter housing breaks off in my transmission? Yes that just happened a few hours ago...
whats the torque value? @ChrisFix
Hi Chris can you do one on a 5.7 Jeep Hemi rhd please!
Not too many RHD cars in New Jersey....
if it's a dead battery, yet it's a new battery - then it will die again even after recharging because the culprit is a bad alternator
07 Corolla Wouldn't start this morning, Had an Old battery on it so ended up switching that and still no start. Saw your video hit the starter a couple of times and boom. Thanks guy! really good explanation.
you didnt show how to check start relay , or problems between ignition switch to start relay
Watched this video because my starter is gone and all I want to do is detail my other car because of your detailing videos 😂
Now you know how to get that replaced! And I'm glad you want to detail your other car!
this happened to my mom car and it renewed it self lol
What if the starter is turning but not engaging, what would be the problem ?
But wait...the starter is actually working at 9:48, dud you just wait your money 😂😂😂
Thanks so much! My car wouldn't start, then I found your video. Your checklist of what to rule out saved me. Even though it totally looked like I was fully in park, I gave the gearshift a bit of a jiggle, and tried again. It started! You saved my night, you saved me a weekend of waiting for my mechanic to open while stressing over what it might cost, and you saved me the embarrassment of getting roadside assistance to tow me to my mechanic just to see him start it easily. So thanks for ALL of that!
Who else came for another joke video, and instead learned how to diagnose why your car won't start?