How to Test a Starter Motor With Multimeter Without Removing [2024]

The starter motor, like the silent guardian of your car, plays a vital role in bringing it to life. When this crucial component malfunctions, starting your car becomes a frustrating experience, often leaving you stranded. While replacing the starter might seem like the immediate solution, testing it with a multimeter can save you time and money by pinpointing the exact issue. This blog post guides you through testing your starter motor with a multimeter without removing it from the car, empowering you to diagnose the problem with minimal effort.

1. Safety First

Before attempting any electrical work, prioritize safety. Ensure the car is parked on a level surface with the parking brake engaged and the engine turned off. Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a wrench to prevent accidental sparks or electrical shocks. Wear safety glasses and gloves for additional protection.

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2. Essential Tools and Knowledge

• Multimeter: This versatile tool measures voltage, current, and resistance, allowing you to test various components within the starter system.
• Car owner’s manual: Refer to it for specific information about your car’s starter location, wiring diagrams, and any safety precautions.
• Basic understanding of electrical circuits: This will help you interpret the multimeter readings and identify potential problems.

3. Locating the Starter Motor

The starter motor’s location can vary depending on your car’s model and engine design. It’s typically situated near the bottom of the engine block, close to the flywheel. Consult your car’s owner’s manual or search online for specific images related to your vehicle to identify the exact location.

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4. Identifying the Testing Points

Once you’ve located the starter, you’ll need to identify the following testing points:

• Positive battery terminal: This is usually marked with red and positive (+) symbols.
• Starter solenoid terminal: This is a small terminal on the starter body, often marked with the letter “S” or labeled as “solenoid” in your car’s manual.
• Starter motor terminal (optional): This large terminal connects the starter motor directly to the battery cable.

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5. Testing Procedures

A. Solenoid Activation Test:

1. Set the multimeter to DC voltage mode (20V or higher).
2. Touch the positive probe to the positive battery terminal.
3. Touch the negative probe to the starter solenoid terminal.
4. Turn the key in your ignition (do not start the engine) as if you were starting the car.

• Observe the multimeter reading.
• A voltage reading close to the battery voltage (around 12 volts) indicates that the solenoid is receiving power.
• A low or absent voltage reading might suggest an issue with the ignition switch, wiring, or the solenoid.

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B. Starter Motor Current Draw Test (Optional):

This method requires caution as high currents are involved.

1. Set the multimeter to DC amps mode (high setting).
2. Have an assistant turn the key in the ignition to the “start” position for a very brief moment (less than a second).
3. While they turn the key, momentarily touch the positive probe to the positive battery terminal and the negative probe to the starter motor terminal.

• Observe the momentary current reading on the multimeter.
• A brief surge in current (around 100-200 amps) followed by a lower reading (around 30-50 amps) is typical for a healthy starter.
• A very low or no current reading could indicate a faulty starter motor.
• An excessively high and sustained current draw could indicate a short circuit within the starter.

6. Interpreting the Results and Taking Action

Based on the test results, you can make informed decisions:

• If both tests pass, the issue might lie elsewhere in the starting system, such as the battery, ignition switch, or wiring.
• If the solenoid activation test fails, it indicates a potential problem with the solenoid, wiring, or ignition switch.
• If the starter motor current draw test fails, it suggests a possible issue with the starter motor itself.

7. Limitations and Seeking Professional Help

While these tests offer valuable insights, they might not always pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. Additionally, working with electrical components can be risky. If:

• You’re unsure about any step in the process.
• You’re uncomfortable working with electricity.
• The test results are inconclusive.
• You suspect more complex issues.

Consulting a qualified mechanic is highly recommended. They possess the expertise and tools to diagnose the problem accurately and recommend the appropriate course of action

Possible Outcome Number 1

If the voltmeter gives the analysis of the complete battery voltage at the solenoid output terminal, it means the solenoid is exceptional. Due to the fact the solenoid transfers the current from the solenoid feed (enter) terminal to the output terminal.

If the voltmeter no longer gives the overall analyzing voltage at the solenoid output terminal, it means the solenoid is awful and wishes substituted.

Possible Final Results Number 2

Now, while a 12-volt battery strength source is a gift at the solenoid output terminal, the starter motor ought to spin, so it means the starter motor meeting is good enough.

But if the starter motor does now not rotate no matter the solenoid output terminal receiving the modern-day, it suggests a lifeless starter motor and you have to absolutely eliminate the starter motor from the automobile. Thus, in this way, you can troubleshoot a starter motor that no longer cranking by the usage of a voltmeter.

You could additionally effectively use a take-a-look-at lamp in place of a voltmeter if a voltmeter isn’t to be had. I will now not increase the phrase matter of my article employing repeating the above steps with the substitute of the word take a look at lamp rather than voltmeter.

The stairs and procedure of troubleshooting a starter motor by means of the use of a test lamp are similar to using a voltmeter. Inside the above steps, you can truly replace the test lamp as opposed to the voltmeter, and repeat the steps. It is simple. It is not rocket science. Don’t be overwhelmed.

The under video explains the checking out procedure for the starter without doing away with it but with jumper cables no longer with a multimeter. I have not determined to check out the starter with a multimeter without getting rid of it.

FAQs about How to Test a Starter Motor With Multimeter Without Removing