How To Install A Car Starter: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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1 Listen to the vehicle as you attempt to start it. As you turn the key in the ignition, listen for the sounds the engine makes to help determine if you have an issue with your starter. If the engine makes no sound whatsoever, or you hear only a faint clicking, it may be because there isn’t enough power reaching the electric starter motor.[2] X Research source
- If the engine attempts to turnover but fails, it could be another issue.
- If the engine does nothing, the battery may just be dead.
2 Ensure the battery terminals are clean and secure. Check the battery terminals to ensure there is a strong connection between the terminals and the cables. The cables should be securely held in place and should not be able to wiggle or be removed from the terminal without loosening the nut on each cable. Clean corroded battery terminals with a steel toothed brush to ensure a strong connection.[3] X Research source
- A weak connection from the battery can prevent the engine from starting.
- Wear gloves when cleaning battery terminals to avoid getting battery acid on your skin.
3 Charge your vehicle’s battery. If you suspect the battery may simply be low on power, try charging it using either a trickle charger or another vehicle to jump start it. Be sure to connect the red cable to the positive terminal on each vehicle and the black to the negative.[4] X Research source
- Leave the other vehicle running when jump starting the vehicle and allow it to charge the battery in yours.
- If using a trickle charger, be sure to leave the battery charging in a safe area that won’t be rained on.
4 Check to see the starter solenoid is bad. The starter solenoid transfers power from the battery to the electric motor that starts the engine. If it fails to transmit the electricity, the starter motor will fail to function. Test the starter solenoid by touching a test light to the lower terminal on the starter, then ground the negative cable to the body of the car. Have a friend turn the ignition key and see if it lights up.[5] X Research source
- If the test light does not light up, it means power is not reaching the starter motor due to a faulty solenoid or a dead battery.
- If the test light does light up, it means the solenoid is good, but the starter itself may have failed.