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Car Maintenance and Repair
How to Test a Car Starter Download ArticleExplore this Article parts 1 Checking the Pinion 2 Testing the Electrical System 3 Bench Testing Your Starter Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Tom Eisenberg
Last Updated: November 25, 2025 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg. Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 367,801 times.
A car that won’t start is definitely frustrating. If your car won't start, it might be a sign that something is wrong with your car's starter, which is responsible for kicking over the engine.[1]X Expert Source Tom EisenbergAuto TechnicianExpert Interview If you have some experience working with automobiles, however, you can perform several tests to determine what’s wrong with the starter. Checking the pinion can be the quickest fix if the problem is not serious. The next level involves checking the electrical circuits to make sure everything is powering properly. If that still doesn’t work, you can remove and bench test the starter to see if it needs to be replaced.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Checking the Pinion
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1 Turn on the headlights and try to start the car. A couple of things might happen when you do this. If the car makes a noise like it’s going to start, but the headlights dim, then the starter pinion is probably jammed.[2]XResearch source
If the car makes a clicking noise but never sounds like it's trying to start, and the lights dim, then the problem is likely the battery. Skip to checking the electrical system.
2 Turn the pinion stub with an adjustable wrench (spanner). The starter is a large electrical motor in a cylindrical housing, and it's usually bolted to one side of the engine block. If you see a small, square stub (the pinion stub) sticking out of the end of the cylinder, turn it with your wrench until it moves freely in place. Try starting the car again once the pinion can move freely.[3]XResearch source
In modern cars, you'll find the solenoid (which is a smaller cylinder) attached to the starter cylinder, "piggyback" style. They'll be separated and connected by a thick wire in older cars.
Refer to your owner's manual for help finding these components.
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3 Rock the car if you see no stub and have a manual transmission. Turn the car off and put it in second gear. Release the emergency brake and rock the car back and forth. This can loosen the pinion.[4]XResearch source
If you don’t see a pinion stub and you have an automatic transmission, you will have to take the starter motor off and bench test it.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Testing the Electrical System
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1 Visually inspect the battery terminals. Pop the hood of your car and check the positive and negative terminals of the battery. If there is any dirt or corrosion, it can cause a bad connection and a lack of power to the starter.[5]XResearch source
If the terminals are dirty or corroded, you can disconnect the battery, clean the connections with a wire brush, and hook them up again.
In newer cars, the battery terminals or even the entire battery may be covered with a plastic cap. Remove one or all of these caps to get a good look at the battery. But make sure nothing metal (tools, etc.) accidentally touches both terminals while you're working.
2 Test the battery's voltage with a multimeter. Set your multimeter to its "DC" setting and its dial to 20 (to test from 0-20 volts). Place the red probe on the battery's positive (+) terminal, and the black probe on the negative (-) terminal. You'll get a reading above 12V if the battery is working properly.[6]XResearch source
Whether or not the battery terminals look OK, there may be a problem with the wires that feed power to the starter and other components.
While you’re checking the voltage, make sure that the battery’s earth strap is securely connected to the car’s bodywork. This is necessary for the battery to operate properly.
3 Visually inspect the solenoid. If you try to start the car and nothing happens, and the battery seems to be powering properly, then there is likely a connection problem with the solenoid. This device is a small cylinder usually attached to the top of the starter. Visually inspect it to make sure all of the wires running to it are connected properly.[7]XResearch source
The solenoid won't work if its wires are hanging loose. Reconnect them and try starting the car again. If this doesn't help, the solenoid may not be powering up properly.
Solenoid wires usually clip or bolt into place. If you're not sure where a loose wire goes or how it attaches, get a pro's help.
4 Use a circuit tester to see if the current is getting to the solenoid. Place one lead of the circuit tester (test lamp) to the feed terminal of the solenoid. Attach the other lead to bare bodywork metal. If the tester lights up, then the problem is with the solenoid or the starter itself, not the current getting to it.[8]XResearch source
If the tester doesn’t light up, then there is a bad connection and the wiring will need to be worked on.
Another potential cause of this problem is a faulty ignition switch.
5 Check the solenoid output current. Place one connector of a test lamp on the output of the solenoid and the other on the battery's ground (earth) terminal. The lamp should light. If not, you will need to take the starter/solenoid assembly off and bench test it.[9]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Bench Testing Your Starter
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1 Remove your starter. If you hear nothing when you try to start the car, and the electrical circuits seem to be OK, then there is probably a problem with the starter itself. You'll need to carefully disconnect the starter's wiring, unbolt it, and remove it from the engine block to do further testing.[10]XResearch source
Removing a starter (with or without an attached solenoid) must be done carefully -- including jacking up the vehicle -- to prevent damage or hazards. Your car's owner's manual may be of assistance, but leave this job to a pro if you're not confident in your abilities.
If you do remove the starter yourself, make sure you mark all the wires and keep track of the bolts for reassembly!
2 Attach jumper cables to your starter. Take the red jumper cable and connect one end to the positive terminal of a car battery. Connect the other end to the thick positive post on the starter’s solenoid. Attach one end of the black jumper cable to one of the starter’s ears (the fin-like parts sticking up off of the main cylinder) and its other end to the negative battery terminal.[11]XResearch source
3 Connect a wire to the starter’s small terminal. Take a few feet of insulated 16-gauge wire. Strip one end and crimp it onto the small terminal on the starter. Go ahead and strip the other end as well, but don’t do anything with it yet.[12]XResearch source
4 Hold the starter down with one foot. When you bench test the starter, it may move around and shoot some sparks. Holding it down with your foot prevents it from jumping around and causing injury.[13]XResearch source
You can ask someone to help you. Have them hold the starter down securely with a booted foot while you perform the test.
5 Touch the other end of the wire to the positive battery post. When you do this, the starter pinion should move and spin. If it doesn’t, then the starter is bad and will need to be replaced.[14]XResearch source
If the starter does spin and you still can’t figure out why the car won’t start, have a mechanic inspect it more thoroughly.
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Tips
If the starter seems to be ok, the problem may be with the solenoid. There are additional tests you can perform to test it as well. Thanks Helpful 20 Not Helpful 9
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Things You’ll Need
Spanner
Wire brush
Multimeter
Circuit tester
Ratchet
Jumper cables
16 gauge wire
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References
↑ Tom Eisenberg. Auto Technician. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Tom Eisenberg Auto Technician This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg. Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. This article has been viewed 367,801 times. 78 votes - 91% Co-authors: 7Updated: November 25, 2025 Views: 367,801 Categories: Car Maintenance and RepairArticle SummaryX
To test a car starter, you'll want to start your car and listen for any problematic noises that could indicate something is wrong. First, turn your headlights on and start the car. If you hear a sound like your car’s trying to start but the headlights dim, your starter pinion is probably jammed. Open the car and use a wrench to twist the pinion, which will look like a small square stub sticking out of the motor. Once the pinion is free, try starting your car again. However, if the car makes a clicking noise when you try starting it, you likely have a problem with your battery. To confirm this, visually inspect your battery for any signs of damage, such as dirty or corroded terminals. If this is the case, disconnect the battery and clean them with a wire brush before reconnecting the battery and trying again. For tips on how to bench test your starter if you have an automatic car, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Checking the Pinion 2 Testing the Electrical System 3 Bench Testing Your Starter Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Tom Eisenberg 
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Co-authored by: Tom Eisenberg Auto Technician This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg. Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. This article has been viewed 367,801 times. 78 votes - 91% Co-authors: 7 Updated: November 25, 2025 Views: 367,801 Categories: Car Maintenance and Repair Article SummaryX
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1 Turn on the headlights and try to start the car. A couple of things might happen when you do this. If the car makes a noise like it’s going to start, but the headlights dim, then the starter pinion is probably jammed.[2] 
2 Turn the pinion stub with an adjustable wrench (spanner). The starter is a large electrical motor in a cylindrical housing, and it's usually bolted to one side of the engine block. If you see a small, square stub (the pinion stub) sticking out of the end of the cylinder, turn it with your wrench until it moves freely in place. Try starting the car again once the pinion can move freely.[3] 
3 Rock the car if you see no stub and have a manual transmission. Turn the car off and put it in second gear. Release the emergency brake and rock the car back and forth. This can loosen the pinion.[4] 
1 Visually inspect the battery terminals. Pop the hood of your car and check the positive and negative terminals of the battery. If there is any dirt or corrosion, it can cause a bad connection and a lack of power to the starter.[5] 
2 Test the battery's voltage with a multimeter. Set your multimeter to its "DC" setting and its dial to 20 (to test from 0-20 volts). Place the red probe on the battery's positive (+) terminal, and the black probe on the negative (-) terminal. You'll get a reading above 12V if the battery is working properly.[6] 
3 Visually inspect the solenoid. If you try to start the car and nothing happens, and the battery seems to be powering properly, then there is likely a connection problem with the solenoid. This device is a small cylinder usually attached to the top of the starter. Visually inspect it to make sure all of the wires running to it are connected properly.[7] 
4 Use a circuit tester to see if the current is getting to the solenoid. Place one lead of the circuit tester (test lamp) to the feed terminal of the solenoid. Attach the other lead to bare bodywork metal. If the tester lights up, then the problem is with the solenoid or the starter itself, not the current getting to it.[8] 
5 Check the solenoid output current. Place one connector of a test lamp on the output of the solenoid and the other on the battery's ground (earth) terminal. The lamp should light. If not, you will need to take the starter/solenoid assembly off and bench test it.[9] Advertisement 
1 Remove your starter. If you hear nothing when you try to start the car, and the electrical circuits seem to be OK, then there is probably a problem with the starter itself. You'll need to carefully disconnect the starter's wiring, unbolt it, and remove it from the engine block to do further testing.[10] 
2 Attach jumper cables to your starter. Take the red jumper cable and connect one end to the positive terminal of a car battery. Connect the other end to the thick positive post on the starter’s solenoid. Attach one end of the black jumper cable to one of the starter’s ears (the fin-like parts sticking up off of the main cylinder) and its other end to the negative battery terminal.[11] 
3 Connect a wire to the starter’s small terminal. Take a few feet of insulated 16-gauge wire. Strip one end and crimp it onto the small terminal on the starter. Go ahead and strip the other end as well, but don’t do anything with it yet.[12] 
4 Hold the starter down with one foot. When you bench test the starter, it may move around and shoot some sparks. Holding it down with your foot prevents it from jumping around and causing injury.[13] 
5 Touch the other end of the wire to the positive battery post. When you do this, the starter pinion should move and spin. If it doesn’t, then the starter is bad and will need to be replaced.[14] 