How do I know if my starter is dead?
08-17-2006, 09:34 PM
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How do I know if my starter is dead?
My car [1993 Honda Civic Hatchback Si] won't start.
My car makes a clicking noise when I try to start it.
My fuel pump primes, I can hear it.
I swapped batteries and it still won't start.
I can take a screwdriver and touch the starter and another part of the starter and it will crank the car and start the car.
Would the above statement indicate that my starter is good or would it indicate my starter is bad?
My car makes a clicking noise when I try to start it.
My fuel pump primes, I can hear it.
I swapped batteries and it still won't start.
I can take a screwdriver and touch the starter and another part of the starter and it will crank the car and start the car.
Would the above statement indicate that my starter is good or would it indicate my starter is bad?
08-17-2006, 09:46 PM
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Re: How do I know if my starter is dead? (Nocturnal)
push start the car and if it starts then your starter is dead.
Or take it out and run it to 12v power and see if it spins freely
Or take it out and run it to 12v power and see if it spins freely
08-17-2006, 10:04 PM
#3
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Re: How do I know if my starter is dead? (hatchi)
Best thing to do is take it to a parts store and have them bench test it.
By bench testing it, you eliminate all other factors that the cars wiring, grounding problems etc may introduce into the starter not cranking.
Things to look for while benchtesting:
1. The solenoid pops the ring gear out onto the flywheel.
2. The starter motor spins the ring gear.
3. The hold in coil holds the ring gear on the flywheel.
4. The pull back spring returns the gear to its original spot.
By bench testing it, you eliminate all other factors that the cars wiring, grounding problems etc may introduce into the starter not cranking.
Things to look for while benchtesting:
1. The solenoid pops the ring gear out onto the flywheel.
2. The starter motor spins the ring gear.
3. The hold in coil holds the ring gear on the flywheel.
4. The pull back spring returns the gear to its original spot.
08-17-2006, 10:54 PM
#5
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Re: (ballerchild)
most likely the contacts in the starter. If it clicks, take a jack handle or hammer and bang the starter a couple times when trying to crank it over...if it cranks- replace the starter or contacts.
08-18-2006, 05:04 AM
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Re: (Evs-One)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Evs-One »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">most likely the contacts in the starter. If it clicks, take a jack handle or hammer and bang the starter a couple times when trying to crank it over...if it cranks- replace the starter or contacts.</TD></TR></TABLE>
i would go with him... its usually the contacts that wear in the starter, i think i heard that you can flip the contacts and it will be fine to go cause the contacts just use one side.
i would go with him... its usually the contacts that wear in the starter, i think i heard that you can flip the contacts and it will be fine to go cause the contacts just use one side.
08-18-2006, 06:01 AM
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I'm with Red_EM2 on this one. You can get it out of the car and to the parts store and they will test it for free. When they test it see how many amps it is drawing as well as the other four points he brought p. (They should have a listing for the correct draw) If you are able to jump it with a screwdriver then more than likely the solenoid is bad. If I am remembering right the damn solenoid is almost as much as a whole new starter. 
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08-18-2006, 06:41 AM
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Re: (JShull)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JShull »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm with Red_EM2 on this one. You can get it out of the car and to the parts store and they will test it for free. When they test it see how many amps it is drawing as well as the other four points he brought p. (They should have a listing for the correct draw) If you are able to jump it with a screwdriver then more than likely the solenoid is bad. If I am remembering right the damn solenoid is almost as much as a whole new starter. </TD></TR></TABLE>
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