How to Test a Starter Motor

There are some necessary steps that you should take before testing a starter motor. The first step is to clean the battery and terminals. If there is corrosion on the terminals, it may prevent proper contact between them and the starter solenoid.

To proceed, here are the eight steps about how to test a starter motor.Make sure the battery is fully charged before testing it.

Step 1: Disconnect the battery

Before beginning any work on your vehicle’s electrical system, it is important to disconnect the battery to prevent any accidental electrical shocks or damage to your vehicle’s electrical components.

Step 2: Locate the starter motor

The starter motor is typically located near the bottom of the engine, and it is connected to the vehicle’s battery and ignition system by a series of wires and cables.

Step 3: Check the connections

Make sure that all of the connections to the starter motor are clean and tight, including the battery cables and any other electrical connections.

Step 4: Check the battery

Check the battery to make sure it has enough charge to start the engine. You can use a multimeter to test the battery’s voltage, and if the voltage is low, you may need to recharge or replace the battery.

Step 5: Check the starter solenoid

The starter solenoid is a small device attached to the starter motor that controls the flow of electrical current to the motor. Use a multimeter to test the solenoid’s connections and make sure it is functioning correctly.

Step 6: Check the starter motor’s electrical connections

Use a multimeter to test the starter motor’s electrical connections and make sure that there is continuity throughout the system.

Step 7: Bench test the starter motor

To bench test the starter motor, connect it to a battery charger and ground the body of the motor. The motor should spin freely and smoothly, without any unusual noises or vibrations.

Step 8: Reinstall the starter motor

If the starter motor passes all of these tests, you can reinstall it and reconnect the battery. Start the engine to confirm that the starter motor is working correctly.