How do you test the starter?

Answer 1

It is called 'bench testing' and requires that the starter be removed from the vehicle. Many repair shops and some parts shops can do a bench test cheaply, sometimes free, if the removed starter is brought to them. Firstly, after removing the starter, check the bendix gear (small gear inside the starter on a shaft) for excessive wear, cracks, or breakage. If any exists, replace the gear or entire starter as necessary. The bendix can often, but not always, be replaced by itself cheaply. Bench testing is done by securing the starter in some fashion, usually in a vise, but it can be strapped to something solid or held down with your foot (carefully, when voltage is applied the starter will want to jump, roll and twist with sometimes huge torque). Once the starter is secure, positive electricity is applied to the correct solenoid wiring stud (usually from a vehicle battery with jumper cables), and then the negative cable is touched to the to the starter housing. What should happen is that the bendix (small gear on the starter shaft) should fly down to the tip of the starter shaft and spin. If the bendix spins, but doesn't shoot down the shaft, the starter solenoid is bad. Replace the solenoid. This is usually cheaper than replacing the entire starter, but check both prices and judge the best action. If nothing happens at all, try a different wiring stud (if more than one is present). If still no response, the starter probably needs to be replaced. When obtaining a new starter, take the old one along for reference and possibly a confirmation bench test to determine the correct parts required.