How To Check If You Have A Bad Starter. If the voltmeter does not read at least 12 volts the solenoid switch or ground wire is bad. If you feel a burnt smell at the same time as you are trying to crank the engine there is a big risk that something inside of the starter motor is faulty.
Theres a few tests you can do to find out if the starter is bad. Slit the positive wire from the voltage meter to the large positive terminal on the solenoid. Test the starter motor first by turning the ignition switch to the ON position then use a circuit tester or voltmeter to verify that the wires to the starter motor are energized.
If you still dont feel like youve found the source of the problem move on the starter.
Once you turn the ignition key and you hear a single loud click then you see that all of your power in the car goes off then you dont have a starter problem. Making several attempts at turning the ignition before the vehicle powers are how you tell if the starter relay is bad. Even everything seems fair you can bypass the positive wire with a lengthy number cable to the starter. This is also a solution to how to start a car with a bad starter with a ratchet.
