You will need to release the safety latch on the front of the vehicle in order to open the hood as well. If you are unable to locate the safety release, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for directions.
While starters come in many sizes, they are usually shaped the same. Refer to your vehicle’s service manual if you are unable to locate the starter.
The starter solenoid will have two terminals coming out of its end. The wire from the battery will connect to one of those two terminals.
Hearing clicking without the starter motor moving means the solenoid is transferring the electricity, but it may not be enough. No clicking means the solenoid is not properly engaging, but this may also be due to a dead battery.
Your battery should measure at around 12 volts at a rest before you attempt to start the vehicle. If the voltage is low, the battery may just need to be charged.
There should be continuous power going to the top solenoid terminal. Press the red lead from the test light onto the top terminal and hold it in place.
You can touch the black lead to any bare metal on the body of the vehicle. You may also touch it to the negative terminal on the battery.
Once you have confirmed that there is power going to the solenoid, you can test if the solenoid is transferring it properly.
Hold the lead in place on the lower terminal. Keep the black lead grounded.
Be careful not to get your hands or clothes in the way of any engine components that may move if the vehicle starts. Do not allow the test light wiring to hang into the area around the belts.
You can often purchase a starter and starter solenoid together, as it may be easier to replace them both at once. Make sure to tell the clerk at your local auto parts store the correct year, make and model of your vehicle to purchase the right replacement parts.
The positive terminal will be labeled with the letters “POS” or the positive (+) symbol. Some volt meters may clip into place, while others may require you to hold to lead onto the battery.
With the positive and negative leads connected to the battery, the voltmeter should turn on.
If the voltmeter reads less than 12 volts, the vehicle may not be starting due to insufficient charge on the battery. The number may jump around as you move the leads a bit and the meter tries to read the voltage. Wait for it to settle to determine the baseline voltage.
The voltage reading from the battery should drop approximately half a volt while the starter attempts to start the vehicle. If the voltage does not drop, there is an issue with the connection from the battery to the starter.
Ensure the leads are firmly touching or attached to the terminals coming from the solenoid for a good reading.
If the voltage drops less than a half a volt, there is an issue inside the solenoid. If the voltage drops too much, there may be a fault somewhere in the connection, such as a crimped line from the battery to the solenoid.
