Bad Starter or Bad Wire? - Starter Tests Everyone Can Do (family intro)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- Any year, Any Make, Any Model, Starter Motor Testing! Follow the steps in this video to be certain that your no crank condition is NOT a wiring problem. All you need is a test light and someone to hold the key in the crank position for you.
This starter motor has a voltage drop problem on the main heavy battery cable, that we identify with a test light. I will also show you how to recognize a bad starter or engine block ground, as well as a voltage drop problem on the solenoid post.
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On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!
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Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC.
Love the video and love meeting Ellie! You’ve changed my life with your videos. I am one of the top guys in my shop because of you and I owe it all to you. Scannerdanner premium is the best investment if you’re looking to learn and I’ll forever be a subscriber! Thanks Paul you’re the best!
Needed to hear this today. Thank you so much! To hear what this has done for you and that you're willing to stick around even if I've taught you everything I can, means the world to me as it's not just about me anymore. Caleb and his family depend on you guys too these days. Blessed beyond measure for guys like you. Thank you again
@@ScannerDanner just what I needed this morning as I'm about to get up and go check a starter that I'm being told is bad now I can go and check it out and look like a star thanks Danner the Scanner
@@oscarcarrizosa1751is ❤6h oh i
We are going to create a short version of this video with just the testing methods for later in the week. Just thought you guys would also enjoy meeting my grand-daughter Ellie for the first time. Some won't like it, but to my regulars, you guys are like extended family to me and I know you will.
Enjoyed meeting Ellie and the cute star wars onesie. Thank you for sharing! And great diag as usual! Thank you guys for being great teachers!
@@BuggysTowJam thank you for being here with us!
Dude anyone who doesn't like the Ellie addition truly shouldn't be watching your channel. Clearly they are weirdos and there's no place for weirdos in the shop.
Thanks - this is an awesome example video for troubleshooting
@@ScannerDannerlove video I have 05 Chrysler Town and country will not click turn key nothing but my dash light will not come on.raido good interior lights good head light good any advice
I fixed my nephews car, it had a bad starter control conector which I verified with no continuity. Then after fixing that the starter would intermittently not start so we replaced the starter. So it had two intermittent issues. It had been to the shop 3 times. Makes you wonder when a diy guy fixes something that 3 shops couldn’t. Beautiful family! Grandkid’s are the greatest.
The value of the information and instruction given in this video is immeasurable. I love how you not only explained what was wrong with this starter, but you also explained and provided examples of what else could be wrong at the same time! You have earned a subscriber Mr. Danner!
Glad you liked it! Welcome
From the time i learnt how to do voltage drop tests i really enjoy my diagnostics. My colleagues don't seem to understand how i do it and they just get surprised how i test voltages from positive to positive and negative to negative. Yesterday i was repairing headlights on a 2008 Yaris and this test came in Handy.
It is so simple yet people refuse to trust it
Outstanding thank you, much appreciated
I worked in a starter rebuilder between 1970 to 1980 . I was in countless shops and auto parts stores . I NEVER once saw a mechanic do a test with a test light . I NEVER heard them say voltage drop . Most had NO meters or battery testers . The owner had an analog voltmeter that was used to check battery voltage and charging systems . Most shops used their BIG TOE ( best guess ) to test ! Unbelievable but true . There are STILL some of these " TECHNICIANS " out there ! Great video .
unfortunately most "techs" still do not understand this test or how easy it is to do. Thank you!
As a mobile mechanic i have to do those same tests for my customers. It always makes their day when i can say, " nope! All you needed was some clean terminals and a snug connection!" Thank you guys for putting this good reminder out for everyone. Love yall stay blessed.
This is an excellent video. Especially capturing the exact issue like this. A five dollar tester and a couple extra minutes of diligence really can save hundreds of dollars and a lot of time.
Just wanna say I appreciate the video. Wiring is my worst enemy and I got a starter click no crank issue on a 99 Ford V10. Jumped the relay on the inner fender and starter clicks. It's -10° out so in the morning I'm gonna grab the test light and go through it now after watching this. Thank you 🙏🏼
Good luck with the test light. Let me know if you find the problem.
@@ScannerDanner I couldn't find any loss of power when turning key at all. Come to find out the Extreme cold caused by battery to have a dead cell. It read 12.57v when I checked and no loss of power when I tried to turn the key. Just clicked on the starter itself. I took the battery out just to take it in the garage and maintenance charge(trickle charge) it overnight in the warmth and that's when I figured out the next morning that it had a dead cell. Got it replaced and the truck fires rite up no problem. 👍🏼. Weird! 🤔
@@ScannerDanner needless to say I'm probably going to keep an extra battery around for testing that issue if it ever arises again. 👍🏼
Mechanic just managed to solve a "no start with intermittent no crank" on my late father's '98 F-150 Lariat with the 5.4 L engine, that my sister and her husband had neglected (and frankly abused) until it quit running.
It was a long list of problems that had accumulated, but the "intermittent no crank" ended up being a bad ignition switch in the steering column - not the ignition tumbler, but the slide switch further down inside the column.
They abused that truck so badly, they not only managed to fry the original ECM, but also a replacement they tried installing - wasn't until the mechanic went thru and fixed all the various other issues, and then installed a third ECM, that the truck came back to life.
The truck is actually in my 84 year old mother's name, and she said once we get the truck back, it'll be a cold day in hell before sister and hubby ever touch the poor beast again.
It probably had a gem module that needed replacing
I've wondered if the ignition switch on my vehicle is bad. I've done everything I can to solve my early morning no starts. I was told the starter is good, have replaced alternator and battery, and still the problem persists.
One of the most basic simple tests that anyone could do at home if they are stuck with a no crank. You always talk about how grateful you are for the viewer support, but in reality we all should be grateful for your very easy and simple to follow testing methods. Nowadays people are learning how empowering it can be to have the knowledge of basic automotive electrical circuits. I'm always grateful for the knowledge you have shared, and all I have learned from your classes. The scanner danner channel has forever changed the way I trouble shoot vehicles..I will forever be grateful of that fact!
Man, can't say thank you enough for these words. Blessed so much by them. Sometimes I worry too much about things, then I hear comments like this and it acts as a reset for my mind. Thank you again
Thanks guys. I was taught back in the 1960s, to clean the contacts and apply a smear of Vaseline. That stops corrosion. Especially useful on the battery terminals. Looks like you guys have salt on the roads, as we used to have in the UK. Makes the corrosion protection extra important. Never had any conductivity issues from Vaseline over the last 50 years!
Wanted you guys to know that even though I am a mechanic for industrial semiconductor manufacturing equipment, I use many of you diagnostic concepts and methodology to make me better at my job. You have helped me to become one of the best techs in the fab over the past 5 years. Thanks you! To think it all started with me putting AC in my 1988 Civic and needing instruction.
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing this with me
I turn on headlights , crank it or try if headlights dim and no crank starter bad ( voltage to starter) lights don't dim ( ign/ wiring) voltage not making it to starter . This is true 9 out of ,10 times . 2 sec test!
The amount of times i've taken something off and bench tested and put it back only for the thing to work properly afterwards is a perfect reason to make sure the connections are tight! Great video, make the most of baby Ellie, they grow up too fast!
It's great to see your granddaughter doing well. Mine just turned 3 last month. She's the most beautiful thing in the world.
You are blessed my friend. Love it
She is so adorable. Great video. I used the steps to help a neighbor figure out the starter was wired wrong.
You are a very blessed man with a very blessed family. Thank you and Caleb for all of your efforts to provide such valuable information. And, thank you for allowing us into your family.
Ellie is such a sweetheart.
My sincere hope is that God continues to bless you and your family.
Thank you so much John
Love that you have a reader in the family! Godfather! Awesome!
Thanks! My son and I diagnosed a no crank no start on a 1999 Subaru today. The neutral safety switch needed adjustment. Total cost was $20.43 for exhaust gaskets because we removed part of the exhaust to get the o2 sensor out of the way so we could get to the neutral safety switch. I am subscribed to your online training and have your book and pdf.
Thank you so much and nice job!
This is very important for everyone to know! I had a 2018 Silverado covered in salt with a no crank concern, go to the starter do this exact test and verified the terminal was the issue. Visually we could see corrosion on the terminal, so yes very important to know!
Nice! Same tests on my 78 Power Wagon as on your 2018 Silverado
Man this video was sick man . Coming from a family of electricians and a dad who is a wizard I just couldn’t ever understand it . The way y’all broke it down and trouble shot it was amazing . One of the best videos ever . I wonder how many people have changed a starter and of course it started cause you moved that nut and it’s making contact again . Amazing video . Amazing
Thanks so much! Most people don't get these concepts. Good on you man, for real
I have been informed of that test in shop class, but this video is the first comprehensive example. Thank it really cleared it up. Very helpful for a person trying to learn.
Glad it was helpful! Glad you are here!
I really enjoy how you include your family in the video’s. This was one of “The” Best video’s I’ve seen on voltage drop with using a simple test light. Couldn’t ask for any more.
Thank you so much! We have a chopped down version coming up that is only the testing part but we decided for this one to include the extra stuff.
Ellieeeeeeeeee Welcome to the ScannerDanner Family, You are now officially a TH-cam Star!!!!!!! totally adorable and cute to the cutest possible rating!!! May God bless her and the entire family, Great job Caleb, fatherhood is your new path in life and you are and will always be great at it!! Now we need to see this cutie on the premium channel doing some diagnostics lol .
Thank you so much!! Ellie says thank you too :-)
The last minute with the little one..., priceless my friend!!!!!☺️
YES, I've actually done that exact test to find the problem many times.....and I know it, THANKS TO YOU !!!!
Thank you Brian
Thank you so much for this video. You've saved me soooo much frustration.
My Forester has been having random no crank no start episodes for months. It would usually start up on its own after some random amount of tries. Everything always checked out at the shop. If I had it towed in while it was happening, it'd start as soon as it got off the tow truck and everything would check out fine. It happened again last night and after hours of it not starting and everything I could reach testing ok (can't really reach the starter) I saw your video and decided to lightly tap the starter with a wrench. It started right up. I now know for sure its the starter and I'm not going to be out another tow fee or stranded if it really dies.🎉🎉🎉😅
This is the greatest starter video I have ever seen. 10+
Thank you!
ScannerDanner you are da Manner!! Parts Cannon disabled once again..😝🤑🤩 Test Light wizards!! I can't quit watching! Blessings to your family!!
Adorable granddaughter and an informative video as usual!!!
Thank you!
Man do I love videos like this your just always teaching …and your correct ..Simple fundamentals…basics ..you rock ..
luv the whole enchilada, family, pets, testing. mostly being a dog luver, ur raising another dog luver in ur daughter, which she will in turn raise her kids to luv animals, my heart soars when i see this, awesome all the way around, thank u
Thanks so much! Ellie is my granddaughter btw 😉
Really glad you enjoyed this as we enjoyed sharing a piece of our lives with you guys.
@@ScannerDanner i knew shes calebs daughter, was directing comment at him, sorry i didnt point that out, beautiful family!
@@mrkttrdr2919 no problem! Thank you!
baby Ellie is adorable, thank you showing her off. And thanks for the starter test tip.
You are so welcome!
That cute kid lol! Great, basic checks learned only from the best, the ScannerDanner!
Amazing, he has the heart of a teacher
Thanks for this video! A bad connection at the starter was the exact problem, saved me from needlessly replacing the starter
Glad it helped!
Such a simple test and so accurate, just with a test light.
Great video. Always appreciate your work. From the UK.
Man you guys are professional I've seen, effectively test a starter motor for real. Much appreciate 🙏 all the best to the channel👍❤️❤️
Thank you very much!
Hi mom, your son does excellent on these videos!!! Much love from Oklahoma City
Thanks so much
Grand kids are a great joy and you have a cute grandbaby.
On a 3.8 Chrysler I had a starter die. I did a few tests then determined I needed a starter. Once I got under the car and started taking out the starter I found the real problem. One of the bolts that holds the starter in has a threaded end that a nut goes on to ground the starter and it was lose. I just returned the starter after I tighten the the nut. Great video. Happy Motoring.
Family is a true gift and something to cherish.
Yes it is Alex!
This is beautiful! I am being both educated and entertained by watching your videos. You helped me discover the useful hobby I was looking for.
You are so welcome!
These simple tests videos are absolute pure gold. Better than than the scan tool and scope stuff which I love too but Ellie stole the show!
If you wrote a book dedicated to "Test Night Mastery" filled with every diagnostic you can do with this wizard stick, from Cars to home furnaces to boats to space shuttles I would buy 2.
What a great idea! 😀
@@ScannerDanner Thank you God!
Great video Paul!
Perfect way to illustrate the effect of a voltage drop. Others would have needlesly put a starter in it and not actually learned what the real problem was.
"Don't be a parts changer" LOVE IT!
Exactly! Thank you Bryan
Always enjoy these videos. Pleasure to meet your family.
Ellie is a beauty Paul!! Fantastic old school basics that need refreshed, so thanks you guys for bringing that to us! God bless.
A blessing to have a beautiful family. Excellent diag also
Thanks so much
Great video and one I needed a couple of weeks ago. The starter in my fiancée's 94 Cavalier was intermittently not starting because the Bendix was not kicking out and engaging the flywheel. I had replaced this starter five years ago with a rebuilt one from Autozone. I got another rebuilt starter under warranty since it had a lifetime warranty and installed it.
Things were good for about a week and then it would intermittently not start but this time the starter would just click. I knew all of the contacts were good because I had cleaned them all very well when I replaced the starter. It did leave us stranded at Walmart so I tapped on it with the tire iron and it started. It did this again and she wanted to replace it again. This is where this video would have been helpful because I wasn't testing the wiring correctly under load. I had the key on but wasn't cranking it.
Anyway, I took it off and went to exchange it again and Autozone gave me a little trouble about it because when they tested it on their machine, it worked every time. I did discover that the post that housed the wire that goes to the solenoid was slightly loose and that convinced the guy to exchange the starter again.
I installed the new starter and the first time I went to start it after the install, the starter just clicked. It clicked about five times before actually starting and has started fine ever since. The next time it messes up at least I will be able to diagnose it better next time. I'm sure these rebuilt starters are just junk.
That dog is so beautiful ! You should be a proud owner! Excellent video overall BTW!
Great example of the smallest things can create the biggest problems! Great video and example if how to properly check a starter
Love the video been having starting problems with my car and have been watching your videos, it was nice to see you and your son in this video and the family intro was cute. Awesome family and great video.
Thank you!
I'm alway up for a Professor Danner video. I always learn something.
ScannerDanner to the rescue!! Good stuff bro 👍🏾
This was an awesome video thats very old school in many ways. The same ways I was taught. The father son time is priceless. Great job kido! Your old man looks proud. Keep up the good work brothers.
Iowa
It's really nice to see the relationship you have with your son
That baby unboxing was deffo the best part of the video.
Paul/Caleb,
Great video and explanation - thank you! Glad to see that your granddaughter/daughter is well!
Paul (in MA)
Thanks Paul!
Glad to see Ellie for the first time and very happy to see she is doing well! @Paul better enjoy your time with your grand daughter they grow fast!
And you my brother are a blessing to so many of us out here. Thank you.
I am grateful to you Mr Danner and you son Caleb. You have literally saved me with your teaching and visuals
God bless you guys .wow.
Thank you Nelly! God bless you
I'm a Tech Baby! Indeed, thanks for sharing Guy's. These are great video's I've been watching them for years. I also have years of car repair video's and was laughing my arse off when you spoke of editing times as I probably need two years to edit them, meaning, perhaps in the future( I smile ). I wrote this note to say, Thank You.
Great video and thank you Scanner Danner and Caleb for teaching us with basic tools ⚒️ that’s the only thing I have God bless you both and your family 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thanks a lot for the good work and videos that y’all make,we all appreciate it and are grateful to you and your family,God Bless you and your children and grandchildren and your family Paul ,see y’all later.
Thank you my friend
Thank you so much this video helped me greatly!! Best wishes to your beautiful family!!💜
I fixed my stepsister’s car. It was an intermittent problem. It was Very difficult to diagnose. It was a wiring problem. Someone did a bad job at that wiring. Butt connector wiring loose. Not starter not computer not ignition switch (2011 Dodge Avenger) . Nice job Caleb! Beautiful kid. I’m going to be aunt. Can’t wait!
Thank you and congratulations on becoming an aunt!!
Very cool video, and I really enjoy the one when you helped your mother out, and your granddaughter is so cute! , Voltage drop is a good thing to know about thank you
Fantastic videos, I will never forget you in my Auto Electrical troubleshooting works the whole my life Paul and caleb
I've had a civic for 9 years and now for the 1st time it's not starting. Your videos have brought understanding like I've never had before. Thanks (oh on half speed you guys sound like surfers from the valley)
haha nice! When we are editing we do it at 1.5 times but that is super funny
This was soooo helpful!!! Thank you. I'm trying to figure out what's up with my batteries. If it's the starter, isolater or a drain somewhere. Again, great video. I definitely have an oldie and I love her. I told my husband to clean her engine up. But hell with that, I'm going to do it myself! Thanks again.
This video is Gold one of my favorite, it was really cool to see Caleb doing his own trouble shooting I have been waiting for him to troubleshoot a vehicle lol .This video is exactly what your book talks about on page 25 that’s awesome
Thank you my friend! And yes it indeed is. No current flow, no voltage drop right?
Caleb congratulations on the baby!
Love these simple videos. Always good to revisit fundamentals in voltage drop testing. Also the baby is adorable. God bless you guys
Thank you for all you do I watch all your videos and help me with working on my cars thanks again Dan frfr
Glad to help
Great information, I am already working with your book and a lot of time watching your videos. Great diagnosing guide
Thank you!
You are great my man!! You have a beautiful granddaughter too!! Love you brother. Thanks for all your help
Thank you!
Awesome video Danner's! Love the footage of the fam bam! Thank you for sharing!
Great video guys as always as well as a great reminder of the importance of the good old test light! Thanks Paul and Caleb!!
Another great video . First time I've ever commented on any of your videos . Just want to say thankyou and appreciate the knowledge you share with us .
Beautiful family you've got there.
Cheers
Thank you Mark! And for the first time commenting. It means a lot to me
Love this! So great to have the tests explained. Gonna try these steps on my non cranking Renault Trafic van.
Great video. I’ve learned a lot from you. God bless you and all your family nice meeting your grand daughter too
So helpful you rock! I have 04 BMW Z4 that is having a starter issue and local mechanics say they need replacement all the time but maybe it’s all electrical!
A beautiful shot, big help!
thank you guys
👌🏾😎
The “bad” part is if a person throws a starter on that car, that would have made it work🤣
I did a voltage drop test off the lawn tractor the other day. Multimeter on + post, other on cable showed a 7v drop and just a click. Cleaned it up and good to go.
Right? And they would have never known that it did not need one!
@@ScannerDanner Until starter fails 3 months later and "it's doing the same thing" comes up. DIY sure, as a repair shop you cant gamble, especially given the state of the original starter. Great video and great points.
I wish more ppl understand a voltage drop but ppl are so ignorant
@@ramirocruz3414 we have to teach them. Especially if those who are ignorant, are our peers.
communication is key! No reason to upsell a starter motor here, especially when people can't even afford to fill there tanks.
Very adorable little girl. Enjoy they grow up quickly. ❤
Great video. I had a starter that would not turn, ... it was the two nuts that were rusted to hell that prevented good contact with the starter cable. Removed the rust till it was nice and shiney, retightened the nuts, engine started right away.
Its crazy how much caleb looks like dad -the family resemblance is undeniable
The Danner gene is strong 🙂 you can see it is Ellie too (my granddaughter)
@@ScannerDanner yea, but she's cute enough to make up for genetics (you guys are just screwed)😁
Who would of guessed 🤔. Thanks Scanner Danner and Calab.
Good video guys. It’s amazing how the simple things can cross people up. Don’t know how many times I’ve had to do the hammer trick.
Thanks . These helped me find the lost of power . The battery distribution block went bad n have no juice on that constant hot wire . I bridged n started .. now just waiting for the block … thanks this video helped a lot
Awesome! Nice job on your part
you guys are awesome! Ellie is going to be the next Danner super tech...
So simple, but so good. Keep the fundamentals coming too. 👍🏼
Awesome !!!what a cool family video!!
You guys are awesome always watching and learning.
God blessed you
Great video mr danner and son, you both and families have a happy new year 2024 from ontario ca
'Power and Ground' tests to avoid part changing.
Cranking with the key to try and complete the circuit proving 'key' to demonstrating voltage drop. Great demo to test the pillar/nut/connector on the starter to pinpoint the nut being at fault.
Boy, that Jeep has some rust!
Nice one as always Paul and Caleb👍 Who would've guessed, a Jeep with a wiring problem?? Cute little Ellie gets to learn valuable lessons about Chrysler products at such a young age...3rd gen Scanner Danner coming right up🤣👍🇦🇺
it's about time we got to see your grand daughter. Oh and keep up the great videos. not enough people understand voltage drop and the issues it causes.
Thank you Robert!
OMG that staffy lol. They are nuts 🤣🤣. Very cool intro. Oh yeah and that teaching thing was pretty cool too. Gday Caleb and Ellie
He is a pit/whippet (spelling?) Mix
Crazy dog indeed
Thanks gents for the thorough demonstration.
Great test and it is great seeing Caleb’s family
I loved your video so much, I want to learn more from you!!!! I own a 2013 Kia Sorento lx v6. I bought it exactly a year ago, service maintenance has been done accordingly. I just turned 60, and I still work on my car. I can’t afford to take my car to a mechanic every time something comes up. In fact I was quoted over $400 to change my spark plugs, granted it’s a time consuming project; it’s a matter of removing bolts, unplugging stuff (sorry I don’t know the names of a lot of parts!, but I am learning a lot. Also did the pcv valve! I did a few things backwards, live and learn. Now I’m dealing with a no crank, no start. When I discuss cases with some guys, they really don’t take me serious.
I’m going to register for your premium membership, I can learn a lot from you. Thank you so much.
Just a hint to ask you guys out there that think mechanics is not for women….. you are so wrong! Anyway that’s old shit!
I checked the ohms on my battery, it was 7.4, out a portable charger to it and gave it a jump. The car started, took it to auto zone to do a test on the battery, it came up with an error at the starter. When I started it the engine was quiet for a little while, about an hour later it started to rough idle again! 1 problem solved another to solve!
I've had many female students over my 20 years teaching at a tech school. Some who were absolutely on point with this diagnostic stuff. Top of the class on point. Welcome!
@@ScannerDanner thank you!
Really cool camera shots showing that starter trying to turn...you can see the dust get knocked off when it clicks.