if the starter's bad, or the battery connectors are shot...what do i do now?

Question

ok, thanks to everyone who helped me with the whole alternator thing. i realize now that most likely, it is what they said...the solenoid on the starter, or the battery terminal connectors, etc. but i have another question now, i suppose...how do i check these things? (im sorry, i don't know much about cars...although i want to!). like, where is the solenoid, how do i check it, or how do i check to see if it's the connections...or do i just get someone at an auto store to check it for me?

also, how much does it run to replace these kinds of things?

thank you!

Answer 1

Go out to your car right now.
Press the clutch pedal ALL the way down and try to start it.

It's got a cutout switch on it that disables the starter unless you push it down all the way.

Answer 2

Break the problem into three areas. Power, Starter, Ground.

Power (Battery): Are the battery terminals clean? Are the battery wires connected with the proper connectors? Is the battery supplying the starter with it's full current?

Starter: The starter will click when the solonoid is worn out. It will spin freely without turning the motor over if the teeth are broken off or there are teeth missing off the flywheel. Chances are it isn't this, but there is a chance. If it is turning the motor over slowly then the battery may not be giving enough power, or the solonoid is not operating properly. Either way if you take it to and Autozone, Kragens, or Napa or the like, they will be able to test the starter for you. I got charger $5 to test mine. It will let you know right there.


The last thing, the Ground. There is a strap going from the starter to the frame. Disconnect the negative wire on the battery. Then remove the strap from the frame and clean the grounding spot, and the end of the strap of any corrosion, and dirt. I have seen the grounding strap loose and cause some expensive bills because it is so simple that it gets looked over.

My recommendation would be to take the starter and the battery into an autoparts store and have them tested. The battery test is usually free. Some places offer a discount if you need a new part and had the old one tested there.

Good luck

Answer 3

There are two major sources of car problems. 1, Fuel 2.
Electric. These are the two most crtiical factors in auto or truck. Check your battery terminals for corrosion. If they are full of white substance that appears to be hard, Poor coke a cola on the battery terminals. If you have no coke, make a substance of Baking soda and water,

clean them thouroughly. Try starting the vehicle. should you get it running, let the battery charge a lttle and head for auto zone or discount auto parts or Wal Mart even. they will test the different componets of your electrical system and tell you where the problem is. good luck

Answer 4

What kind of truck is this??? Hopefully, you did not seize the engine. Start by removing your battery cables, and cleaning BOTH ends. THis will improve your connections and allow the alternator to do it's job easier, charging the battery. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Remove the starter and take it to the auto parts store. They'll check the starter. Cost depends on make and model