how do i test a starter that's still in the car?

Question

I have a '99 Jetta 2.0 5-speed and i'm pretty sure it's the starter....but until i replace it, pushing is outta the question 'cause I don't live on a hill. So I wanna know how to start it using the starter. I'm more than sure it can be done. I must be touching the wrong terminals with the screwdriver, 'cause it's not working for me. HELP!!!!!

Answer 1

You have a starter solenoid that may be bad. The 2 leads at the top of starter solenoid is how you can jump it to start the starter. You can also get a starter solenoid and replace it if this is indeed your problem.

Answer 2

1. check battery
2. if bad, replace battery
3. check to see if the starter is getting voltage at the positive terminal on the starter with the key in the crank position, if no, it is the cable. If yes, tap the starter while someone else tries to turn the car over, if the car starts, then the starter is bad.
4. Replace the starter if needed
5. I said tap, not hit the crap out of the starter, that will damage it and cause it not to work again as the stator inside the starter will not be able to move freely in a dented case.

Answer 3

When a starter goes out, you can bang on it with something to make it work temporarily. Yes, I'm serious. Get a hammer and use the handle to smack the starter a few good times, your car should now start. If it does, that means that your starter is going out and needs to be replaced. Good thing that's an easy job.

Answer 4

1. check the ground on the battery&the positive to the starter for connect. 2.take dust cover off engine,hook a jumper from the positive of the battery to the starter,watch to see if the bendix comes out.

Answer 5

first check gas.
next check oil.
then the battery and alternator.
then spark plugs.
if its not any of those then change the starter.