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How to Fix a Car Starter. Before you look under the hood, check out these tips for fixing
a faulty car starter. You will need Jack Masking tape Ratchet and wrench set Car repair manual
(optional) and auto parts store (optional). Working with jacks and electrical motors can
be dangerous. To avoid injury, use caution and make sure the vehicle is stable before
you work on it. Step 1. Rule out other possible causes of the problem first, such as a faulty
battery, gears, or the key connection. If you hear the starter motor working well when
you turn the key, the problem probably lies elsewhere. But a click, grind, silence, or
weak sound may indicate a faulty starter. Step 2. Locate the starter either under the
hood or from underneath. If you need to jack up the car to get to it, secure the car high
up enough to slide under it and work. Step 3. Gently tap the starter cylinder with a
wrench and test the ignition system to see if that solves the problem. Step 4. Label
both sides of the wires connecting to the starter with masking tape, so you can put
it back together properly later. Consult the detailed repair manual for your car for tips
on getting to and removing the starter. Step 5. Remove the starter motor by unhooking the
cables that connect to the battery and removing the bolts from the top and bottom with a ratchet
and wrench set. Most auto parts stores can test the starter at little or no cost to confirm
your diagnosis. Step 6. Inspect the starter for obvious damage to help determine whether
the problem is in the motor or with the piece that is supposed to engage the flywheel. Step
7. Fix any apparent problems, such as a jam or loose cable; then reattach the starter.
If it still does not work, you probably need to buy a new one to replace it with. Either
way, your vehicle will thank you. Did you know The first electrical starter system for
cars was invented in 1911 by Charles Kettering.