How to Diagnose and Replace a Starter 

Chris , I so enjoy your videos because, they are clear and too the point, no added talk, no cursing, no music. Thank you so much for your help. I'm 70 and have been fixing my grandson's car with your help.

One tip: DO NOT turn in your old starter (or any other part) for the core charge when you pick up the new part. Wait until a week or more after you've successfully installed and used the replacement. Occasionally the store parts will ALL be junk (or wrong) and they won't have another part option and you will never get your old part back from them. Keeping your old core allows you to return the junk parts and go to a completely different supplier. I've learned that one the hard way a few times.

The best/bright side of the internet : people giving hints and advices to others.. nice..

Chris that knocking trick saved me the cost of a tow truck and my wife's car being left for the night in an underground parking lot. Thank you. Been a loyal follower for a very long time.

A 24 hour autozone wow, wish we had those around here

I swear dude .... you are the absolute BEST at explaining these things.

okay, it's not only action. It's diagnose, do and finally check. This is what a decent tutorial video look like. Well done!

This is what a professional level video looks like. Top notch.

Its a quick fix, he started in Spring and finished it in Winter :D

The real reason to bring the old starter to Autozone is to make sure they actually give you the right one.

Dude you make everything so easy to understand. No tech terms, just " here's what you do ". Thank you so much

Dude. your thoroughness is insane! Thank you very much for making these videos. I am thinking my Nissan Murano Starter might be bad and you gave me confidence to look into doing it more myself. What I love about your videos is I also have a little B3000 so I know right where to go if it ever has issues in the future.

Chris you are helping a lot people save tons of money to be used somewhere else. thank you for your contribution to society.

This channel makes me wanna sabotage my car just to fix it.

Starter went out on my truck right after my wife won an auction on some furniture. One catch, we had to pick it up ourselves before 6p. I'd never replaced a starter before in my life. Ran to the store, bought the part, watched a RU-vid video like this one (Unfortunately not this one)... and got the starter on around 5:15p. Got there just in time and wife thought I was a hero. Thanks for putting up helpful vids like this

Thanks, mate! You saved me having to take the car in to be looked at: previous battery failed and apparently corroded the negative terminal. It wasn't starting, so I checked the fuses and the battery, but no dice. I watched this video in the hopes it would give me an idea of what was wrong, and I ended up only having to remove the corrosion from the terminal clamps before it started up. Awesome video, as usual.

This is one of the few channels of which I watch all their videos from the start to the end.

Most people when a car develops an issue: "well dammit now I gotta fix this, or get it fixed.." Chris: "IT'S VIDEO TIME BAY-BEE!"

Thanks Chris Fix! My friends car wouldn’t start and we were about to tow it to a mechanic and I saw your video before I called. It was the FOB!!! I never woulda guessed about the key immobilizer! You THE MAN!

Mr. Chris Fix. You have the best car repair videos on the internet. All of the videos are direct to the point, contain no fluff to add time to the video, and every word is directed to the solution to the problem. I have fixed my car with 6 of your videos saving me over $6,000 in labor costs. Thanks you 1,000 times. Bless you!

Chris Fix, since you can fix and replace pretty much any/every thing on a car, why not just do a video called, "How to Build a Car".

Can you do a super clean interior video? I'd really love one especially after buying my used car.

I just bought a car for $150 no crank no start. Here I come to your channel like I have been for the past 5 years. Thanks for the videos big fan here. Get things done when I look at your videos.

Chris I just wanna say I really love you, your channel and everything you've done for me. Watching your channel has not only given me hope on working on cars but it has made me such a happier person. I love working on cars and automobiles thanks to you. Something that seemed so hard at first when I knew nothing about cars now became my greatest joy. You really pushed me to become a mechanic just watching how "easy" it is. I'm only 19 years old but I will never forget the impact you've had on my life. I'd love to meet you one day and give you the greatest hug ever! I love you Chris.

Hyundai wanted 800 to replace my moms starter. We tied a rope to the car, pulled it right off their property, and replaced the starter on the side of the road in front of their sign for dirt cheap.

even though it's completely irrelevant for me, i love watching these videos so much! Cant wait to get my first car, i'll be folllowing all the car buying checks and car cleaning videos you have!

Your video are extremely informative with simple language and clarity and without missing the critical topics. This video helped me greatly as I had almost taken out the alternator. The symptoms mentioned at 2:24 helped not to do so which I didn't find on any other. It was indeed the battery. Thanks and lot and keep up the good work.

Thank you so much for going through all the diagnostics--I was ready to replace the starter and ended up just cleaning the battery terminals and changing the relay. All done in $25!! Sincerely-thanks for doing these videos. You’ve saved me a ton of money and really built my auto repair & maintenance confidence.

I don't own a car, but after watching your videos I can't wait to get one so I can do all of this myself, lol.

I'm addicted to your videos! Makes me want to fix a car now lol

Excellent explanation and video! One of the best fix it videos I have ever seen. I learned much more then I expected or needed to diagnose my forklift starter. Not the same vehicle or components but the principal are basically the same. Thank you very much.

I've watched at least six videos on how to change out a starter- this is the first and only one that actually explained EVERYTHING- I didn't even know where the starter was- or how to put the jack under the rig- excellent video! thank you!

Another awesome video from ChrisFix. You are by far the #1 best teacher of vehicle repair on RU-vid.

"My check engine light isn't coming on, now I gotta throw the whole car away!" ChrisFix: "Hey guys! ChrisFix here and today we're replacing a bad bulb"

The speed that you explain step by step is perfect. I really enjoy your videos.

🔧🔩🏆 This is how you make a professional-looking DIY car repair video. The camera work was clear and close, the narration and steps-needed process were clear and direct, and there was no annoying rap or metal "music" blasting in the background. A sure sign of an amateur RU-vid DIY project poster is a shaky camera and crap "music" overwhelming the narration. Once again, well done, Chris! Thanks for sharing to help the home DIYer like me save money.

I wonder how many millions of dollars you've helped people save with these videos. Great job with these and keep them coming!

You made that removal and install look so easy when it's really not. I love your videos

I just replaced the starter in my 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. It took me an hour to figure out how to get a wrench on one of the bolts! I see here on RU-vid that most people are taking most of the front end of the van off to get it, but I removed the transmission control module and managed to get it with a socket and an extension. Thanks for all the great content, it is very much appreciated!

Man!! Im only 2 minutes in and I can TRULY appreciate that you sound very knowledgable, youre not stuttering every sentence and you are getting right to the point!!! Thank you!!! Other people are starting off petting their dog, can barely formulate a sentence, have extremely poor lighting and one guy had his cat sitting under the hood while he worked, talking to cat in baby talk... Sheesh!!!! LOL GREAT JOB. And like I said im only 2 minutes into your video. Cheers!

An alternative to checking the battery, relays, neutral switch, ignition barrel, fuses or using a hammer is to put the voltmeter directly onto the starter connections. If you get 12V there when you crank it but the starter won't turn, the starter is bad.

Chris thank you for the video, very helpful. Had to pick up my oldest niece after her trip and the car would not start. This has happened before and it was embarrassing. Thank god my wife was with me. Had my wife try to start the car while I taped on the starter. After a couple of try’s the car started. Thank you again brother

Just replaced the starter on my 07 Chevy Impala yesterday using this video. Thanks Chris!!

Extremely well put together vid! A well polished edit that is very informative and easy to follow. No annoying editing tricks, background noise, time wasting visuals, or word whisker commentary. I have a Japanese imported van that may need its starter motor and solenoid replaced. There are currently no videos on the van I own that will serve as an exact how to... YET, this vid is what I plan on using to get the work done on my own. Swapping out a starter is rather straight forward. This video covers a lot of useful information on this subject that can assist any viewer with the same goal, but working on a different vehicle. Moreover, the commentary was superb! Usually you get the guy over a vid like this that struggle to explain what they are doing. They will usually say “ummm”, “and like”, and use “kind of” between every other word or in every sentence. Not to mention bad audio that will leave a viewer wondering what they said. NONE of that here! Thank you ChrisFix!

Hey coming from India. I helped change my Friend's 2004 Ford Mondeo Ghia mk3's bad starter using your vid and his car starts right up. Pretty hard to find tools and silicone but we got it done. Awesome vid.

Bruh when my car breaks down I get mad but when chrisfix’s car breaks down he’s like wow new video Material

Thank you so much for providing troubleshooting a no start condition. I went down the checklist and narrowed it down to a bad relay located under the dash on my E30.

Thank you so much, Chris! I absolutely LOVE your videos and have been wantching from multiple accounts for YEARS! I still remember your "under the hood" cleaning video and LOVE how organized and easy to follow your videos are! Guys like you make guys like me confident to work on my car! THANK YOU! ❤

this is my first time ever commenting here. in the last few years, I have enjoyed your videos. I have noticed how your videos are getting better. little by little you help me not to be afraid of my car. videos are clear, easy to understand, what tools I need and easy to see what you're doing. man, thanks again.

Chris Fix's voice is so soothing

A professional committed RU-vidr who covers everything needed. Thanks Chris

This video helped me confirm it was in fact my starter. Thanks for all the work you do man! It's helped a LOT of people out. Just finished replacing it, on my mustang. And the car happily started right up!!!

Chris, this video has been a great help! My brother and I have been watching your videos since the beginning, always admiring how much you know and teach us all on cars. Then today my brothers starter quit working in his 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. With your diagnosis check list, and how to step by step, we did the whole thing by our selves, saving us a ton of money instead of taking it to a garage to be fixed. Your how to videos are the best!

I love how you give us info on how to find the parts. I watched a few other videos and they just go straight to the starter with no context. A regular joe at home will never know where to begin looking. Telling us to find where the oil pan/engine meets up with the transmission is where the starter will crank the fly wheel makes it easy to find the starter. Thanks a million.

Outstanding video. I especially appreciated the check points before actually removing the starter as well as the installation detail. Thank you Chris!

Gr8 vid, Just had my starter go out in my 2001 maxima for the 3rd time in 20 years. no worries. I gave the starter solenoid a few light taps with a pry bar and then it started. I could hear the starter trying to turn but just not engaging. I promptly replaced the starter later in the week. Part was free after warrantee. cheers.

Great info as usual Chris! When my starter went bad, my car was starting intermittently. When it ultimately failed I was at an auto parts store with a mechanic shop next door. I wanted to fix it myself but it made sense just to pay the mechanic shop to put in the new starter for me. I had jobs to go do so in hindsight I was blessed to be in this situation.

Can you make a video on how to properly wire a sound system please? Love your videos.

I had sooooooo much trouble getting my starter off as one bolt was in extremely tight spot. I was searching for replacement tutorials for my model and none of those tutorials took a moment to dedicate moment to affordable tools. Then I remembered ChrisFix and I was awestruck that he had a special mention for tools and tricks getting the bolts off. Thanks! You are the best!

You just save me a lot of money, I was using a old key and I didn’t realize it until you pointed the chip inside of the key 😅😅😅😅 thank you

Thanks for the clear instructions on diagnosis, removal and replacement of the starter. You always do a well lit, stable and clear video of the repair leaving no questions as to how to do it. Thanks.

Binge watching Chris Fix’s videos lol

You’re the man! Helping my son replace his starter on his truck today. I always watch your videos first so I know what I’m doing. Your videos are the best. Keep up the awesome work!!!

Thanks so much! My car wouldn't start, then I found your video. Your checklist of what to rule out saved me. Even though it totally looked like I was fully in park, I gave the gearshift a bit of a jiggle, and tried again. It started! You saved my night, you saved me a weekend of waiting for my mechanic to open while stressing over what it might cost, and you saved me the embarrassment of getting roadside assistance to tow me to my mechanic just to see him start it easily. So thanks for ALL of that!

Wow Autozone open 24hrs!

ive watched a few different videos and this one is by far the most detailed yet explained simply. im just beginning learning about cards and have a hard time knowing the best way to start troubleshooting problems. you are great at teaching and showing proper fixing techniques thank you!

Thank you! This is a very detained and informative video that is helping me get my car started again. I cant even afford the tow to a shop, and I own no tools of my own. However now I know what to do, can get help from fiends and know what tools I can try to borrow. Youre a life saver!

Yes, I knew all of this, but the delivery and understandability of the information in this video is wonderful, as are all of the other videos I have watched from your channel. maximum props. thank you!

24 Hour Autozone, damn I wish I had one of them

My favorite part was 0:00 to 13:10

Thanks for the video. Good content, filming and personality. Remember that a lot of your viewers are super stressed out by the time they find you. Even if you don't fix their issue, your pleasant manner and confident tone helps them destress. Again, thanks for the video.

I am so glad you made this video. Was able to diagnose and put in a new starter. Saved myself a ton of money. As a woman you made this very simple to follow. Thanks

Where was this video 2 months ago when i needed it lol

only starters I've changed are on golf carts cause they tend to light on fire

I really enjoyed the the inclusion of other 4 common problems related and possible can be reasons the starter does not turn over. I recently had an intermittent starter issue on my 05 Frontier. I have owned 5 Nissan trucks over the years and learned that the starters fail around 250,000 kms to 300,000 kms. So, being proactive and not wanting to be stranded in a parking lot somewhere with a failed starter, I ordered a new Denso starter online and replaced with my original still working great starter, this was last October 2020., I removed the old starter and put into the Denso Box and put in the shelf. Did not send it back to get my core credit, just plain procrastination. Just last month, Sept. 2021 the starter failed to turn over three different times I went to start the truck. Hmm-mm, this must be another issue because I have a new Starter on the truck. I immediately went to work using your pre-check recommendations. After thinking about the scenario a few times, It came to mind that you brought up an interesting point in this video about "Hearing the Click", but the starter does not turn over. I just figured out that I did not hear the click, which is the Starter Solenoid engaging. This is why I assumed I had another faulty electrical issue. I chose to pull off the new starter, put it in the shop vise and hit it with 12 volts from my bench battery I use for testing lights and things. No action from the starter, Nothing, the solenoid did not click. I then touched my positive battery clamp directly onto the armature terminal, bypassing the solenoid and the starter immediately spun to full speed. So, my solenoid had failed. Then went to the shelf and grabbed my old starter from the box and swapped out the old solenoid from the starter and put on my new starter. Tested it with 12V and it worked beautifully. Put the new starter back on and it felt good to know that I was not going to get stranded somewhere, usually when in a hurry with a starter failing to turn over. It was really bothering me not knowing what the intermittent no start issue was. The weird thing was, I would just walk away from the truck for 15 - 20 minutes and come back and it would start perfectly. Your point about "Hearing the click" got me on the right track, I had no click on the times the starter failed to turn over. Why I assumed I had another electrical issue, which sometimes can be complicated. Thank You Chris, made my day having this intermittent issue repaired.

Woo wow, I totally forgot to tighten the negative battery terminal after rewiring my alternator, I for sure thought I had a bad starter. Turns out I’ve been driving on bumpy roads today and it loosened! Saved me hundreds of dollars just now, thank you!!

I'm 13 and Don't have a car but i still watch all your videos lol

I had my starter go out early January of 2018... replaced it myself in an hour in my driveway... next day, 4 inches of snow.

Your video is fun and enjoyable to watch. It also provides simple tricks about mechanic and electronic parts of a motor vehicle. Thanks for sharing.

This is a very well-made video! It didn't answer the question of where the bolts are on my starter, but I watched it all the way through anyway because it was educational, engaging, and pleasant to watch! I'm working on a VERY rusty old Ford Windstar and all the videos on here are either 1) not for my model year, or 2) are just some guy panning across their engine compartment repeatedly complaining about how his car didn't start and telling you at the end of a 10+ minute video that it was the starter ...no repairs made on the video at all. Thank you!

Jeremy Clarkson - Hammer 😂😂

here is my story thought the starter was fcked but in reality the engine was seized rip

I love Chris Fix videos. They're so thorough. I've saved so much money doing my own repairs and upgrades thanks to Chris! 😊

DUDE!!!! Its 2021!! Who's utilizing this man's very skilled and user friendly approach, spot on instructions, perfect amount of detail and sped through like a bat out of hell!! Im speechless thank you!!!!

I would just like to thank @ChrisFix for this video because without it I would still be stuck in a parking lot. I literally made the call and said "Bring the hammer and a creeper. I got this" and here I am now. Now I just need to fix it.

Chris uses that torque wrench for almost every bolt.

Detailed. To the point fix! All the BS is cut out! Thanks! I was quoted $580.00 for my Chevy Equinox starter! Plus towing costs. So I found this video. Saved me hundreds of dollars! Thanks Chrisfix!

Love this guy's content always to the point and makes it look easy because when you ramble on about something that isn't important you lose the viewer. While comedic relief can come in handy ChrisFix always gives the best informative videos. If this guy taught mechanic class I would listen.

Bro your like the bill nye of car science

Who else is watching Chrisfix and fixing their cars in quarantine?

Hey Chris fix after watching many of your videos I think I’m ready to become a mechanic because ived fixed many cars with no training and people are quite impressed of my work they ask me a lot of questions and say I’m a good mechanic I say no I’m not a mechanic I just watch Chris fix videos on RU-vid. And they are shocked.....truly mind blowing what RU-vid brings. Thanks you again Chris you are really helpful

since 2005 that ive been using youtube , this is the most explicit and well done video! straight to the point , no crap and nice video quality ! thanks for sharing ! greetings from Quebec!!!

Closing in on 7M subscribers...good for you. You create great D.I.Y. how-to content that is like my drivers license...clean, clear, and valid. Keep it up.

Wish I would have remembered that he made this video since I just had to replace my starter on my 2000 Ford Ranger. For anyone that does not know they are basically the same truck just named differently.

I just recently replaced my own starter after watching this video multiple times. While being a noob, beginning to work on my car and understanding what it needs and how to maintain it, I've come to realize that these things are simple in nature but never easy for me. I spent around 45 minutes trying to loosen 1 bolt holding in my starter and I was cursing and almost in tears, ready to throw up. I walked to an Autozone for guidance. Luckily a nice man in line offered to come take a look at it. Within a couple of minutes he got the bolt out. I was almost there. I put in the work and research but it's always one bolt or clippy thing holding something in and making me regret my decisions. Anywho, it's a learning experience and in the end, I saved money. Went with a reman Denso starter. Hope it lasts a while.. I somewhat did it lol.

I love how everything in your cars is clean, i hope to be able to start taking some time to clean my car’s different sections.

Just saved money installing my starter on a 2014 Chrysler 200 was very tight spot but was able to accomplish it

I tried to get my engine to turn over but no matter hard I tried, I just didn't want to. I finally got it to turn over with a forklift.

I really like your videos. You always give good step by step instructions. And thanks for not cursing in the videos just like John said below. Lol.