When to change your starter motor
“First you need to eliminate the battery as a potential troublemaker”
If the starter motor seems to be dead you first need to eliminate the battery as a potential troublemaker. Are other electrical components (headlights, interior lights, electric windows) working okay or is the battery flat? Are the battery terminals in good condition or are they corroded? Also look at the starter motor solenoid terminal. Clean them if necessary. Also check the fuse(s) and measure the voltage at the starter solenoid control terminal with the ignition key turned to ‘start’. If voltage is showing, there’s likely to be an issue with the starter motor.
Starter motor problems can concern the starter gear not engaging with the flywheel/flexplate (you’ll hear the motor turning at high speed) or the motor’s brushes wearing out.
All cars are slightly different, so if it is time to change your thermostat, use our before you begin checklist, and find your car for specific instructions.