How do you know your starter is going out? ?

Question

I have a 1990 ford f150 w/ a brand new battery and brand new starter solenoid. Its an automatic

Answer 1

If all the connections are tight, and it draws too much current, it's going. They can test it on a bench tester at a lot of auto parts stores, but you have to take it out of the car. Sears can test it pretty reliably in the car, but make sure ALL the connections are tight, and the battery is fully charged first.  

Answer 2

Sometime you hear a whining noise just after start up... That is one indication.

Answer 3

it makes a tic-ing sound and takes longer to start the engine . if you have your car more than 8 years it is possible to happen.

Answer 4

a starter can make an alternator go bad

a battery can make an alternator go bad

an alternator can make a starter go bad

all three are coinciding  so get all three parts checked the alternator the battery and the starter to be sure

a brand new battery can some times be faulty not often but it can happen

make sure that the cranking amps of the battery are right for that vehicle a higher amperage is even better

Answer 5

Everyone who mentions high current draw (high amperage) is on target, but even there, the high draw could be due to excessive friction from the engine. I like bogey's answer because it emphasizes the interrelationship between the alternator, starter and battery. Others mention in and out of car tests. I recommend having the whole starting/charging system checked out by a competent mechanic with a good quality tester, which amounts to a voltmeter, ammeter, and a battery load tester. Don't guess. Get an accurate diagnosis.

Answer 6

I am assuming you have a slow crank or no crank condition. (slow to turn over or not cranking over at all)?? Most starters will draw higher current when they fail. This can be tested with a digital volt ohm meter set to amps. Many parts houses will bench test starters for free if you pull it off the vehicle and take it in to them. There is also the old shade-tree hammer trick. Tap the starter with a hammer while some one cranks over the engine. If it cranks up you probably have a problem with brushes or starter armature. Don't overlook the battery cables and the corrosion monster. Clean the cable ends as best possible to save yourself time and money. Good luck!