Srewdriver Starter Test

How exactly would I test my starter w/o taking it off with a screwdriver. a dude at Autozone told me to touch both + wires on the solinoid{sic}with it and if it turns over the starter is bad. Its a 1996 Taurus 3.0 efi.

P.S. I wouldn't hold anyone liable for an answer either. we know how we home machanic's are. what's a lil shock

How exactly would I test my starter w/o taking it off with a screwdriver. a dude at Autozone told me to touch both + wires on the solinoid{sic}with it and if it turns over the starter is bad. Its a 1996 Taurus 3.0 efi.

P.S. I wouldn't hold anyone liable for an answer either. we know how we home machanic's are. what's a lil shock

Now, I'm certainly no expert with newer Fords... but I do rember ford using a remote mounted Solonoid... if your car has a remote solonoid (usually on the fender), then if you touch those terminals together with a Screwdriver... If it starts or turns over then its a bad Solonoid as the solonoid isn't allowing current to travel to the starter... If it still doesn't turn over, and you're sure you have current to the starter (use a test light to check) then I'd say the starter is bad.

If Ford switched to a design like GM where the solonoid is above or attached to the starter, then all you have to do is check to see if Voltage is at the solonoid (main and the key switched wires).... if it is, then replace the starter (comes with a new solonoid attached).... IF there is no voltage to the solonoid, then you have another problem altogether.

A test light will be your best friend in this case... One of my most used tools.

Good Luck

PS.... You're not gonna get shocked.... just lay the blade of a flat screw driver on one post and touch the shaft to the other.... Make sure the car is in park.....lol. :icon16:

I took the starter off the car and brought it to Autozone. I watched it tested and the result was good. (My neighbor is a machanic) After replacing the stater the care still wouldn't start. my neighbor tells me it is the starter thats bad and I tested it on the car by taking off the small wire from the started and crossing a screwdriver from the small bolt to the place the wire connected. it wouldnt' turn over. I went back to autozone and bought a new starter. the guy at Autozone tell me it isn't the starter and if it doens't work I'd have to bring the new one right back.


WRONG. ITS STILL ON MY CAR. AFTER A POSITIVE TEST FROM THE STORE THEY WERE WRONG. THE STARTER WAS WEAK AND COULD NOT TURN THE CAR OVER. IT MAY HAVE SHOWN AS GOOD ON TEST BUT IF THIS HAPPENS TO ANYONE REMEMBER-- TEST CAN BE WORNG EVEN WHEN THE RESULTS SHOW RIGHT

Thanks for the tips

shawn