Before diagnosing starter problems, make sure the battery is fully charged. If the starter motor does not operate at all when the switch is turned to Start, check that the shift lever is in Neutral or Park (automatic transmission). Ensure that the battery is charged and that all cables, both at the battery and starter solenoid terminals, are clean and secure. If the starter motor spins but the engine is not cranking, the overrunning clutch in the starter motor is slipping and the starter motor needs to be replaced. If the solenoid clicks but the starter motor does not operate, the issue may lie with the battery, starter relay (if equipped), main solenoid contacts, starter motor itself, or a seized engine. If the solenoid plunger cannot be heard when the switch is actuated, it could indicate a bad battery, burned fusible link, or defective solenoid. To check the solenoid, connect a jumper lead between the battery (+) and the ignition switch wire terminal on the solenoid. If the starter motor operates, the solenoid is fine and the problem lies in the ignition switch, neutral start switch, or wiring. If the starter motor still does not operate, remove the starter/solenoid assembly for disassembly, testing, and repair. If the starter motor cranks the engine at a slow speed, ensure the battery is charged and all terminal connections are tight. If the engine is partially seized or has the wrong viscosity oil, it may crank slowly. To test the starter motor, run the engine until normal operating temperature is reached, then disconnect the coil wire from the distributor cap and ground it. Connect a voltmeter positive lead to the positive battery post and the negative lead to the negative post. Crank the engine and take voltmeter readings as soon as a steady figure is indicated, not exceeding 15 seconds of starter motor turning. A reading of 9-volts or more, with normal cranking speed, is normal. If the reading is 9-volts or more but the cranking speed is slow, the motor is faulty. If the reading is less than 9-volts and the cranking speed is slow, the solenoid contacts may be burned, the starter motor is bad, the battery is discharged, or there is a bad connection.
Posted by MoparPartsGiant Specialist 
