Note. Before testing, make sure the battery is fully charged and the anti-theft system is not activated.
If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission and the starter does not engage, make sure the selector is in position P or N.
Make sure the battery is fully charged and there is no corrosion on the battery and starter cable lugs and terminals.
If the starter turns but the flywheel does not, the starter overrunning clutch may be defective (it does not allow the starter to rotate with the engine after starting). In this case, the starter must be repaired or replaced. Another reason for this may be a strong loosening of the starter mounting bolts (starter gear not engaging with flywheel ring).
If, when the starter is turned on, its engine does not turn over, and the retractor relay works (clicks are heard), then either the battery is discharged, or the terminals of the retractor relay are oxidized, or the starter is faulty (if the car engine is not jammed).
If even clicks of the retractor relay are not heard when the starter is turned on, the battery is faulty, the wiring is broken, or the retractor relay is faulty.
To test the solenoid relay, connect the starter positive terminal to the small solenoid terminal. If the starter starts to turn, the solenoid relay is OK, and either the ignition switch, or the wiring, or the automatic transmission selector sensor is faulty (if the selector is in position P or N).
If the starter turns slowly after the terminals are shorted, check that the battery is charged and the wires are securely connected. If the vehicle's engine is partially seized or filled with high viscosity oil, the starter will also turn slowly.
Start the engine and warm up to operating temperature. Stop engine, remove fuse #12 (de-energized the fuel pump), and disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition coil.
Connect the positive lead of the voltmeter to the positive battery terminal and the negative lead to the negative terminal.
Turn on the starter and, as soon as the voltmeter readings stabilize, write them down. Do not operate the starter for more than 15 seconds. If the starter speed is normal, and the voltage is more than 10.5 V, everything is in order. If the voltage is 10.5 V and higher, and the starter rotation speed is low, the contacts of the solenoid relay are burnt, the starter or wiring is faulty. If the voltage is less than 10.5 V and the starter speed is low, the starter is defective or the battery is discharged.