Had the starter bench checked its OK, still won't engage when turning the key

SOURCE: 1997 Saturn SW2 won't start

Hi,

If the starter checks out OK when tested with no load (not driving the ring gear) and will spin but will not when installed, try checking:
1. the hearing/bushing at the ends of the armature;
2. carbon brushes;
3. commutator segments (the multiple small copper plates that the brush contacts with).

Of course, the above suggestions are based that the rest have checked out and the problem is limited to the starter itself. Initially, the solenoid would be the suspect but as you have posted this was tested good.

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

Good luck and kind regards.

Thank you for using FixYa.

SOURCE: 03 silverado turn the key to start but starter will not engage

Interesting problem, on the starter is a "trigger" wire that originates from the ignition (may run to the power distribution center). When the truck is started 12 volts runs down that wire and activates the solinoid on the starter. Put a 12 volt test light on the trigger wire by the starter, have someone hit the key to start, test light should come on, if not chase wire back and look for a break in the wire or replace trigger wire.

SOURCE: 96 subaru legacy starter problem

I have run into this problem. The installation location of the starter is very critical to have a good ground. On the EJ25 motors the way the starter mounts with one bolt to the trans and the other through the trans to the block makes it difficult to get a really good ground. I would make sure you have a nice clean secure ground. Hope this solves your problem, nothing worse than having a Subie and not being able to use it. Good luck.

SOURCE: What supplies the ground for the starter enable

The below page has all of the information on the pass key, or VATS key system. It has step by step instructions on what you are looking for, and will show you how to bypass the system.

http://vats.likeabigdog.com/

Colin Stickland

• 22516 Answers
• Posted on Aug 16, 2009

SOURCE: 2000 audi a4 starter gremlin

your barking up the wrong gum tree witht the starter motor ,you have an electrical supply problem on the battery terminal area with more than one wire connected or a dodgy earth cable from the engine to the chassis .i would be inclined to check and fit another earth cable from a good connection on the engine -(bell housing) and run it back to battery terminal to eliminate all posibilitys .before anything else ,make you own if you have to but only use copper cable .this is my last question for tonight ,have to go pick er indoors up from work now