Questionhi, thank you for your time & sharing your knowledge to others. what is the best way to check starter (without removing from car) weahter it's good or no, when i turn ignition on i hear click sound battrey and alternator are good. could it be the relay and how to check both starter & relay and lastly please suggest me some good websites or books about "auto electric trouble shootings". thanks. have a nice day.
AnswerHi Asif,
the best way to test the starter is to remove it from the engine and bench test it with a multimeter and a spare 12 volt battery.
If you hear clicking noises its bad news for the starter. You can either rebuild the starter yourself, buy a rebuilt from your local auto parts shop or buy a used one from a salvage yard (wrecker). If you have to buy a starter, the best deal is with the wrecker. I bought one for under $75. A rebuilt will cost you at least $200. I don't even want to price out the dealer's OEM starter.
Rebuilding a starter is not as complicated as it looks. If you're lucky, the problem is either rust forming on the main shaft or one of the brush wires has broken. Its also possible that the brushes are worn down or the solenoid is 'kaput' (no longer useable). The last time my starter failed, I was able to rebuild it with the help of some friends. Water is the starter's worst enemy. Somehow, water managed to rust out the main spindle shaft and it just seized one humid morning.
Removing the starter is a real pain. You'll need extra long ratchet extensions to reach the bolts. Remove the heat shield and remember how it was placed.
As for a good auto electric website, you can try
www.howstuffworks.com
www.vehicletip.com
www.innerauto.com (cool graphics)
http://www.autoshop101.com/autoshop16.html (electrics!)
http://www.discoweb.org (my favourite: see tech section)
As for books...Haynes has a great manual for our 1995 Disco. You'll have to order it from your local auto parts store, ask for Haynes #3016. It has all that you'll need for your Disco.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
