How many terminals do you need for a car starter?

If the two starters don’t look mostly identical, it may not be the correct starter for your vehicle. New starter solenoids often come with four terminals, but can be used with only two. Slide the starter into place. Insert the starter into the same mounting location you removed the old one from.

What’s the best way to install a car starter?

Insert the key into the ignition and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start with the new starter in place, ensure the battery is fully charged. Check to ensure all of the wires are securely connected at either end, then start the vehicle again. Listen to the vehicle as you attempt to start it.

Do you need to disconnect the positive cable on a car starter?

You will not need to remove the positive cable on the battery. Always disconnect the battery before servicing the electrical system in your vehicle. Jack up the vehicle if need be. In some applications, you may need to jack up the vehicle in order to access the starter.

How to diagnose a starter motor problem?

Provides a procedure to follow to diagnose starter motor problems. One measurement I didn’t have time to add was to verify the solenoid operation by measuring the voltage drop across it while triggered. When you turn the key to START and you get 12V on the trigger wire, put one volt meter probe on the big silver solenoid battery cable nut .

What kind of starter does a 1998 Softail have?

Harley-Davison equipped the 1998 Softail Custom models with a Japanese made Nippon-Denso type starter. A common case houses the starter and starter solenoid, which prevents the replacement of the starter or the solenoid independent of each other.

If the two starters don’t look mostly identical, it may not be the correct starter for your vehicle. New starter solenoids often come with four terminals, but can be used with only two. Slide the starter into place. Insert the starter into the same mounting location you removed the old one from.

You will not need to remove the positive cable on the battery. Always disconnect the battery before servicing the electrical system in your vehicle. Jack up the vehicle if need be. In some applications, you may need to jack up the vehicle in order to access the starter.

What should I do after installing a car starter?

With the starter installed and wired, reconnect the black cable to the negative terminal on the battery and tighten it in place. Insert the key into the ignition and attempt to start the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to start with the new starter in place, ensure the battery is fully charged.