Starter motor problems can prevent your vehicle from starting. The starter motor is responsible for starting the engine with a cranking.
In this article, I will discuss the Starter motor problems that happen in a car.
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Starter Motor Problems
The starter motor is responsible for starting the engine. If the starter motor gets clogged then the engine can not start by the ignition system. The starter motor works on different components both mechanical and electrical.
If you are experiencing issues around the engine not starting due to the starter motor, these are the problems that can happen-
- The starter motor does not turn to crank the engine.
- The starter motor cranks the engine slowly.
- The starter motor spins but does not crank the engine.
- The starter gear fails to disengage when the engine starts.
Each of these problems is discussed below in this article-
1. The Starter Motor does not Turn to Crank the engine
If the starter motor does not turn to crank the engine then there are specific problems can happen in the starter motor. This issue can be caused by various factors, and diagnosing the exact cause requires troubleshooting. Here are the potential reasons and steps to address this problem:
> Too high resistance in the starter motor or control circuits.
> Open circuits in stater switches.
> Open or short circuit armature.
> Open or short circuit field windings.
> Wrong starter motor brushes.
> Broken or weak brush springs.
> Tight armature shaft bearings.
> Locked starter motor drive.
> Hydrostatic lock due to some interference with the engine piston movement.
> Excessive friction in the engine.
2. The Starter motor cranks the engine slowly
The starter motor cranks the engine but the process is very slow. At this time the ignition system can also be damaged due to the ignition switch’s continuous pressing. If the engine oil property or the winding of the starter motor is not right for the system then this type of problem can happen.
Let’s see the basic problems that affect the starter motor to crank the engine slowly-
> Too high viscosity of engine oil.
> Battery discharged or distorted.
> The control circuits of the starter motor are not responding well.
> The armature of the starter motor is opened all the time.
> According to the design and the size of the starter motor the brushes are not ok.
> The shaft bearings or the plain bearings are stuck or not lubricated properly.
3. The Starter Motor Spins but does not Crank the Engine
If the starter motor spins but does not crank the engine then the engine crankshaft or the shaft bearing can be damaged or have a problem with mesh gears. The problem happens due to the following possible causes-
> The starter motor drive is defective, that’s why it jammed the drive assembly.
> The starter motor gears and the crankshaft gears are misaligned.
> The gear teeth are damaged.
> The gear threads are clogged due to friction or excessive load.
> The battery link or the electric current flowing system is clogged.
> Defective starter motor switch.
4. The Starter Gear Fails to Disengage When the Engine Starts
It may happen due to the following possible causes-
> Defective starter motor drive due to clogged sleeve threads.
> Broken springs.
> Slipping clutch.
> Misaligned pinion gear.
> Starter motor gear teeth are broken.
> Ruined starter motor.
Car Starter Motor Problem’s Solution
If there are problems then there are solutions also available. In an automotive engine, the starting problem is a problem where the engine is not started to crank or the car does not want to move on the roar. So the remedies for these problems are as follows-
> Check the battery voltage with a multimeter. If it’s low or dead, charge or replace the battery. Every time check the battery terminals, that are cleaned and connected well.
> Consult a mechanic to test and potentially replace the ignition switch if necessary.
> Test the starter relay or replace it if it’s suspected to be faulty.
> Have a professional mechanic test the starter motor. If it’s confirmed to be the issue, replace it.
> If the solenoid is the problem, it can often be replaced separately from the starter motor. Consult a mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
> Inspect all wiring and connections in the starting circuit. Clean all the parts, and remove if any of the parts is damaged.
It is advisable to get the car inspected by the best technician in a car service center.
Conclusion
The starter motor problems are the most annoying problem that can happen to any vehicle. So regular checkup of the vehicle is important for every car owner to start the car in a good manner.
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