One of the most important parts in your car is most probably the starter
motor. Without it, you would not be able to fire the engine up. Most of the
time, when the starter goes bad, it is completely random and there is no
warning.
The best way to determine the cause for the car not starting, is by means of
elimination.
Here are 6 of the top causes why a car won't start. It is advised to start
the elimination process from the top.
1. Check for flat battery or loose battery terminal (which should
always be checked first)
2. Check for a faulty alternator
3. Check for a bad immobiliser
4. Check the neutral safety switch (in automatic cars) or clutch safety
switch (in manual cars)
5. Check for blown fuses or relay
6. Check the starter
Having eliminated all of the above, a bad starter is almost as sure as
pudding on a Sunday. An old school test to confirm this is to (gently) tap
the starter with a hammer while you turn the key. If it starts, it surly is
a bad starter. What the hitting does is to charge the starter just enough to
allow you to drive your car to Silverton Motolek Auto-Electrical Specialist
for a quick diagnostic test and starter replacement. Also, note that not all
starters are easily accessible and that it may require dissembling of
several parts to get to the starter.
What is a starter and how does it work?
A car starter is a forceful electric motor that cranks the engine so that
the vehicle can start. It consists of the motor itself, and the attached
solenoid. Major parts of a starter include an electromagnetic field and a
rotating armature, a solenoid, shift fork and the starter drive gear.
The solenoid transports battery power to the starter motor where electrical
energy converts into mechanical energy to start the engine.
Powered by the battery, the coil turns into an electromagnet powering the
armature. The power of the turning armature runs through the starter drive
mechanism to crank the engine.
What could be wrong with the starter?
Starters wear out like all other car parts do too. Here are a few possible
faults:
1. Defective starter motor gears
It is necessary to pull apart some engine parts like the intake manifold to
access the motor. A broken motor will stop your starter from engaging.
First check the mounting bolts for loose wires. Then take the starter motor
apart to inspect the pinion gears on the inside of the motor for damage. The
pinion gears should engage the flywheel to start the engine. When the gears
are worn out and the piston gear rotates in both directions, it definitely
calls for a new starter.
2. Starter solenoid electrical faults
The solenoid is attached on the top of the starter and should be checked for
loose connections between the solenoid and starter. Electrical wires can
become dirty, loose and broken.
3. Faulty flywheel gears
The flywheel is a large wheel located among the engine and transmission. The
starter pinion gears employ it to start the engine. Most common problem here
is worn or damaged gears.
A faulty starter can leave you stranded so bring your car to us for a
diagnostics test at the first signs of trouble.
Silverton Motolek Auto-Electrical Specialist specialise in electrical
repairs and fitment of new electrical parts.
Call us today!
