the starter of motion in automotive
What is the Starter ?
A starter is an electrical motor that is linked to the battery. The job of a starter is to set the engine (pistons, crankshaft, etc.) in motion when you turn the ignition switch on. Once the engine starts and is in motion, the job of starter is completed. If the starter goes bad, the engine will not crank properly when you turn the ignition key on or may not crank at all.
The signs of a faulty starter are similar to that of a dead battery. Without the power from the battery, the starter cannot get the engine in motion. In order to determine if the issue is the battery or starter, test the lights, radio, and horn. If they do not work, a dead battery is likely. If they work, it is more likely a problem with the starter. Since the starter is an electrical motor, it will eventually fail and require change during its service life.
HOW TO KNOW A BAD CAR STARTER
- check the starter and ignition switch.
- Remove and change starter if it has failed.
- Test for power going to starter.
- check the starter relay, grounds, supply cables and battery.
Recommendation:
During regular maintenance and checkups, your starter should be checked. If your vehicle ever has trouble turning on, you may have an issue with your starter, and you should schedule an inspection.
What common symptoms show you may need to replace the Starter?
- Vehicle does not start or starts intermittently (when turning the ignition key).
- Single loud click but engine does not start.
- Starter operation is noisy
How vital is this service?
The starter is a very strong electrical motor that is in charge of setting your engine’s various parts in motion. When you turn your key to ignite the vehicle, the battery sends power to the starter, and the starter’s motor starts to operate. This motor then turns the crankshaft, and moves the pistons and other parts of the engine, which allows all the parts to move when the ignition system ignites the fuel.
When the starter fails, the engine’s parts will not be put in motion, and the engine won’t work. As a result, the vehicle won’t turn on. If your starter is malfunctioning, you’ll likely hear a clicking noise as the ignition system does its job, but since the engine’s pieces are stationary, the engine will never catch, and your car won’t turn on.
HOW TO KNOW A BAD CAR STARTER
1- Slow spinning over of the engine
When you attempt to kick your car, our engine spins over slowly. Dash lights get really dim while turning the engine, then brightens when the engine is off. Your battery terminals get very hot during this time together with the whole battery cable.
This kind of situation is usually caused by worn out brushes, bushings, or shorted winding or commutator. You may have it worked on but for optimum performance, get a replacement
2- You turn the key and nothing happens
A second sign could be when you turn the key to start, and observe no action or a single click and most often during the remedial period, if you keep trying to start the engine would eventually spin and start this could be a sign of wiring problem. Those could be anything from the key switch, safety interlocks and antitheft devices, but most often the starter is always the culprit. However on starters with the solenoid on top, the solenoid grounds through the starter brushes, so when there is a bad brush bad contact you get then the car ceases to start when you turn the key. The tiny wire going to the starter solenoid is expected to get 12 volts or so when the key is turned to “start” but if there’s a12 volts yet no action, then the starter is needs repairs or maintainance.
