How Does a Car Starter Motor Work? And How to Fix It like a Pro!
When you turn the key but don't hear the familiar engine roar, but instead hear a dead silence or a clicking noise, you will wonder: Is the car starter motor broken? The car starter motor is an important part of the engine. Understanding its working principle can help you understand the car better, and you can quickly identify the fault when it has a problem, and even fix it yourself. Today, we will discuss the working principle of the car starter motor and share how to fix a car starter motor, so that your car can be easily started anytime, anywhere!
How Does a Car Starter Motor Work?
The main task of the car starter motor is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the engine to start.
1. Turn the key or press the start button
When you start the car, the current flows to the electromagnetic switch of the starter motor.
2. The electromagnetic switch is pulled in
The electromagnetic switch connects the battery and the starter motor, allowing a large current to pass through the motor.
3. The drive gear engages the flywheel
The drive gear inside the motor engages with the engine flywheel and begins to rotate.
4. The engine starts
When the engine is successfully started, the engine starter motor is powered off, the drive gear automatically returns to its position, and the whole process is completed.
Simply put, the starter motor is the "spark" that ignites the life of the car. Without the starter motor, the engine cannot start at all.
How to Fix a Car Starter Motor?
If your car can't start, there is a high probability that the starter motor is faulty. Here are some common faults and repair suggestions:
1. Reasons why the starter motor does not respond
Battery dead
Loose cable connection
Blown fuse
Solution
First, check the battery power and confirm that the battery has enough voltage.
Check whether the cable connection is firm, especially the ground wire.
Replace the damaged fuse.
2. Reasons why the starter motor makes a clicking sound but cannot start
Battery voltage is low
Solenoid switch is damaged
Solution
Measure the battery voltage. If it is lower than 12V, charge or replace the battery.
Tap the starter motor. It may be that the internal contacts of the solenoid switch are in poor contact.
3. Possible reasons why the starter motor runs but the engine does not start
The drive gear is worn or stuck
The starter motor is damaged internally
Solution
Disassemble the starter motor and check whether the internal drive gear is damaged.
If the carbon brush inside the motor is severely worn, it is recommended to replace the carbon brush or directly replace the starter motor.
4. Possible reasons why the starter motor continues to run without stopping
Ignition switch failure
Solenoid switch adhesion
Solution
Check the ignition switch to ensure that the switch can be powered off normally when the key is released.
If the electromagnetic switch is stuck, it is recommended that a new electromagnetic switch or starter motor be replaced.
Buy a Quality Aftermarket Starter Motor
If your starter motor is beyond repair, the most economical solution is to replace it with a quality aftermarket starter motor. Compared with the original parts, aftermarket starter motors are more affordable and can meet the performance needs of most car owners.
When choosing a starter motor, the most important thing to pay attention to is that the power of the starter motor must match the engine's requirements. Too little power will cause the vehicle to start.
MyMROmarts online store has reliable aftermarket engine parts at affordable prices so that your car can start smoothly at any time!
Knowing how a car starter motor works will make you more knowledgeable about cars; knowing how to fix a car starter motor will save you a lot of repair costs. When your starter motor is completely damaged, you may consider replacing it with a quality aftermarket starter motor to revitalize your car!