How to Check the Starter Motor, Causes of Failure and Repair Time?

Have you ever been in a rush in the morning and turned on the automobile, only to have nothing happen? Despite the dashboard lights being on, the engine refuses to start. At this stage, the first thing you usually need to discover out is how to examine the car's starting motor.

Although a starter motor issue isn't always a serious problem, misdiagnosing it might result in costly repairs. To assist you grasp the procedure, let's walk through it step-by-step as if a mechanic were standing right next to you.

How to Check the Starter Motor?

Does your vehicle not start? First, learn how to inspect the starting motor. When a car won't start, many people believe the starting motor is faulty, but this isn't always the case. Troubleshooting before making judgments is the genuinely professional approach.

You can start with a few of the most obvious points:

Is there a "click" sound when you turn the key? The battery, the electrical system, or even the ignition switch might be the issue if there is absolutely no sound. However, if you can hear a distinct "click" but the engine doesn't start, the starter motor is probably the issue.

Let's look at a more realistic example: When you try to start your automobile two or three times in a succession, it starts abruptly the second time, but nothing occurs the first time. Wear and tear within the starting motor is frequently the source of this "intermittent" issue.  When they come across this kind of vehicle, a lot of mechanics will advise, "We should check the starter motor."

What Is the Biggest Cause of Starter Motor Failure?

Many car owners wonder what the main cause of starter motor failure is. The answer is neither complicated nor mysterious. It's simply that the engine starter motor has become worn out and overloaded.

The starting motor suffers a high load and immediate power output each time it runs. The starting motor will eventually experience issues including aged coils, worn carbon brushes, and broken electromagnetic switches. This is particularly true for heavy machinery, agricultural equipment, and construction equipment, all of which operate in more harsher environments than typical passenger automobiles.

For example, if you're using equipment like skid steer loaders or bulldozers, and the equipment is started frequently and operates in dusty environments, then components like the dozer starter will naturally have a shorter lifespan than those in a regular passenger car.

Another common but often overlooked reason is:

A weak battery is repeatedly used to force a start.

Insufficient voltage will cause the starter motor to operate in a "half-dead" state for extended periods. Over time, internal damage to the starter motor is almost inevitable.

It's not just in cars; engine starters behave differently in different types of equipment.

When many people hear "starter motor", they only think of passenger cars, but engine starter motors are actually widely used in various types of equipment.

For example, construction machinery, forklifts, agricultural equipment, and even generator sets.

Taking Bobcat as an example, many users, when encountering starting problems, will directly search for "Bobcat starter replacement," but the truly professional approach is to first confirm whether the problem lies with the starter motor itself, rather than the wiring or relay.

You must remember this: even if the startup fails, the reasons can be completely different on different devices.

How Long Does It Take to Fix a Starter Motor?

The length of time it takes to fix a starting motor is what many people are most worried about.

It typically takes one to two hours to replace the starting motor if that is all that has to be done and it is readily available.

However, additional parts may need to be removed if it's on space-constrained equipment, like some construction machines, which would inevitably lengthen the repair time.

You should also be ready for the possibility that, although you may believe the starting motor is damaged, the technician may discover that it is only a loose wiring connection. Congratulations! In such scenario, the issue might be resolved in 30 minutes.

Lastly, a piece of advise for those of you who are still on the fence: Don't wait until your car or equipment totally breaks down before fixing the issue if it is already having delayed starting or periodic failure to start. In addition to saving you time and trouble, knowing how to check the car's starting motor early on can offer you greater control over repairs.

After all, whether it's for everyday driving or engineering equipment, the starter motor is never a component you can afford to "put off." Early diagnosis is good for both you and your engine.