Everyone takes their car’s starting for granted until they stop working one day. Cars are complicated machines with a lot of moving components. But a car that won’t start is one of the most typical problems. Read below to find out why your car might not start.
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Problems in starting a car are frequent, but most car owners will check every possible problem except for the starter.
What is a car starter and how does it work?
A car starter, also known as a starter motor, is in charge of turning the engine over and cranking it. The car battery is powering the electric motor and is located within the engine.
The starter motor is attached to a solenoid that engages the starter motor’s drive gear to rotate the starter gear. As the car starter motor turns, the engine turns over and sucks in air and fuel, allowing combustion to take place. With its job done, the starter motor then disengages.
Three things are important to start a combustion engine: fuel, oxygen, and a spark. For an engine to start and run, these three things must occur in a specific order and intensity. An electric starting motor spins the engine when you turn the key (or touch a button) to start your car. The spark/glow plugs ignite the engine to takes in air and fuel. The engine will run on its own once the combustion process has been properly begun, allowing you to turn off the starter motor.
An issue with the fuel, spark, oxygen and starter motor are the most common reasons a car won’t start.
What are the signs of a bad starter motor and how do you know if it’s bad?
You only need to keep an eye out for a few things.
Does it start when you turn the key, or do you hear a clicking sound when you try to turn it on?.
Either of these symptoms could indicate a problem with your starter motor. Turn on and off your inside lights as well as your headlights. If they’re functional, a dead battery could be ruled out as the root of the problem.
If you turn the key in the ignition and nothing happens, this is the most obvious indicator that you have a problem with your starter motor. The engine could make a clanking noise or be completely silent. You could also hear a clicking noise in the starter when you turn the key. This could be because the starter motor has burnt out or a circuit has failed.
What is the time it takes for your car to start?
If there’s a wait for the engine to tick over or the motor seems to struggle, that could be your starter motor.
Finally, does your key make a grinding noise when you turn it?
Starter motors have gears, which wear down and fail to grip, resulting in the grinding noise. It’s the same sound you’ll hear if you leave your ignition key on start for an extended period of time.
When starting your car, keep an ear out for grinding sounds. This sound indicates that the starter gear is worn out or not engaging properly. If you hear these noises, go to your mechanic right away to avoid further damage.
What are the signs that your starter motor needs to be replaced?
- Overheating or smoke – as a system configured for electrical functioning. The car starter is vulnerable to short circuits and blown fuses. When the faulty starter motor starts acting up, you may notice overheating of the car starter, which is usually accompanied by smoke. When you detect smoke, stop turning the ignition key immediately and seek professional help before your car problems escalate.
- After the engine starts, the car starter remains ‘On’ – turning the ignition key or press ‘engine start’ button starts the engine; releasing the key or button terminates the circuit and disengages the starter motor. With a faulty starter motor, the circuit does not terminate. Technically this means that the solenoid contacts have fused in the closed position. If this is the case, it should be immediately addressed since it results in the relay being stuck in the “on” position, which will ruin the transmission flywheel and, ultimately, the starter motor system.
- The engine won’t start – if the engine won’t start when you try to crank it, there’s an issue with the starter. What you will hear instead is a whining sound. Freewheeling happens When the starter motor does not engage the flywheel. This is a serious issue and may require replacing the entire starter system. You could attempt to jumpstart your vehicle as a workable solution for this scenario (this only works for manual cars). If this option fails, then you will have to consult your mechanic.
- Recurring starting issues – when you try starting your car, and it fails the first time, the most obvious thing to do is try again, right? And once it starts, you assume it may have been a minor glitch of some sort. Wrong, what it indicates is that it’s a potential car starter issue that’s gradually worsening. A faulty relay, which is responsible for sending electrical current from the battery to the starter, is a very likely cause. The first time you ignite, it fails to send an electrical current to the starter but will send a full charge to ignite the starter motor after the subsequent try. When you turn the ignition key, you may hear a clicking sound, which indicates a faulty relay.
- Grinding Noise – one of the most typical and telling indicators of a car starter motor problem is a grinding noise. When starting your car, keep an ear out for a grinding sounds. This sound is an indication of worn-out starter gear. If you hear these noises, go to your mechanic right away to avoid further damage, which could include parts like the flywheel.
Is Your Car Still Not Starting?
Take these warnings seriously. You must solve the problem right now to avoid further damage to the car starter and other components, which will result in even more expensive repairs.
If your car still won’t start and you’re not sure why to get in touch with your professional mechanic right once to get it fixed.
If you are looking for the best pre-purchase car inspector in Melbourne, do not hesitate to contact German Precision or Prepurchase Check today!
Source: australianmechanical.com.au, autoguru.com.au, carpart.com.au, bestbatteries.com.au
