A starter motor is a crucial part of the combustion in the internal engine. It plays an important role in starting the engine by providing the initial mechanical force to crank for running of the engine. The starter motor is a very important component in vehicles because it provides momentum for a stationary state to a functioning engine.
The starter engine is first introduced by Clyde J. Coleman and first patented in 1903 and appeared firstly to the factory purpose in 1911 by the general motors. After the innovation of new technology in the automotive field there is much improvement in the design, size, and overall efficiency of the starter motor.
How a Starter Motor Works
A starter motor is like a strong helping hand for your car’s engine. When you turn the ignition key or press the start button, it’s like giving the signal for the starter motor to start its job.
The starter motor gets power from the car’s battery. This electricity flows through a special switch called a solenoid, which acts like an instructor, supplying the power to the starter motor.
The starter motor’s main task is to turn the engine’s crankshaft, which is like the engine’s heart, making all the parts inside move. The starter motor does this by using its own powerful electric motor to spin a gear. This gear is connected to another gear on the engine, and when they perform together, they work like a team to turn on the engine.
This turning motion helps the engine start breathing – it draws in air and fuel, and then a spark sets off a tiny explosion that gets the engine running. Once the engine is awake and making power on its own, the starter motor takes a break and waits for the next time you need it to wake up the engine. It’s like the starter motor gives the engine a friendly push to get it started on its journey.
Symptoms of Bad starter
A failing starter motor can lead to several noticeable symptoms, indicating that it might need attention or replacement. Here are some common signs of a bad starter motor:
Engine Cranking Slowly
If you hear a slow, laborious cranking sound when you try to start the engine, or if the engine doesn’t crank at all despite a good battery, it’s often a sign of a worn-out or malfunctioning starter motor.
Whirring Sound
A high-pitched whirring noise comes from the engine during starting attempts which means that the starter motor’s gear does not engage properly with the engine’s flywheel. This can happen when the gear mechanism is got failed or damaged.
Dashboard Lights Dimming
When you attempt to start the engine and notice the dashboard lights dimming significantly, it could be a sign of a worn-out starter motor drawing too much power from the battery.
Burning Smell
A burnt smell after trying to start the engine might indicate that the starter motor’s wiring or internal components are overheating due to excessive resistance or other issues.
No Response When Turning the Key
If you turn the key and there’s no sound at all, it might indicate an electrical issue, such as a faulty connection between the ignition switch and the starter motor.
Grinding Noise & Clicking Noise
When you turn the key to start the engine and hear a rapid clicking noise & Clicking Noise but the engine doesn’t crank, it can indicate that the solenoid within the starter motor is engaging, but the motor does not function properly.
What Causes a Starter Motor to Fail?
Starter motor failure can occur due to various reasons, like moisture, wear and tear, electrical issues, or component failures. Here are some common causes of starter motor failure are as follows:-
Failed Solenoid
The starter solenoid is responsible for engaging the starter motor’s gear with the flywheel. If the solenoid fails, it may not engage the gear properly or might not engage at all.
Mechanical Wear Due to Age
The gears and components inside the starter motor can wear out over time due to repeated use. This can result in difficulty engaging with the flywheel, causing grinding noises or failure to start the engine.
Electrical Issues
Problems with the electrical connections, such as corroded terminals, loose wires, or damaged cables, can result in inadequate power reaching the starter motor, preventing it from functioning properly.
Battery Problem
A weak or failing battery can put extra strain on the starter motor, requiring it to work harder to crank the engine. This can lead to premature starter motor failure.
Moisture and Drive in Water
You should always avoid driving through Deep water. Water or moisture entering the starter motor can lead to corrosion and electrical problems.
Engine Oil Leaks Onto the Starter
Oil leakage makes a layer on the commutator area by entering in housing starter which lowers the ability of the crank the engine.
You will figure out the leakage of oil on the ground below the engine of your car and should be concerned and repair it as soon as possible because it damaged the other parts of the starter .. Promptly correcting oil leaks is always a good practice.
Car Starter Motor Replacement cost
According to my experience in the field of automobiles and in my survey, the replacement cost for a starter motor in a car in JULY 2023 is from $150 to $500.It can exclusively be depending on factors like the year of making and model of the vehicle, the location of the repair center, and whether you’re using an OEM part or an aftermarket part. After all the average cost for the starter motor repair including its parts can cost from $100 to $400.
There are some more aspects on which the whole estimate is depending like Labor costs in this operation dismantling the parts and installing the parts considered. Labor rates can be different in order to different locations and service centers, but the labor cost might range from around $100 to $300 or more.
Always Keep in mind that the estimate given above is rough and the real cost can differ precisely depending upon the factor mentioned. For getting a real estimated quote, it’s recommended to contact local mechanics or auto repair shops and provide them with your vehicle’s make, model, and year. They can give you a more precise estimate based on your specific situation and current market conditions.
Why Starter Motor Spins But Doesn’t Engage ?
When a starter motor spins but doesn’t engage the engine, it’s usually due to a problem with the starter system. This could be caused by several factors:
Low Battery Voltage
A weak or low battery can result in the starter motor spinning but not having enough power to engage the engine. The starter motor might lack the necessary torque to turn the flywheel.
Starter Bendix Failure
Over time, the teeth on the starter motor’s drive gear also known as the “Bendix gear can become worn or damaged. This can prevent the gear from meshing properly with the flywheel teeth, leading to spinning without engagement.
Starter Solenoid Failure
The starter solenoid is responsible for engaging the starter motor’s gear with the engine’s flywheel.
If the solenoid is faulty or worn out, it might not be able to push the gear into the flywheel teeth properly.
Electrical Issues
Wiring problems, such as a bad connection between the battery and the starter, can lead to insufficient power reaching the starter motor, causing it to spin without engaging.
Frozen,Damaged or Stuck Flywheel
If the engine’s flywheel is frozen, damaged, or stuck due to mechanical issues, the starter gear might not be able to engage it.
How to Troubleshoot starter engagement issues.
To diagnose and resolve this issue, you should consider the following steps:
- Check the battery’s voltage to ensure it’s in good condition.
- Inspect the starter solenoid and starter drive gear for wear or damage.
- Check for loose or corroded electrical connections.
- Examine the ignition switch for proper operation.
- Inspect the flywheel teeth for damage or wear.
- If you’re comfortable doing so, visually inspect the starter motor and related components for any obvious issues.
How to Start a Car with a Bad Starter
Starting a car with a bad starter is not recommended, as it can potentially cause further damage to your vehicle.
However, if you find yourself in a situation where you absolutely need to get the car running temporarily to move it, you can try the following method:-
The "Bump" Start Method:
For Manual Transmission:
- Turn the key to the “On” position to power up the vehicle’s electrical systems, but do not start the engine.
- Depress the clutch pedal and put the car in 2nd or 3rd gear.
- Have someone push or tow the car to a reasonable speed (around 5-10 mph).
- With the clutch still depressed, release it suddenly while giving the car’s accelerator a quick push.
- If the conditions are right, the engine might engage and start running.
For Automatic Transmission:
- Turn the key to the “On” position to power up the vehicle’s electrical systems, but do not start the engine.
- Have someone push or tow the car to a reasonable speed.
- Once the car is moving at a good speed, quickly shift the transmission to “Drive” and press the accelerator.
- If the conditions are right, the engine might engage and start running.
Park Your Car on a Decline or Downhill
