Can a broken starter be repaired?
3 Answers
Starters can be repaired. As long as the engine failure is not catastrophic or the shape is completely deformed, it can be repaired. Common vulnerable parts of starters: 1. Starter copper sleeve: The typical symptom after aging is strong starting power when cold but weak when hot. 2. Starter carbon brushes: The fault manifests as intermittent starting issues, failure to engage, or weak operation. Disassemble to check brush length and whether they are stuck. Additional information: Starters are valuable components in vehicles and rarely fail, but proper usage methods are essential to extend their lifespan. During engine startup, the starter draws 300~400Ah of electricity from the battery. To prevent battery overcurrent or damage, the starting duration should not exceed 5 seconds.
When it comes to whether a faulty starter can be repaired, I think we should start with common failures. I've seen many cases where starters are generally repairable, but it depends on what exactly is broken. For example, the most common issues are worn brushes or oxidized contacts—these can be fixed with minor cleaning, and replacing a new brush only costs a few dozen bucks. However, if the internal coils are burnt or the gears are severely jammed, replacing the entire unit might be more cost-effective to avoid repeated repairs. I recommend first checking the battery voltage and wire connections, as sometimes it's not the starter at all but an aging battery or loose wiring causing misdiagnosis. If you're DIY-ing, be careful to disconnect the power to avoid electric shock. If unsure, let a professional take a look to avoid ending up with towing fees instead of savings. For older cars, consider replacing the part entirely for peace of mind—I've encountered cases where repairs barely lasted a few months.
Last month, my car wouldn't start no matter how long I tried, so I took it to the shop and found out the starter was broken. The mechanic said it could be repaired, but recommended replacing it for convenience. I took the advice and got it replaced, which cost over 300 yuan. Actually, minor issues can indeed be fixed: if it's just poor relay contact or loose screws, opening it up to tighten or clean might do the trick. But if there's serious internal damage like a solenoid failure, repairing it can be time-consuming and expensive, making replacement the better option. For self-inspection, start with the battery to rule out low power; then try connecting the starter to an external power source—if it works, the issue lies elsewhere. For repairs, go to a reputable shop—they often refurbish and reuse old parts, which is cheaper than buying new ones. However, don't delay repairs too long just to save money; breaking down on the road is a big hassle. Safety first.
