Can a Damaged Car Starter Be Repaired?
2 Answers
Car starters can be repaired as long as the damage is not catastrophic or the starter's physical structure is completely deformed. Symptoms of a damaged starter: When turning the ignition switch to the start position, you may hear the impact sound between the starter drive gear and the flywheel teeth. The starter does not rotate when the ignition switch is turned on, and the solenoid switch emits abnormal noises. The starter spins freely when the ignition switch is turned on. The charging system is normal when the ignition switch is turned on, but the starter does not respond. Causes of starter damage: Insufficient battery power, loose terminal connections, short circuit in the starter solenoid switch coil or poor contact of the contact disc, burnt relay contacts, short circuit or burnout of the relay magnetic coil, physical deformation of the starter's internal armature shaft, worn brushes, poor spring contact, dirty commutator, prolonged starting time, not used according to the specified time, increased gap between the shaft and the housing. Starter maintenance recommendations: The starter is a valuable component in a car and is not easily damaged. However, to extend the starter's service life, proper usage methods must be followed. During engine starting, the starter draws 300-400Ah of electricity from the battery. To prevent overcurrent or damage to the battery, the starting time should not exceed 5 seconds. Starting difficulties are common in winter. During multiple starts, each starting time should not be too long, and appropriate intervals should be left between starts.
As an experienced car enthusiast who frequently tinkers with vehicles, I believe whether a faulty car starter can be repaired depends largely on the extent of damage. For minor issues like poor contact at the terminals or carbon buildup, it's entirely possible to fix it yourself by cleaning or replacing a small part, costing just a few dozen bucks with some DIY effort. However, if the solenoid coil is burnt out or the starter motor gears are severely worn, repairs become extremely troublesome. Mechanics might advise you to replace it outright, as disassembling and reassembling could lead to recurring issues. I've had this experience before—my starter made clicking noises but wouldn't work, and after inspection, it turned out the carbon brushes were worn short. Replacing them at a small cost revived it. But if even the gears are slipping, replacing the entire starter is the long-term solution. When it comes to car repairs, if you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional technician for a proper diagnosis. They can quickly determine if it's worth repairing with their tools. Safety shouldn't be compromised; a car that won't start leaves you stranded.