How long does it take to repair a faulty car starter?
2 Answers
It depends on the vehicle. For a four-cylinder engine, it usually takes about four to five days to repair. If the starter malfunctions, the following symptoms may occur: 1. No response when starting the vehicle: This indicates the starter is not working, possibly due to power supply issues, internal open circuit, or short circuit in the starter. 2. Dull sound and low RPM during startup: This is caused by an internal short circuit in the starter, where some coils are shorted and cannot generate sufficient rotational magnetic force to provide the required torque for starting. 3. Motor sound is audible but RPM remains zero: This suggests a fault in the starter's solenoid (the smaller cylindrical part on the starter), which is responsible for pushing the starter gear into engagement with the flywheel. In this case, the starter keeps rotating but fails to drive the flywheel to start the vehicle. 4. Loud noise during startup: This is due to damage in the starter's bearings, carbon brushes, or the surface of the starter gear, causing operational issues. 5. Burning smell: A burning odor from the vehicle's chassis during startup indicates an internal short circuit in the starter, causing overheating of the starter wiring harness or coils.
Starter motor repairs typically take one to two days to complete, but this depends on the specific situation. I've experienced several similar failures before – minor repairs or cleaning contacts might only take two to three hours, whereas replacing the entire starter motor is more time-consuming, usually requiring four to eight hours for disassembly and installation. You also need to consider whether the repair shop has spare parts in stock. Nowadays, auto shops can often source parts within a few hours if they're readily available, but waiting a day for delivery isn't uncommon. I recommend calling ahead to check the shop's schedule to avoid a wasted trip. Older vehicles are more prone to starter motor failures, such as contact oxidation or spring wear. Regular maintenance, like checking the electrical system during every oil change, can help prevent these unexpected issues and avoid disruptions to work or travel. Keep in mind that repair costs usually range around a thousand yuan, which is much more cost-effective than buying a new one.