How to Fix a Car Starter That Won't Turn?
2 Answers
When the car starter won't turn, you need to check the battery. If the battery is severely depleted, resulting in insufficient starting current, it won't be able to power the starter. You can test this by turning on the headlights and pressing the horn. If the horn sounds weak or doesn't sound at all, it indicates the battery is dead, and replacing the battery should resolve the issue. Here’s an introduction to car starters: The starter mainly consists of an armature assembly, a solenoid switch, a housing assembly, a rear cover (drive end cover), and a front cover (brush end cover). It uses the battery as the starting power source, driven by a DC motor, and provides starting torque to the engine flywheel crankshaft assembly through the transmission and control mechanism, enabling the engine to enter normal operating conditions.
I've dealt with quite a few starter motor failures. A starter not turning could be caused by several common issues, such as insufficient battery power. In such cases, I first use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage. If it's below 12 volts, I try jump-starting or charging the battery. If the battery is fine, I check the response when turning the ignition key. If there's no sound, I verify whether the gear is in park or neutral (especially important for automatic transmission vehicles). Next, I test the starter relay and fuse box, using a multimeter to check for any open circuits. If the starter terminals are corroded or the wiring harness is loose, I clean and tighten those connections. Internal starter components like the solenoid switch or worn carbon brushes could also cause issues. Forcing a start is not recommended as it may worsen the damage. I usually advise car owners to perform simple maintenance every six months, checking connection status and battery health, which can prevent many problems. For complex faults, it's best to consult a professional technician to avoid damaging the system through improper handling.
