How to Solve the Problem of the Starter Motor Not Turning When the Engine is Hot?
4 Answers
Solutions for the starter motor not turning when the engine is hot: 1. Wait for the engine to cool down and restart. If the motor turns normally, it indicates an issue with the electromagnetic switch, which should be replaced; 2. Check if the battery is low on power. If the battery is in good condition, inspect the starting circuit. If the circuit is also intact, the problem lies with the motor, which should be replaced directly; 3. Examine the coolant temperature sensor and intake air temperature sensor. If their resistance values do not meet the standard, they should be replaced immediately. The motor, also known as the starter, is an electric motor or engine that operates by the force exerted on an electrified coil in a magnetic field, causing the starter rotor to rotate. The small gear on the rotor drives the engine flywheel to rotate, which is the working principle of the motor, also referred to as the starter.
Hot engine won't crank - as a veteran driver with decades of experience, I've encountered this several times. It's caused by the starter gear getting stuck due to thermal expansion of the engine, preventing the motor from turning. Don't panic when this happens. First, park the car securely, turn off all electrical systems, and wait a few minutes for the engine to cool down slightly. Then check if the battery connections are loose or corroded - tighten them with a wrench if needed. If that doesn't work, gently tap the starter housing a few times with a stick to loosen it up, but don't hit too hard to avoid damaging components. I once forced a start in this situation on the highway and ended up frying the battery - cost me a fortune to repair, so don't follow my bad example. If all else fails, call for a tow truck and have a repair shop inspect it. Regular maintenance of the starter and battery can prevent such failures.
I often encounter this issue when driving long distances in summer, where the starter gets too hot and seizes up, unable to turn. The solution is to avoid fiddling with the key immediately. After turning off the engine, wait a few minutes to let the car cool down before attempting to start it again. Check the battery voltage with a multimeter; if it's below 12 volts, find a passing car to jump-start yours. Alternatively, gently tap the starter to loosen it up. However, I'm not a professional. My driving instructor once reminded me that such problems are often caused by poor connections due to thermal expansion. Do what you can yourself, but seek help quickly if needed. I also regularly clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion and avoid future issues. Older cars are more prone to this problem, so it's advisable to have them checked at a maintenance shop during seasonal changes—it saves both money and hassle.
When driving my kid to school, the car wouldn't start after getting hot, which gave me a scare. Turned out thermal expansion caused the starter gear to jam, preventing rotation. First step was pulling over safely with hazard lights on. After letting the car cool down, I tried restarting. Checked if battery cables were loose - tightening them often helps. If that doesn't work, better call a mechanic. I later learned this is common, especially in summer, so checking the car's condition before morning trips is good practice.
