What are the causes of weak starter operation?
2 Answers
The causes of weak starter operation are: 1. Insufficient battery charge or loose, poor-contact connecting wires; 2. Starter bearings being too tight or excessively loose; 3. Burnt starter switch contacts or short-circuited electromagnetic switch coils; 4. Open or short circuits in the series auxiliary coil of a moving-armature starter. The symptoms of weak starter operation include: 1. The starter rotates slowly and weakly, making it difficult to turn the engine; 2. Upon engaging the starter switch, the starter only produces a clicking sound without starting. The starter, also known as a motor, converts the battery's electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the engine flywheel rotation, thereby enabling engine startup.
My car used to have difficulty starting, with a particularly sluggish feeling. The most common issue is insufficient battery power, such as an aging battery or not being charged after long periods of inactivity. Worn carbon brushes inside the starter can also slow down the starting speed, and upon disassembly, there are often signs of dust or burnt marks. Loose or corroded wiring connections are also frequent problems—like the time I found the ground wire corroded, and it improved after simple sanding. Additionally, if the engine oil is too thick, especially in winter, it increases resistance, making the starter work harder. Regularly checking the battery status and cleaning terminal connections can prevent these issues. If the problem persists, it's advisable to test the voltage with tools or seek professional repair at a shop, rather than forcing a start and damaging other components.
