What are the faults in the starting system?
3 Answers
The faults in the starting system include the starter not working, the starter operating weakly, the starter idling, the starter grinding during startup, and the starter failing to disengage after startup. Among these faults, the most common ones are the starter not working and the starter operating weakly. Below are the solutions for starting system faults: Check the battery: When symptoms such as the horn not sounding, dashboard lights dimming, slow operation of power windows, dim car headlights, or the anti-start indicator flashing (in some models) occur, check whether the battery terminals are oxidized or poorly connected, whether the battery grounding is poor, and measure whether the starting voltage of the starter is greater than 9.6V. Check the starter: Short-circuit the main terminal of the starter connected to the cable with the starting terminal. If the starter does not work, it indicates a fault in the starter's electromagnetic switch or other components, and the starter should be removed for repair.
A few days ago, my old car wouldn't start and almost made me miss an important meeting. Starting system failures usually begin with the battery—in my case, it was a completely dead aged battery with severely corroded terminals that couldn't even power the dashboard lights. Additionally, a faulty starter motor is common, making clicking noises but failing to turn the engine, or struggling to start in cold winters. Blown fuses are another issue—last month, when a fuse blew, my car was completely unresponsive. Wiring problems are hidden dangers; loose or corroded wires can interrupt current, and the solenoid might also fail or get stuck. Lastly, don’t overlook a faulty ignition switch—if turning the key feels off, get it repaired promptly to avoid being stranded. The starting system involves multiple components: battery, motor, fuses, wiring, and switch. Address issues immediately to prevent being caught off guard like I was.
After years of repairing cars, I've found that starting failures often follow several typical patterns. First, dead batteries or oxidized terminals are the most common, especially in cold weather when battery power drops quickly, and the car makes no sound when trying to start. Starter motor issues are also frequent, such as worn-out motors making strange noises or failing to turn at all, or solenoid failures preventing the start signal from being transmitted. On the electrical side, blown fuses can cause the entire system to fail, or loose wiring can lead to intermittent power issues. Additionally, faulty ignition switches can make it seem like turning the key has no effect. Less common issues include damaged flywheel ring gears jamming the motor's operation. These faults all require step-by-step checking of current and voltage sources with a multimeter. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning connections, can reduce the likelihood of these problems. Those with good mechanical skills can attempt self-diagnosis first, but for more complex issues, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.
