What are the reasons for a weak starter?
2 Answers
The reasons for a weak starter: Insufficient charging of the battery, excessive resistance caused by poor wiring or connections, resulting in reduced current and slow rotation of the starter. Diagnostic methods for a weak starter: 1. Internal short circuits in the armature coil or field coil of the starter can also cause the starter to be weak; 2. Mechanical faults inside the starter can also affect the normal operation of the starter; 3. Under low-temperature conditions, the internal resistance of the battery increases, the terminal voltage decreases, and the engine friction resistance increases, which can also lead to symptoms of a weak and slow starter; 4. You can use a conductor to bridge the two terminals on the starter switch. If the starter speed increases significantly, it indicates poor contact of the starter switch contacts and increased resistance; if the starter speed does not change, you should check whether the battery is fully charged, whether the brush wear is excessive, and whether the brush spring is too weak.
I've been repairing cars for almost twenty years, and this kind of weak starter issue is all too common. It's mainly due to insufficient battery power, such as an aging or depleted battery, causing a lack of strength during startup. Additionally, if the wiring connection points are corroded or loose, it can also affect current transmission. You can check the battery terminals and starter connections—if they're rusty, clean them up. Relay failures often occur too, where the signal doesn't reach the starter. Lastly, worn carbon brushes or a burned-out armature in the starter itself can also cause a lack of power. Don’t forget to check the alternator—if it's not charging the battery, the problem gets worse. Don’t slack on regular maintenance; clean the wiring and test the voltage. It’s best to take it to a professional shop for diagnostic tests with proper equipment, otherwise stalling on the road can be dangerous.