What are the reasons for the starter not turning?
3 Answers
The reasons for the starter not turning are: insufficient battery capacity, loose connections of various wires, dirty terminals causing poor contact, open circuit in the starter relay coil, burnt contacts, open circuit in the solenoid coil on the electromagnetic switch, or poor contact of the contact disc. The function of the starter is to convert electrical energy into kinetic energy when the key is turned to the start position, thereby starting the engine. Its role is to push the gear forward, engaging the starter gear with the engine's flywheel. The large cylindrical component at the lower part is the starter motor, which provides the torque to start the engine. When starting the engine, turning the ignition switch to the start position activates the starter relay coil circuit, driving the engine's crankshaft to rotate and bringing the engine's pistons to the ignition position.
If the starter motor doesn't turn, there could be many reasons. The most common one is a dead battery. Try honking the horn or turning on the headlights—if the response is sluggish, it's time to charge or replace the battery. Loose battery terminals are also a frequent issue; try tightening them with a wrench. Next, check the relay—that small box controlling the circuit—as burnt contacts can sometimes prevent power flow. The starter motor itself might be faulty, such as a burnt-out solenoid or seized internal bearings, which would require professional disassembly and repair. Electrical issues like blown fuses or aging wires causing short circuits could also be the culprit. It's recommended to first test the battery voltage with a multimeter to see if it's above 12V. If the voltage is normal but the starter still doesn't work, the ignition switch might be faulty. Avoiding frequent short trips in daily driving can help prolong battery life.
Last time my car's starter just wouldn't turn over, it was so frustrating. Later I realized the reason was probably a dead battery, especially since battery deterioration is severe in winter. When checking, first feel the battery terminals - if they're loose or corroded, cleaning them might help. Another possibility is a relay failure; it's responsible for transmitting current, and if it's not working, the starter gets stuck. Poor wire connections are also common, like loose plugs. If the starter itself has issues, like insufficient electromagnetic force or jamming, then parts need replacing. I remember checking the fuse box that time and sure enough, one was blown. Simply put, start with basic troubleshooting, and if that doesn't work, call a mechanic.
