What are the reasons for the starter not turning?
3 Answers
The reasons for the starter not turning include a depleted battery, loose connections, etc. Below are the specific reasons for the starter not turning and an introduction to the starter: Specific reasons: Depleted battery, broken connecting wires, loose connections; severe burning of the starter relay contacts or open circuit in its coil; severe burning of the starter solenoid switch contacts or open circuit in its pull-in coil; open or short circuit in the internal windings of the starter DC motor; internal faults in the starter, such as a bent armature shaft, severely burned commutator, excessive wear of the brushes, brushes stuck in the brush holder, or weak brush spring pressure. Starter: The starter is a machine that drives the engine to rotate, converting the electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to drive the engine flywheel and start the engine. If the starter malfunctions, the engine cannot start.
When the starter motor fails to turn, based on my experience, there are several main issues to consider. The most basic one is insufficient battery power, such as when the car has been left unused for a long time or the battery is old and can't hold a charge. Severe corrosion on the terminals can also prevent current from passing through. Next are components of the starting system: worn-out starter switches or burnt relay contacts, especially in models with frequent ignition. The starter motor itself can have various faults, like worn-out carbon brushes or a jammed internal motor, leaving it completely unresponsive. Wiring issues shouldn’t be overlooked either—loose connections, short circuits, or open circuits can interrupt the current. Sometimes, the ignition key switch has poor contact, and the anti-theft system can lock the starter when triggered. I recommend getting it checked at a professional repair shop early on; otherwise, you might end up stranded on the road. For routine maintenance, regularly cleaning battery terminals and testing voltage can prevent many issues, which is much cheaper than repairs after the fact. Remember, safety comes first—don’t push a failing car to its limits.
Last time I encountered a situation where the starter wouldn't turn, I tried several times with no response, and later found out the battery was critically low. Replacing the battery solved the problem. A faulty starter relay is also common, especially in older cars—it sounds like it's stuck. When the starter's carbon brushes wear out, it can completely fail, or the Bendix component inside might get jammed and refuse to turn. Poor electrical connections, like loose or corroded terminals, can also prevent current flow. Occasionally, issues with the ignition switch or anti-theft module can cause this problem. From my experience, cars left outdoors for long periods are more prone to this, so I've made it a habit to check the battery and connections monthly. Prevention is better than repair—it saves hassle and avoids major roadside troubles.
