What are the reasons for the starter not working?
4 Answers
The reasons for the starter not working: 1. Insufficient battery power or loose connections; 2. Damaged start switch; 3. Short circuit or open circuit in the starter relay coil or burnt contacts; 4. Short circuit or open circuit in the solenoid switch coil or poor contact with the contact disc. The starter is a small gasoline engine equipped with a clutch and transmission mechanism, featuring high power and less susceptibility to temperature effects, capable of starting large internal combustion engines and suitable for extremely cold regions. Starters can be categorized by working principle into DC electric starters, gasoline starters, and compressed air starters. Most internal combustion engines use DC electric starters, which are characterized by compact structure, simple operation, and easy maintenance.
I've been driving this vintage car for almost ten years and have encountered the starter not working several times. Usually, the issue lies with the battery—after years of use, it struggles to crank the engine, and when the voltage drops below 12V, it can't turn the starter. Sometimes it's a relay failure; you'll hear a click when turning the key but nothing happens, which means the contacts inside are burnt or have poor connection. Aging wiring is also a critical point. Last time during a road trip, the starter failed on the highway, and I found the wire connection in the engine bay had loosened—tightening it fixed the issue. If the starter itself is broken, you might need to replace the entire assembly, such as worn internal brushes or a stuck solenoid. For prevention, I recommend regularly checking the battery condition and doing maintenance before winter. Don't wait until it fails at a critical moment—have a professional auto shop test it to be sure.
When repairing cars, I often encounter the phenomenon of the starter not moving. A simple troubleshooting process involves three steps: First, check the battery by using a multimeter to measure if the voltage is below 10V. If the battery is undercharged, the car won't start. Second, check the relay. If you only hear a clicking sound when turning the key but the engine doesn't crank, the relay might be faulty and replacing it should solve the issue. Lastly, inspect the starter itself. If there's no sound at all, check for corroded connections or internal faults. A stuck solenoid switch can also cause trouble. I've experienced cases where the motor spins but doesn't engage, which was due to worn-out engagement gears. Remember not to force-start the car yourself to avoid burning the circuits. When diagnosing, ask a friend to test the battery's health or send it for repair. In most cases, this can save a lot of trouble.
Veteran experience tells me that starter failures are often caused by a dead battery or a faulty ignition switch. In my forty years of driving, several emergencies were triggered by loose connection points, especially severe corrosion after rainy days, which can be easily spotted upon inspection. Preventive replacement of parts is essential, otherwise, breaking down in the wild can be troublesome. Timely action is crucial—don't attempt repeated starts to avoid damaging more systems.
