What are the symptoms of a bad car starter?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a bad car starter: 1. After turning on the ignition switch, the starter spins rapidly but the engine crankshaft shows no response. This phenomenon indicates a fault in the starter's transmission mechanism, possibly caused by worn transmission gears or a faulty one-way clutch. 2. The starter fails to operate normally, and the drive gear does not rotate. There are many possible causes for this, such as power line issues, burnt ignition switch contact disc, or excessive engine resistance. 3. The starter's power output is insufficient to turn the crankshaft. Short circuits in the field coil or a depleted battery can both lead to insufficient starter power. 4. The starter produces a harsh noise during operation, which might be caused by a stuck one-way clutch or improper starter installation. 5. The starter switch makes a "clicking" sound but does not work. A broken holding coil or a severely depleted battery can result in this phenomenon.
Last time when my car's starter motor broke down, it was such a hassle. It was a Sunday morning, and I wanted to drive out to buy some groceries. But when I turned the key, the engine didn't make any sound at all. The dashboard lights were still on, indicating it wasn't a battery issue. I tried several times but couldn't get it to start, accompanied by a clicking sound—like the starter was working but the engine wasn't moving. I knew it was probably broken, so I quickly called a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. The mechanic checked and said the starter motor had completely failed due to internal gear wear. If not fixed in time, it could have led to a breakdown on the road, posing a danger. Later, I asked a mechanic friend, and he suggested keeping the battery connections clean to avoid corrosion and extend the starter motor's lifespan. That experience taught me not to repeatedly attempt starting in such situations to prevent wiring damage.
