What Causes the Car Starter to Occasionally Not Respond?

[AnthonyMarie]

The reasons why the car starter occasionally does not respond are as follows: 1. Faulty solenoid switch: Common faults of the solenoid switch generally include short circuits, open circuits, and grounding of the pull-in coil and hold-in coil, as well as burning of the contact disc and contacts. Whether the coil is open or grounded can be checked by measuring resistance with an ohmmeter. 2. Slipping of the one-way clutch: The main component of the transmission mechanism is the one-way clutch, which transmits torque in one direction only, specifically from the starter to the engine flywheel. This prevents the flywheel from driving the starter motor to overspeed and causing damage after the engine starts.

[MartinMarie]

My car has been unresponsive when starting for the past few days. After a long inspection, I found out it was due to the battery aging, which caused insufficient voltage, making it more prone to issues when temperatures fluctuate. Additionally, the carbon brushes inside the motor were severely worn, causing the start signal to fail and the engine to stall. Oxidized and loose wiring connections are also common, especially during rainy days when humidity increases resistance. I once checked it myself using a multimeter to measure the voltage—if it's below 12V, the battery needs replacement. I recommend having the mechanic test it during regular maintenance to avoid being stranded at critical moments. Remember, these minor issues can accumulate over time and lead to bigger failures, so addressing them early saves time and effort.

[SanCalvin]

The starter occasionally failing is often due to a few key issues. First, the battery performance declines, and when it reaches the end of its lifespan, it naturally lacks the power to drive. Second, the internal gears of the starter motor may be stuck or the contacts burned out, especially in older vehicles with frequent use. Third, the ignition switch contacts may be worn, leading to unstable signal transmission. I once encountered a situation where starting was difficult in high summer temperatures due to increased line resistance and insufficient current. When checking it yourself, see if the fuse is blown or if the motor's turning sound is normal. If in doubt, take it to a professional shop for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.

[VonKevin]

When there's no response upon starting, I usually check the battery status first, using a voltmeter to see if the voltage is too low. Then, I inspect whether the key knob has good contact – sometimes the ignition switch contacts oxidize and need cleaning. Issues with the starter motor itself, like worn-out carbon brushes, can also easily cause failure. It's advisable not to overlook these issues; small problems left unfixed can damage more components. Regular maintenance can significantly reduce such troubles.