What to Do When the Starter Fails to Start?
3 Answers
If the starter fails to start, it is necessary to promptly visit a 4S shop for repair. The reasons for the starter not starting or operating weakly include the following: 1. The battery is dead or has insufficient power, resulting in the starter being unable to rotate or rotating slowly. 2. Loose or detached starter wiring, or failure of the switch or solenoid switch. 3. Worn brushes or misaligned brush surfaces, weak springs, leading to poor contact with the commutator. 4. Short circuits or open circuits in the field coils or armature coils. 5. Dirty commutator or protruding mica segments, causing poor contact between the brushes and the commutator.
When the starter fails to engage, based on my personal car experience, the main causes include a dead battery, loose wiring, or a faulty starter itself. If you only hear a clicking sound when turning the key but the car doesn't start, first check if the headlights turn on to confirm the battery condition; dim lights or a non-illuminated dashboard indicate the battery might be drained—try jump-starting with a friend's car in this case. For wiring issues, pop the hood and inspect if the starter connections are secure or severely corroded; you can slightly tighten them with a wrench, but avoid excessive force. If the starter's internal components are damaged (e.g., a stuck motor), gently tapping it might provide a temporary fix, though this isn't a long-term solution. Avoid repeated starting attempts to prevent complete component burnout. If simple troubleshooting doesn’t work, promptly visit a repair shop to inspect and replace the starter—typically costing a few hundred bucks. Regular maintenance like checking battery voltage (keep it above 12V) can prevent many such issues.
When you find your car won't start, don't panic. First, make sure the vehicle is safely parked in neutral or P gear. Check if the battery terminals are loose or corroded, and try tightening them with a wrench. If the lights turn on but the engine doesn't respond, it might be a faulty ignition switch or relay—try replacing the spare fuse to see if that works. There's also the possibility of the anti-theft system mistakenly locking; try turning the car key off and on again or waiting a few minutes before attempting to start. If all else fails, use a multimeter to check the battery voltage—if it's below 11V, you'll need to recharge or replace the battery. The push-start method only works for manual transmissions, but it's quite labor-intensive. These issues often arise from neglecting regular maintenance; cleaning the engine bay monthly can reduce risks. Remember, if you can't fix it yourself, call for roadside assistance rather than forcing it.
