Why does the car seem stuck when starting?
2 Answers
It is likely due to excessive wear of the starter motor, resulting in poor contact caused by excessive clearance between the rotor or copper sleeve. Repairing such components is not cost-effective, and direct replacement is recommended. Here are the detailed causes of this fault: Various circuit faults: Insufficient battery power or loose connections of wires, dirty terminal posts leading to poor contact. Open circuit in the starter solenoid switch coil or poor contact of the contact disc. Erosion of the starter relay contacts, open circuit or burnout of the relay magnetic coil. Starter damage: Bent armature shaft inside the starter or overly tight bearings, dirty or eroded commutator, excessively worn brushes, weak springs unable to make contact, short circuit, open circuit, or grounding in the armature coil or field coil.
When your car feels stuck while starting, I think it could be caused by several common issues. For example, insufficient battery power—when the battery ages, it may struggle to start. You should try opening the hood to check if the battery indicator is lit or if the voltage is too low. Another reason could be a faulty starter motor. I've seen this multiple times—a worn-out motor can make the starting sound particularly jerky or even cause no reaction at all. You should also inspect the ignition system, including the spark plugs or ignition coils. If there's excessive engine sludge or insufficient engine oil, it can cause the pistons to get stuck, which is more likely to happen in cold weather. Avoid forcing the ignition, as it may damage the engine. First, check if the battery cables are loose or if a fuse has blown. I recommend finding a repair shop for a comprehensive diagnosis as soon as possible. Also, remember to maintain the battery and starter motor regularly to avoid the hassle of breaking down on the road.