Why doesn't the starter motor turn?
3 Answers
The reasons why the starter motor does not turn: 1. Insufficient battery capacity, loose wire connections, or dirty terminals causing poor contact; 2. Open circuit in the starter relay coil or burnt contacts; 3. Open circuit in the solenoid coil on the electromagnetic switch or poor contact of the contact disc; 4. Internal faults in the starter motor, such as bent armature shaft or overly tight bearings. The starter motor, also known as the starter, converts the electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to drive the engine flywheel and start the engine. Based on working principles, starter motors can be categorized into DC starters, gasoline starters, and compressed air starters, among others.
Last month my car wouldn't start, the starter wouldn't turn no matter how many times I pressed it, which really stressed me out. Turned out the battery terminal was loose, tightened it and it started normally. There are quite a few common reasons why a starter won't turn - if the battery's dead, the car lights definitely won't come on or will be very dim, you'll need to use a charger or jump start it; could also be oxidized or loose terminals, recommend checking the battery connections under the hood; if it's a blown fuse, check the fuse box for any melted fuse tubes and replace them; additionally, the starter itself might be broken or the solenoid switch faulty - if you don't hear a clicking sound, it's probably an internal issue. Don't panic when this happens, try simple solutions first, if that doesn't work get a professional mechanic to check it out - safety first.
I've encountered situations where the starter doesn't turn, usually due to insufficient battery power or wiring issues. First check the battery condition - dim dashboard lights indicate it needs charging. Then inspect whether the connections are secure and free from corrosion, tightening any loose ones. Also, the fuse might be blown, so locate the headlight or starter-related fuses to see if replacement is needed. Relay failure is another common cause - if you don't hear the activation sound during startup, there might be an issue. Additionally, consider potential interference from the ignition switch or anti-theft system, and ensure the key is properly inserted. If the starter is stuck, you can gently tap its casing, but avoid excessive force to prevent damage. Regular vehicle maintenance can help minimize such troubles.
