Signs of a Bad Starter

Posted on the 19 December 2020 by A2v

The starting system cranks the engine. This starting system generally uses a DC motor that operates on electric energy from a battery. The motor rotates when the ignition switch is turned on (ST position).
The turning force of the starter motor is delivered through its pinion gear to the flywheel ring gear that is attached to the crankshaft. When starting the engine, a large amount of torque is required to compress the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders and overcome the engine’s oil viscous resistance and other loads. Therefore, a large current (150A to 200A) must flow through the starter motor, and consequently, the battery must be fully charged.
If you start the engine and nothing happen after turning the ignition switch on, the following is the possible reason:
1. Battery related problem
2. Starter related problem
3. Ignition / fuel related problem

Car troubleshooting

Start the engine
Set the ignition switch to the start position to check the malfunction. Shift the AT selector lever to the P and N positions to check if the starter motor operates.
If the engine does not start, observe if the engine turns by cranking. If the engine turns by cranking. Observe if the engine turns normally. If the engine turns normally, then check the ignition and the fuel system.
If the engine does not turn normally (turns slower than normal), then check the battery. Check the battery charging conditions, terminal connections, and terminal corrosions. After checking the battery, and you found that the battery is ok, then the problem is the starter. Repair the starter.
If the engine does not turn by cranking
Observe if the starter motor turn.
If the starter motor turn
Observe if the gear shaft turns. If the gear shaft turns then check the pinion clutch. If the gear shaft does not turn then check reduction gear, armature, and gear shaft.
If the starter motor does not turn
Check the fuse and the fusible link, replace the one with the problem. If the fuse and the fusible link is good, check the battery charging condition, terminal connections, and terminal corrosion. If the battery and its terminal are good, check the starting system and its wiring and repair if necessary.

For AT vehicle, it is better to check it at the P/N position relay terminals.
Check relay operational sound When the selector lever is shifted from D to N or from R to P with the ignition switch ON, check for the operational sound of the P/N relay.
Observe if the magnetic switch operation sound occurs from the starter. If no sound occurs then replace the magnetic switch.
If magnetic switch operation sound occurs, check the condition of pinion and ring gear mesh, if there is a problem adjust the pinion movement, check pinion moving mechanism, and ring gear.
When operational sound is heard No.13 fuse and the inhibitor switch are OK. When the ignition switch is at the start position and the No. 5 terminal of the starter relay has the battery voltage, the 30A The fusible link and ignition key are OK. Perform the contact continuity test for the individual relay. If the result is NG, replace it. If the result is OK, measure the voltage at the starter motor terminal S.  If pinion and ring gear condition is good Observe if the starter turns under no-load by connecting wires as shown in the picture.

Check relay operational sound
When the selector lever is shifted from D to N or from R to P with the ignition switch ON,
check for the operational sound of the P/N relay.
When operational sound is not heard
Measure the voltage of the relay at terminal No. 1.
If it is OK, the No.13 fuse is normal. Then, place the black test lead to terminal No. 2 at the P/N position switch and check it.
If it is OK, the P/N position switch is normal. Check the coil of the relay.
If the starter turns under no load, then replace the magnetic switch. If the starter does not turn under no load, then repair or replace the starter motor.


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