How to Fix a Starter Without Replacing It | Maintenance Tips & Advice

Introduction

The starter is an essential component of any vehicle’s engine. It is responsible for initiating the combustion process that powers the car. Without it, the car won’t start. If your starter stops working, you may be tempted to just replace it. However, there are steps you can take to try and fix the starter without replacing it. In this article, we will discuss how to identify and troubleshoot common starter problems without having to replace the starter.

Check the Battery Cables for Corrosion or Damage

One of the most common causes of a failing starter is corroded or damaged battery cables. The battery cables are responsible for carrying power from the battery to the starter to initiate the combustion process. If the cables become corroded or damaged, they will not be able to carry enough power to the starter and the car won’t start.

To identify corrosion or damage, inspect the cables for any signs of rust or fraying. If you notice any signs of corrosion or damage, you should clean and replace the cables as soon as possible. To do this, you will need to disconnect the cables from the battery and use a wire brush to remove any rust or debris. Once the cables are clean, you can reconnect them and check to see if the car starts.

Inspect and Clean the Starter Relay Contacts

Another common cause of a failing starter is worn contacts on the starter relay. The starter relay is responsible for connecting the battery to the starter so that the car can start. If the contacts become worn or corroded, they will not be able to carry enough power to the starter and the car won’t start.

To identify worn contacts, inspect the relay for any signs of wear or corrosion. If you notice any signs of wear or corrosion, you should clean and replace the contacts as soon as possible. To do this, you will need to disconnect the relay from the battery and use a wire brush to remove any rust or debris. Once the contacts are clean, you can reconnect them and check to see if the car starts.

Test the Voltage of the Battery

A failing starter can also be caused by a weak battery. The battery provides power to the starter so that the car can start. If the battery is weak, it will not be able to provide enough power to the starter and the car won’t start.

To test the voltage of the battery, you will need a voltmeter. Connect the voltmeter to the battery and check the voltage reading. If the reading is below 12 volts, the battery is weak and needs to be replaced. Once you have replaced the battery, check to see if the car starts.

Check for a Bent or Worn Flywheel

A bent or worn flywheel can also cause a failing starter. The flywheel is responsible for transferring power from the crankshaft to the starter so that the car can start. If the flywheel is bent or worn, it will not be able to transfer enough power to the starter and the car won’t start.

To identify a bent or worn flywheel, inspect the flywheel for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, you should replace the flywheel as soon as possible. To do this, you will need to remove the flywheel from the engine and install a new one. Once the flywheel is installed, check to see if the car starts.

Check for an Overheated Starter Motor

An overheated starter motor can also cause a failing starter. The starter motor is responsible for spinning the flywheel so that the car can start. If the starter motor overheats, it will not be able to spin the flywheel and the car won’t start.

To identify an overheated starter motor, inspect the starter motor for any signs of heat or damage. If you notice any signs of heat or damage, you should cool down the motor as soon as possible. To do this, you will need to disconnect the starter motor from the engine and allow it to cool down. Once the motor has cooled down, check to see if the car starts.

Make Sure the Starter Solenoid is Working Properly

The starter solenoid is responsible for controlling the starter motor so that the car can start. If the solenoid is faulty, it will not be able to control the starter motor and the car won’t start.

To identify a faulty solenoid, inspect the solenoid for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, you should test and replace the solenoid as soon as possible. To do this, you will need to disconnect the solenoid from the starter motor and use a multimeter to test its continuity. If the continuity test fails, you should replace the solenoid. Once the solenoid is replaced, check to see if the car starts.

Conclusion

Fixing a starter without replacing it can be a daunting task. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to identify and troubleshoot common starter problems without having to replace the starter. By following the steps outlined above, you can save time and money by avoiding unnecessary starter replacements. If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to fix the starter yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.