In this article, we are going to discuss what you should do if your starter motor just clicks and is therefore not functioning properly.
The last thing you want is for your starter motor to fail, but if it does, let the professionals at Hansma Automotive help you. If you suspect your starter motor is going, contact us to book an appointment today.
Now let’s dig in and see why your starter motor is such an important component in your vehicle and what to do if it fails.
What Is A Starter Motor and How Does It Work?
Your starter is an electric motor. Its function is to turn the engine over during ignition.
When your turn the ignition, the motor is energized and an electromagnet is engaged, pushing out a rod which is attached to a pinion gear. This gear meets the flywheel which enables the starter to turn. This turning action creates suction, allowing air to flow into the engine.
The air is necessary to mix with your vehicle's fuel, creating combustion.
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A functioning starter motor is essential.
Possible Causes of Starter Motor Failure
If your starter motor clicks more than once when you attempt to get your car running, there are several possible causes:
A weak battery
Loose, damaged, or corroded battery cables
A faulty starter solenoid or relay
A bad starter motor
Your starter motor needs up to 250 amps or more (depending on the model) to produce the level of torque or force needed to turn the engine over.
Anything that interferes with the energy being transferred will therefore cause starter motor problems.
A clicking noise generally means something is standing in the way of the transfer of energy between the starter motor and the engine.
Signs That Your Starter Motor May Be Broken And What To Do Next
The following is a list of signs that your starter motor may be broken or starting to fail.
1. You turn the key and hear a clicking sound or nothing at all
This could be an indication that either your starter motor is going or that your battery is dead.
Solution: Try turning on the headlights or interior lights. If they are working properly then it isn't your battery and it is likely a problem with your starter motor.
2. You car is very slow to start
If you start your car and it seems to take an unusually long time to turn over, it may indicate that your starter motor is going.
Solution: Test the battery to make sure that it is working properly. Simply turn on the headlights or interior lights. If they are working properly then it isn't your battery and it is likely a problem with your starter motor.
Watch this to learn the distinct sound a starter will make to let you know there’s something wrong.
3. You hear a grinding noise when trying to start your car
This sound could indicate that the gears in your starter motor are going. It is the same sound that you hear if your car is already running and you try to start it.
Solution: It would be wise to get it checked out at this point.
4. You hear a single click
Starter motor issues can manifest as a single, loud click emanating from the starter relay or starter solenoid. Usually, this points to a faulty relay or solenoid, or a bad or jammed starter motor.
Solution: Rock your car back and forth or tap the starter motor with a hammer and try starting the engine again. If this works, you are good to go! However, if this happens again, then there's a problem with your starter motor and you'll likely need to replace it. A battery voltage test will also be helpful here.
If you suspect a bad starter motor, run through these checks before you look to get a new one.
Rely on Hansma Automotive If Your Starter Motor Is Not Working
If you think that your starter motor is broken, you should take it in for service.
The professionals at Hansma Automotive are experts at automotive repair. They have been servicing the Kitchener area at 88 Shoemaker Street for almost 30 years.
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Hansma Automotive can correctly diagnose your car's problem and fix it for you quickly and efficiently. The exact length of time will vary depending on the issue, as well as the make and model of your vehicle.