The First Movement of Your Car: The Vital Role of the Starter Motor That characteristic sound you hear when you turn the ignition of your car or press the start button, and then the engine comes to life, depends largely on a small but powerful component: the starter motor. The starter motor (starter motor) is a critical part that converts the electrical energy it receives from the battery into mechanical energy to provide the first movement of the internal combustion engine and starts the rotation of the crankshaft by turning the flywheel gear. This provides the first movement until the motor starts working on its own. Therefore, it is not possible to start your car without a starter motor. The starter motor may fail over time or for various reasons. This can be quite annoying for drivers because the vehicle may suddenly stop working and cause you to stay on the road. Noticing the signs of starter motor failure early, correctly diagnosing the cause of the problem and determining the appropriate repair option will protect you from unexpected situations and unnecessary costs. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the common symptoms of starter motor failures, possible causes of these failures, diagnostic methods and professional repair and maintenance options that we offer as Nitro Bilişim (starter coal replacement, starter automatic (solenoid) failures, bendix gear problems, etc.) we will consider it in detail. What are the Symptoms of Starter Motor Failure? Some common symptoms that may be a harbinger of a problem with your starter are: • No Reaction When the Ignition is Turned (Silence): No sound comes from the starter motor when you turn the ignition or press the start button, or a very weak clicking sound is heard. This may indicate that the electric current has not reached the starter motor or that the starter motor is completely dysfunctional. • A Single "Click" Sound and the Engine Does Not Turn: There is a distinct “click” sound (the sound of the starter automatic) when you turn the ignition, but the starter motor does not turn the crankshaft. This usually indicates a failure of the starter automatic (solenoid) or a mechanical problem inside the starter motor. * Weak or Slow Starter Pressing: The starter turns the engine much slower and harder than usual. The engine may take a long time to start, or it may not start at all. This may be due to battery weakness, wear of starter motor coals, or electrical connection problems. * Abnormal Sounds Coming From the Starter Motor: - Squeak, Friction or Metal Sound: Metallic friction, squeak or crackling sounds coming from the starter motor when pressing the starter may indicate that the bendix gear is not switching properly to the flywheel gear or that there is a mechanical problem inside the starter motor. - Winking or Wasted Rotation Sound: If you hear that the starter motor is running (winking sound) but is not turning the engine (wasted rotation), the bendix gear does not switch to the flywheel, or the clutch mechanism inside the starter motor may be defective. • The Starter Motor Remains Plugged in: The starter motor continues to work even after the engine starts (the winking sound persists). This is caused by the failure of the starter automatic or the bendix gear to retract and may damage both the starter motor and the flywheel gear. It is necessary to turn off the ignition immediately. * Burnt Smell or Smoke: The smell of burnt cable or smoke coming from the starter motor indicates an electrical short circuit or overheating. In this case, you should not try to start the car and contact a specialist immediately. * Intermittent Operation Problems: Sometimes the starter motor works normally, sometimes it does not react at all, or it works with difficulty. This suggests that there may be loose connections, worn coals, or an initial-level problem with the starter automatic. Possible Causes of Starter Motor Failures Starter motor failures can be caused by various factors: * Starter Automatic (Solenoid) Failure: The starter automatic is an electromagnetic switch that transmits the high current from the battery to the starter motor and at the same time pushes the bendix gear towards the flywheel gear. Burning of the contacts inside, malfunction of the coil or failure of the mechanism is one of the most common causes of malfunction. (It is a typical solenoid problem if the “click” sound comes and does not press the starter). * Wear of Starter Motor Coals: The coal brushes that allow the electric motor inside the starter motor to rotate wear out over time. Corroded coals prevent sufficient electrical current from flowing to the engine, causing poor starting or no starting at all. • Bendix Gear (Starter Gear) Failure: The Bendix gear transfers the rotational motion generated by the starter motor to the flywheel gear. Stripping of its teeth, deterioration of its mechanism or failure to switch to the flywheel properly (failure of the back-and-forth movement mechanism) leads to problems. * Wear of Starter Motor Bushings or Bearings: The bushings or bearings in which the starter motor shaft is bearings may wear out over time. This may cause the shaft to wobble, rub and make noise. * Electrical Connection Problems: - Loose or Corroded Battery Poles and Cable Connections: Looseness or corrosion in the main power cables or chassis connection from the battery to the starter prevents the passage of sufficient current. - Damaged Cables: Disconnection, crush or insulation damage to the cables leading to the starter motor. * Battery Problems: A weak or exhausted battery cannot provide sufficient power to the starter motor. In this case, the starter motor turns slowly or does not turn at all. (Although this is not a direct starter motor failure, its symptoms may be similar). * Contact Thermal (Ignition Switch) Failure: Failure of the electrical contact of the ignition switch in the starter position may prevent the signal from going to the starter automatic. * Mechanical Jams Related to the Engine or Transmission (Rare Cases): A mechanical jam inside the engine or in the transmission may prevent the starter motor from turning the crankshaft. In this case, the starter motor is overloaded. * Short Circuit or Open Circuit in the Starter Motor Windings: There are electrical problems in the rotor or stator windings inside the starter motor. Diagnosis of Starter Motor Failures The correct diagnosis prevents unnecessary part replacement and ensures that the problem is permanently solved: 1. Battery Control: First of all, the battery voltage and charging status are checked. If necessary, its performance under load is measured with a battery tester. 2. Visual Inspection and Inspection of Connections: The battery pole heads, the cable connections on the starter motor (especially the thick power cable and the thin signal cable to the starter automatic) are checked for looseness, corrosion and damage. The chassis connection should also be checked. 3. Voltage Drop Test: During the starting press, the voltage drop is measured at the battery pole heads and starter motor connections to get an idea about the resistance of the connections. 4. Starter Automatic Test: By supplying 12V directly to the starter automatic (care should be taken and the vehicle should not be in gear), it can be checked whether it is working and whether it is pushing the bendix gear. 5. Starter Motor Current Draw Test: With a special clamp meter, it is measured how much current the starter motor draws at the moment of pressing the starter. Excessive high or low current draw may indicate a problem. 6. Inspection of the Starter Motor by Disassembly: If the problem cannot be found by external controls, the starter motor is disassembled and examined at the workbench. The condition of the coals, bendix gear, bushings and inner windings are checked. Starter Motor Repair and Replacement Options Depending on the type of malfunction and the general condition of the starter motor, different solutions can be followed: * Cleaning and Tightening of Connections: Loose or corrosive connections can be removed by cleaning and tightening the problem. * Replacement of Starter Coals: Worn coals can be replaced with new ones. This is usually a cost-effective repair. * Replacement of the Starter Automatic (Solenoid): The defective starter automatic can be replaced with a new one. In some cases, only the contacts can also be changed. * Replacement of Bendix Gear: Damaged or defective bendix gear can be replaced. * Replacement of Starter Bushings or Bearings: Worn bushings or bearings can be renewed. * Complete Starter Motor Revision: The starter motor can be revised by disassembling and replacing all worn or defective parts (coal, automatic, bendix, bushings). This may be more economical than buying a new starter motor. * Complete Starter Motor Replacement: If the starter motor cannot be repaired, too many parts are defective, or revision is not economical, replacing it with a new one (original or a high-quality sub-industry) may be the best solution. Nitro Informatics Tip: After the starter motor is repaired or replaced, make sure that all electrical connections are made correctly and tightly. Making sure that the battery and charging system are also working properly will extend the life of a new or repaired starter motor. Reliable Solutions to Your Starter Motor Problems with Nitro Bilişim As Nitro Bilişim, we are a service specialized in the diagnosis and repair of starter motor failures of every brand and model of vehicle. With our experienced technicians and modern equipment: • We perform comprehensive fault detection for the starter motor and the related electrical system. • We perform repair and replacement operations using original or high-quality spare parts. • We offer starter motor revision service. • We do battery and charging system checks.
A Healthy Starter For A Smooth Start The starter motor has a critical role to start your car's journey every day. In case of malfunction, it can leave you on the road and disrupt your plans. Taking into account the signs of starter motor failure and getting professional help before the problem grows will protect you from larger expenses and time loss. You can rely on Nitro Bilişim's expertise and quality service understanding for any problems you have with your vehicle's starter system. A reliable start means a smooth journey.