4 Reasons Why Your Starter Turns But Doesn’t Work
We expect our car to start when we just turn the key, but sometimes the engine won’t start, leading to frustrating delays. A confusing “starting problem” is when the starter turns but the flywheel doesn’t work.
No car brand is immune to this issue, but it can be solved with careful diagnosis and attention to detail. Let’s look at the most common causes when a starter motor turns but doesn’t work.
How does a starter work?
Your vehicle’s starter motor isn’t overly complicated in design, but it is designed to perform several tasks simultaneously. When your vehicle’s ignition is turned on, power is sent to the starter motor and starter solenoid.
The starter activates an electromagnet that, when activated, drives outward a special shaft that has a precision-cut pinion attached to it. This pinion meshes with the toothed outer segment of your vehicle’s flywheel, simply called the ring gear.
When the clutch is engaged, the power supplied to the starter spins the internal engine and the vehicle’s flywheel. The flywheel or flexplate attached to the engine’s crankshaft starts the engine turning.
As soon as the motor starts turning, time-dependent motor functions are activated, such as: B. Providing an ignition spark and actuating the valves. The aforementioned rotation of the crankshaft also causes the engine’s pistons to move within their respective cylinders.
If each step of the above process goes smoothly, the vehicle’s engine will start almost instantly. However, if any part of this process goes wrong, you will usually need to call a tow service.
Causes of a Starter Motor That Turns But Doesn’t Operate
Even if the drive motor is working, a lot of underlying issues can cause a starter that won’t turn on. Identifying these possible causes can help speed up repairs to your vehicle and ultimately get you back on the road.
Below are some of the most common causes of a starter motor that turns but doesn’t turn on.
#1 – Low Battery Voltage
It takes a significant amount of energy to power and drive the Bendix assembly of the starter. Often times, a weak battery will provide enough power to turn the starter itself, but not enough to engage the Bendix and activate the flywheel.
#2 – Starter Bendix Error
Starter engagement issues can also be caused by a fault in the starter bendix drive. As a result, the starter will turn normally, but will not connect to the engine’s flywheel or flexplate. This type of failure will ultimately require a starter replacement.
#3 – Starter Solenoid/Solenoid Contact Failure
Issues related to your vehicle’s starter solenoid can also be the cause of your starter not working properly. The starter solenoid acts as a kind of relay, distributing enough power throughout the starter operation. If the starter solenoid whistles on the last hole or its contacts are stuck, the starter bendix may not engage with the flywheel.
#4 – Corroded or loose wiring
Another common cause of starter motor problems is corroded or loose wiring. Loose or corroded battery cables often fail to transmit the voltage and current required to ensure proper starter operation. Such issues include an overall lack of flywheel engagement.