One of the engine’s primary auxiliary systems, the starting motor, turns the engine over physically before internal combustion takes control and keeps the car moving.
A burned-out starter may be an annoying and expensive problem, and if you chance to switch off the engine without realising it is damaged, it might leave you stranded.
Knowing what causes a burned-out starter might help you avoid one and maintain your car in good working order. In this essay, we will examine the many potential starter burnout causes.
Overloading, excessive cranking, worn brushes, filthy or corroded connections, loose connections, a malfunctioning solenoid, and improper maintenance may all lead to starter burnout. To get the car operating again, either a component of the starting or the whole starter must be changed.
How the Starter Works
The starting motor, an electric motor, starts the internal combustion engine of a vehicle. When the driver turns the key or hits the start button, it starts the engine to operate independently. This is how it goes:
Power Supply
The vehicle’s battery provides electricity to the starting motor. The battery supplies the engine’s starting voltage and current.
Solenoid
The electromagnetic solenoid, which controls the passage of electricity to the starting motor, functions as a switch. The solenoid is engaged when the key is twisted, or the start button is depressed, enabling electricity to flow to the starting motor. To learn more about the wiring of the solenoid, go here.
Pinion Gear
A tiny gear called the pinion gear is attached to the shaft of the starting motor. When the starting motor is turned on, the pinion gear expands and engages with the flywheel’s ring gear.
Flywheel
A revolving component of the engine that stores kinetic energy is called the flywheel. The flywheel and engine revolve due to the pinion gear’s engagement with the flywheel’s ring gear. This revolution starts the engine.
Launch Relay
An electrical switch known as the starting relay manages the current going to the starter solenoid. The starting relay permits electricity to pass to the solenoid, which in turn controls the starter motor when the starter motor is turned on. Click here to learn more about the signs of a faulty starting relay.
The starting motor is disconnected from the flywheel once the engine has started since it is no longer required. The gasoline and air combination that ignites in the cylinders then causes the engine to operate independently. The starting motor is employed again when the driver wants to start the engine.
7 Reasons Why a Starter Might Burn Out
Although starter motors are the most dependable and resilient parts, they are susceptible to several mechanical or electrical issues that might lead to failure. Some of the most frequent reasons for starting motor failure are listed below:
1. Overloading
If the starting motor is asked to turn an engine that is too large for it or if the engine is put under tremendous strain due to a failure, such as a seized alternator or power steering pump, the motor may burn out.
You must identify the cause of the increased strain on the engine before you can repair an overloaded starter. This may include examining any power steering, or alternator seized components and, if required, fixing or replacing them. In certain circumstances, you may need to add a starting motor with more power so it can crank the engine.
2. Excessive Cranking
The starting motor may get overheated and burn out when the engine is continuously cranked for an extended time.
You should refrain from cranking the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time to prevent excessive cranking from wearing out the starting motor. Wait a minute or two before starting the engine again if it does not start the first time. You should get the engine inspected by a professional if the issue continues.
3. Worn Brushes
Over time, the starting motor’s brushes may get worn down, leading to the starter drawing too much current and finally burning out.
You will need to dismantle the starter and replace the worn brushes in the starting motor. It is recommended for a skilled technician or auto electrician to do this procedure.
4. Corroded or dirty connections
The starting may burn out if dirt or rust on the battery cables or starter motor obstructs the electricity’s path.
Disconnect the battery cables and use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean the terminals. Also, it would be best to clean the starting motor’s connections. It could be necessary to replace the connectors if they have serious corrosion.
5. Loose Connections
A reduction in voltage may be carried on by loose battery cables or starting motor connections, which can result in an excessive current draw and, eventually, the starter motor burning out.
The battery wires must be unplugged so that you may check the connections for looseness. With a spanner, you should tighten the connections if they are slack. Additionally, you should check the starting motor’s connections and tighten them as required.
6. Faulty Solenoid
The starting motor may burn out if a malfunctioning solenoid transfers power from the battery and cannot provide the required current.
You must take the starting motor out of the equation to test and fix a bad solenoid. If the solenoid is discovered to be defective, it needs to be changed. It is recommended for a skilled technician or auto electrician to do this procedure.
7. Poor Maintenance
Regular maintenance tasks like inspecting and cleaning battery cables might be neglected, resulting in rusted or unclean connections and, eventually, the starting motor burning out.
The starting motor may avoid burning out with routine maintenance. This can include having the starting motor checked and cleaned and the battery cables and connections if required. To guarantee adequate maintenance, you should adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for your car.
Burned-Out Starter Motor Signs and Symptoms
It might mean that the starting motor is broken if you turn the key & hear a clicking sound, but the engine will not start.
- The engine cranks but doesn’t start
- Slow cranking
- Intermittent startup issues
- Burning smell
- Grinding noise
What Does it Cost to Replace a Starter Motor?
Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, location, and starting type, the cost to replace a beginning motor might vary significantly. For a starting motor replacement, you should budget between $400 and $800, labour included.
However, replacing certain high-end or luxurious cars may cost $1,000 to $1,500 or even more. Even while the cost of an aftermarket starter, which normally costs between $100 and $300, might be less expensive, the quality of these components can vary greatly.
How Long Does It Take to Change a Starter?
Starting motor replacement typically takes two to three hours, depending on the type and model of your car. If more fixes or replacements are necessary, more time could be needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the starter motor, which turns the engine over and initiates the vehicle’s start, is a crucial part of the starting system. A burned-out starter, however, may be caused by several things, including overloading, excessive cranking, worn brushes, filthy or corroded connections, loose connections, a malfunctioning solenoid, and improper maintenance.
It is critical to comprehend these reasons and take precautions to avoid them if we want to stop this from occurring. Regular maintenance may also help avoid a burned-out starter and keep the car operating smoothly, such as inspecting and cleaning the battery cables. It is preferable to seek the help of a qualified technician or car electrician for repair in case of a burned-out starter.
