All vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine rely on a starter, also known as a starter motor, to get started. It's an electrical part mounted to the outside of the engine, and when you turn the key, it gets the engine spinning so it can start. When your starter is giving you issues, your vehicle's engine might not start, which is why a working starter is essential. Keep reading to learn all about this important part, how to get the most out of it, and what to do if you suspect yours is faulty.

What Starters Do

Your vehicle's internal combustion engine needs an electric motor that generates a large amount of torque to turn over. This is the starter's job. When you turn the key, a signal goes to a solenoid, which acts like a powerful switch. The solenoid does two things at once: it pushes a small gear forward to connect with the engine, and it sends a big surge of power from the battery to the starter motor. The starter then cranks the engine and disengages only after the engine spins faster than the starter itself.

Starter Components

The starter motor is made of several components that must work together to get the engine spinning.

・Armature: The armature is a rotating electromagnet. Its magnetic field interacts with the field coils to create torque. It is made of a soft, laminated iron core with several loops of wire and is mounted on bearings and the driveshaft.
・Commutator: The commutator is a ring of insulated copper bars at the back of the armature. The brushes press against it to pass electricity to the armature's coils.
・Brushes: These are small carbon blocks that press against the commutator. They don't create electricity, but they conduct it from the battery to the spinning armature.
・Solenoid: The solenoid is made of two coils of wire wrapped around a movable core. It acts as the main switch connecting the starter to the car's battery.
・Plunger: The plunger is the movable metal core inside the solenoid. When the solenoid gets power, the plunger moves to push the lever fork.
・Lever Fork: The lever fork is attached to the plunger. When the plunger moves forward, it pushes the lever fork, which then activates the pinion.
・Pinion: The pinion is a small gear with springs. It engages the flywheel to turn the engine's crankshaft, getting it to spin.
・Field Coils: These are stationary electromagnets. When the battery energizes them, they create a strong magnetic field. This field interacts with the armature's magnetic field, causing the armature to spin and, in turn, the flywheel.

Maintenance

There are several maintenance steps you can take to make your starter last longer. You should regularly clean the battery terminals to keep them free from corrosion, clean the connector wires, and make sure all bolts holding the starter motor are tight. Finally, check that the flywheel (on manual cars) or flexplate (on automatic cars) is in good shape. Its teeth, along with the pinion gear's teeth, should be free from damage, as bad teeth can harm the starter.

Symptoms of a Failing Starter

Warning Lights

This is a rare symptom for a starter problem. Usually, a warning light that stays on after the engine is running, like the battery light, points to an issue with the charging system (like the alternator), not the starter.

Clicking sound followed by the car not starting

If you hear clicking noises but your vehicle won't start, it's possible that there isn't enough power to turn the engine over. This can be caused by worn starter components, a weak battery, or bad electrical connections.

Slow cranking on ignition

Slow cranking is caused by not enough power being delivered to turn the engine over. This could be due to faulty starter parts, such as a bad solenoid. Still, it could also be caused by a weak battery or poor electrical connections.

Smoke or a burning smell

A smoke or burning smell when trying to start your vehicle could be a sign of electrical issues, such as a short circuit. Additionally, a faulty starter that can't get the engine running may overheat from too many starting attempts.

Quiet whirring or buzzing noise

This is a sign that the starter motor is spinning but not properly engaging the engine's flywheel. The problem could be the starter motor itself, the solenoid, or the flywheel. It could also be a weak battery or an electrical issue preventing the starter from spinning strongly enough to crank the engine.

No response when starting, or the car sometimes doesn't start

If there's no response when you turn the ignition key, you might have a faulty starter motor or a problem with the parts that send power to it.

How to Choose the Right Starter

Aftermarket or OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) starters are made by the car's manufacturer, while aftermarket starters are made by other companies.

OEM parts are a safe bet because they are identical to the original parts that came with your car. However, many aftermarket brands offer high-quality parts that can be of great value. When using an aftermarket part on a car still under warranty, it's essential to check if it affects coverage for related repairs.

Vehicle Compatibility

You can purchase a starter used in the same model as your vehicle to avoid any guesswork. To ensure the starter fits and works well, double-check the reference number on the new part against the number on your old starter.

Installation Considerations

If you're comfortable with a vehicle's electrical systems and have the right tools, you can install a starter motor yourself. Prepare the vehicle by letting it cool down and then jacking it up. You can usually find the starter under the car, mounted where the engine and transmission connect.

On some cars, it might be in a different spot, so checking a repair guide for your specific vehicle is a good idea. Disconnect the electrical connections, then remove any bolts holding the starter in place. Remove the old starter, then install the new one by doing these steps in reverse. Once done, test that the starter works properly.

Where to Buy Quality New and Used Starters

Brand-new starters can be found at various trusted auto parts dealers. For used starters in excellent condition and at great prices, shop here with BE FORWARD Auto Parts.