Your starter motor is an electric motor responsible for kick-starting your engine’s internal combustion. The starter motor is connected to the flywheel, or flex plate, and is responsible for turning it. When you turn the key to start your vehicle, the starter solenoid that is mounted to the starter engages the flex plate, which in turn forces the engine to rotate. Once the engine is fully powered and turning, the starter motor is disengaged. Like most other types of electric motors, your starter motor will use magnets to create a field of spin as well as brushes to keep the starter rotating in a single direction. Generally, if think you have a faulty starter then the problem will likely be an internal failure or damage at the brushes or within the solenoid. It could possibly be an armature that’s bent or caught as well. In many cases you may need a starter removal and new motor to replace it, or your Lube Mobile mechanic may be able to replace a faulty part instead.

If you can hear a clicking sound when you turn your ignition and/or your engine doesn’t fire into life, then you may have an issue with your vehicle’s starter motor. If there is a spinning noise but the engine doesn’t turn over then it may be that the flywheel is failing to engage, or if you can turn the engine over but it fails to run or ‘kicks out’, then your starter motor will need inspection. • Here are some more signs of a failing starter motor: • Unusual noises: Grinding or clicking sounds during ignition attempts. • Engine not starting: The engine fails to turn over despite a charged battery. • Intermittent starting issues: The vehicle starts inconsistently, sometimes requiring multiple attempts. • Electrical smoke: Overheating of the starter motor can produce smoke.

Testing a starter motor involves checking the battery, inspecting electrical connections, and performing basic voltage or continuity tests to confirm whether the issue is with the starter or another part of the starting system. How to Test a Starter Motor 1. Check the Battery and Connections • Make sure the battery is fully charged and healthy • Inspect battery terminals and starter cables for corrosion or loose connections • Poor connections can mimic starter motor failure 2. Listen for Common Starter Motor Symptoms • Clicking sound when turning the key • Slow cranking • No crank at all These symptoms can also indicate battery or alternator issues. 3. Perform a Voltage Test • Use a multimetre to measure voltage at the starter while cranking • Low voltage may point to wiring problems or a failing starter motor 4. Test the Starter Solenoid • Set your multimetre to continuity mode • Touch one lead to the solenoid’s S terminal and the other to the housing • A beep indicates the solenoid is functioning correctly 5. Bench Test the Starter (If Removed) • A bench test powers the starter directly with jumper cables • This confirms whether the motor spins freely • Best performed by a professional to avoid injury or damage

Depending on the type of vehicle, typically a starter motor replacement will take a mechanic between 2 and 4 hours to complete from start to finish. Generally, the length of time is determined by how easily your starter motor can be accessed by the mechanic, with some makes and models in smaller cars posing slightly more of a challenge. The stater motor is connected to the flywheel, or flex plate, and is responsible for turning it. When you turn the key in the ignition to start your vehicle, the starter solenoid that is mounted to the starter triggers the starter’s operation. There is a little gear that engages the flex plate, which in turn forces the engine to rotate. That’s the end of the starter motor’s part of your vehicle operation. Once the engine is fully powered and turning then the starter motor is disengaged. A faulty starter motor will prevent you from being able to fire up your car, so if you are experiencing anything that we’ve just noted then it’s a good idea to arrange a mechanic to take a look sooner rather than later.