Are you searching Google for “starter motor repair near me”? Is your car’s starter motor showing signs of wear and tear, such as slow cranking or clicking noises? Do you want to know how to fix a starter motor without replacing it? Don’t worry, you may not need to replace it just yet.
A faulty starter motor can prevent your car from starting, leaving you stranded. However, replacing a starter motor can be expensive, and searching for a repair shop near you can be time-consuming.
In this article, we will talk about some basic maintenance and troubleshooting as well as steps you can take to repair your starter motor without replacing it. You can also consider starter motor reconditioning or using a starter motor repair kit to save money. Don’t let a faulty starter motor stop you from hitting the road – read on to learn how to fix it yourself.
Starter Motor Basic Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Maintaining and troubleshooting your starter motor is not as complicated as it may seem. Here are some tips that can help you identify problems with your starter motor:
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Link check:Use a screwdriver or other conductors to short-circuit the B terminal and S terminal of the starter：The switch has action, but the armature has no action (armature or brush failure)；The switch has no action, but the armature has action (electromagnetic switch failure)；Use a screwdriver or other conductors to short-circuit the B terminal and S terminal of the starter. If the engine can be started, there is no problem with the starter. Please check the ignition key, starter relay or wiring.
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Visual inspection:Remove the starter and check the appearance：Check the appearance damage, the protruding condition of the starter gear, the ablation marks of the water outlet hole of the starter, and whether the solder joints of the starter switch are melted.
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Check with battery:After removing the starter, use the battery to check:A. The negative pole of the battery is grounded to the starter, and the positive pole is connected to the S terminal of the starter. Check the condition of the electromagnetic switch:At this time, there should be a sound of the switch pulling in and the starter gear protruding, otherwise, the inside of the electromagnetic switch will burn out.B. The negative pole of the battery is grounded to the starter, and the positive pole is connected to the M terminal of the starter to check the operation of the motor:At this time, the starter gear should not stretch out and the motor is running.C. The negative pole of the battery is grounded to the starter, and the positive pole is connected to the B terminal of the starter:At this time, the starter cannot run. If the starter can run, the internal dynamic and static contacts of the electromagnetic switch will be sintered.D. Ground the negative pole of the battery to the starter, and connect the positive pole to the S terminal and B terminal of the starter to check the operation of the entire motor.
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Starter Motor Check: If everything else is in order, you may need to test the starter motor itself. Use a starter motor tester or multimeter to check the windings and brushes for continuity and resistance. If it’s not functioning correctly, repair or replace it as necessary.
How to Repair Starter Motors
Repairing a starter motor can be a cost-effective way to get your vehicle or equipment back up and running. Here are the steps to follow when repairing your starter motor:
Inspect Components: Check the armature, brushes, and clutch for signs of wear or damage. Check the armature for wear or damage by touching the permanent magnet. If the length of the measuring brush is shorter than the usage limit, replace the brush holder assembly.
Check the clutch: slide the overrunning clutch A along the shaft and replace it if it does not slide smoothly; fix the driving gear B and turn the overrunning clutch in the direction shown in the figure to ensure that it turns freely. Also make sure that the overrunning clutch is locked in the opposite direction. If it cannot be locked, replace the overrunning clutch assembly; if the starter drive gear is worn or damaged, replace the overrunning clutch assembly; the gears cannot be replaced separately. Check condition of torque converter ring gear. If the starter drive gear is damaged, replace it.
After prying up each brush spring with a screwdriver, center the brush outside the brush holder. Release the spring so it stays in place. Note that to place the new brushes, slide a strip of 500 or 600 grit sandpaper between the commutator and each brush, sand side up, and turn the armature smoothly. The contact faces of the brushes will be ground to the same profile as the commutator.
Install the plastic tube into the brush holder assembly; align the groove point C with the protruding part D, install the armature housing A and armature B; put the brush holder assembly on the armature, and then put the brush Frame A moves down onto the armature;Push each brush down until it sits on the commutator, then release the spring against the end of the brush, install the end caps to secure the brush holders.
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Disassemble the Motor:Remove the starter: Disconnect the motor cable from the M terminal, and remove the end cover;lace a plastic tube with an outer diameter of 29.4mm on the armature; fix the plastic pipe and move the brush holder A to the plastic pipe B so that the brush can not fall off the brush holder.
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Inspect the Components:Check the armature, brushes, and clutch for signs of wear or damage. Check the armature for wear or damage by touching the permanent magnet. If the length of the measuring brush is shorter than the usage limit, replace the brush holder assembly.
Check the clutch: slide the overrunning clutch A along the shaft and replace it if it does not slide smoothly; fix the driving gear B and turn the overrunning clutch in the direction shown in the figure to ensure that it turns freely. Also make sure that the overrunning clutch is locked in the opposite direction. If it cannot be locked, replace the overrunning clutch assembly; if the starter drive gear is worn or damaged, replace the overrunning clutch assembly; the gears cannot be replaced separately. Check condition of torque converter ring gear. If the starter drive gear is damaged, replace it.
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Clean the Components: Use a commutator stone to clean the armature and commutator and remove any debris or build-up. The commutator is the copper segments that are located on the armature. Clean the brushes and bearings with a solvent to remove any dirt or debris that may be causing them to malfunction.
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Reassemble the Motor: Once you have inspected and cleaned all the components, it’s time to reassemble the starter motor.After prying up each brush spring with a screwdriver, center the brush outside the brush holder. Release the spring so it stays in place. Note that to place the new brushes, slide a strip of 500 or 600 grit sandpaper between the commutator and each brush, sand side up, and turn the armature smoothly. The contact faces of the brushes will be ground to the same profile as the commutator.
Install the plastic tube into the brush holder assembly; align the groove point C with the protruding part D, install the armature housing A and armature B; put the brush holder assembly on the armature, and then put the brush Frame A moves down onto the armature;
Push each brush down until it sits on the commutator, then release the spring against the end of the brush
Install the end caps to secure the brush holders.
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Test the Motor: Before reinstalling the starter motor, it’s important to test it to ensure that it’s functioning properly. Use a starter motor tester or a multimeter to test the motor’s windings and brushes for continuity and resistance. If the motor is not receiving power or is not functioning properly, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
When to Seek Professional Help
While it’s true that basic maintenance and repairs can help fix some starter motor issues, there are instances when seeking the help of a professional mechanic or technician is necessary.
For example, if the starter motor has been severely damaged, attempting to repair it yourself may not be feasible. A professional will have the skills and expertise to accurately diagnose the issue and determine if the motor can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
Additionally, if the issue persists even after performing basic troubleshooting and repairs, it’s best to seek professional help. This could be an indication of a more complex issue that requires a professional’s attention.
It’s also important to note that certain starter motor components, such as the solenoid or armature, may require specialized tools to diagnose and repair. Attempting to repair these components without the necessary tools or knowledge could lead to further damage or even injury.
While it’s possible to perform basic starter motor maintenance and repairs, there are situations where seeking the help of a professional is the best course of action. A professional mechanic or technician has the necessary skills and equipment to accurately diagnose and repair starter motor issues that may be beyond the scope of a DIY repair.
Conclusie
Performing basic starter motor maintenance and troubleshooting can help diagnose and repair many common issues with your vehicle or equipment. Checking the battery, connections, solenoid, and the motor itself are all important steps in keeping your starter motor in good condition.
However, if the issue persists or if the motor is severely damaged, seeking professional help is recommended. While DIY repairs can save you money, it’s important to know when to call in the experts. Remember to always put safety first and exercise caution when working on starter motors or any other complex mechanical systems.
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