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The main symptoms of a faulty starter motor.

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Starter motor

Video tutorial

Let's see what the main symptoms of a faulty starter motor are: first, the rapid clicks when we turn the key. This happens when the solenoid activates but no current passes to the electric motor. If we don't hear any sound, then it is likely a blown fuse, or the solenoid is dead, the wiring is broken, or the connections are oxidized.

If the starting is slow and laborious, the probable cause is worn brushes, a dirty/oxidized commutator, and stuck bearings; if we smell something burning or see smoke coming from the engine compartment, we have tried to start it too many times and the windings are overheating! We should stop immediately.

If it sometimes starts and sometimes doesn't, the electrical connections are loose or oxidized, and the brushes are unevenly worn: it often worsens with humidity and heat.

If we hear a screeching metallic noise at startup, the teeth of the pinion or flywheel ring are damaged, and the pinion does not retract properly. If the starter does not disengage after starting, there is a serious risk of breaking the flywheel ring: the solenoid is stuck, and the pinion remains jammed on the ring.


Posted on 21 January 2026 by ScegliAuto


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