A starter motor is a crucial component in a car’s internal combustion engine, responsible for turning the engine over to start the car. However, like any other part, a starter can experience issues and burn out, leaving drivers stranded and needing costly repairs. But what causes a starter to go bad and burn out?
One of the most common causes of starter burnout is user error, such as excessive ignition switch and engine cranking or starting the car with a dead battery. A poorly charged battery or poor battery connections can also contribute to starter failure, as can issues with the ignition switch or faulty starter relay.
Other factors that can lead to a burnt-out starter include problems with wiring, voltage, or the starter solenoid. A worn-out pinion gear or clutch assembly can also cause a starter motor to fail, as can manufacturing defects in the starter or other metal components.
Recognizing the symptoms of a burnt-out starter motor, such as a whining noise or failure to engage, can help drivers identify the issue early on and prevent further damage to the engine or other components.
In our guide, you can learn more about the symptoms of a burnt-out starter motor. By the end, you’ll understand why does my starter keep going out and what are the most straightforward fixes you can do when your engine fails to start. (Read Where Is The Fuel Pump Control Module Located)
What Is The Design and Function of Starter Motors?
A starter motor is a crucial component in a car’s internal combustion engine, responsible for turning the engine over to start the car. However, like any other part, a starter can experience issues and burn out, leaving drivers stranded and needing costly repairs. But what causes a starter to burn out?
One of the most common causes of starter burnout is user error, such as excessive engine cranking or attempting to start the car with a dead battery. A poorly charged battery or poor connections can also contribute to starter failure, as can issues with the ignition switch or relay.
Other factors that can lead to a burnt-out starter include problems with wiring, voltage, or the starter solenoid. A worn-out pinion gear or clutch assembly can also cause a starter motor to fail, as can manufacturing defects in the starter or other metal components.
Recognizing symptoms of a burnt-out starter, such as a whining noise or failure to engage, can help drivers identify the issue early on and prevent further damage to the engine or other components. Regular repairs may be needed if the starter keeps going bad.
Can A Car Have A Starter Motor Failure?
An automobile starter might burn out due to the tremendous heat produced by repeated attempts to start the engine, despite some starters having a long service life.
This inhibits the starter’s ability to operate correctly, crank and start the car engine, and destroys the starter’s internal springs, magnetic switch, windings, and other components. (Read Drove Through Water And Car Won’t Start)
What occurs if an auto starter burns out?
When a car starter motor burns out, you can spot any of the following indicators on a starter.
- The contacts of the magnetic switch may burn out.
- The wire’s coating on the car starter armature could melt.
- Because of the return springs that the extreme heat has harmed, the pinion gear can only be partially disengage.
To turn off the starter motor’s power and detach it from the car’s engine, you should fully disengage and disconnect the starter motor and possibly the alternator. As a result, the engine cannot be rotated or cranked at all by the car starter.
Symptoms of a Starter Motor Failure
How to tell if you have a defective starter?
The engine makes a clicking noise but won’t start: The engine starter motor may malfunction if you turn the gear on the flywheel or key and hear a clicking sound, but the engine won’t start.
- The internal combustion Engine turns over but does not spark
- Slow turning
- Burning smell
- Grinding sounds
What Is the Price of a New Starter Motor?
Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, location, and starter type, the cost to replace a beginning motor might vary significantly. For a starter motor replacement, budget between $400 and $800, labor included.
Much of the costs come down to faulty ignition system or parts or other reasons such as needing to replace a loose vehicle flywheel or another major issue.
Reasons a Starter Might Burn Out
Starter motors are the most reliable components, but they can suffer from various mechanical or electrical problems that can cause them to burn out.
Here are some common causes of starter motor failure:
Can a Car Starter Burn Out?
An automobile starter might burn out due to the tremendous heat produced by repeated attempts to start the engine, despite some starters having a long service life. This inhibits the starter’s ability to crank and start the car engine correctly and destroys the starter’s internal springs ring gear, magnetic switch, windings, and other starter components.
What happens when a car starter burns out?
When a car starter motor burns out, you can recognize any or a combination of the following signs on a full starter motor burn out.
You can spot any of the following signs on a car starter when the starter motor burns out.
- The contacts of the magnetic switch may burn out.
- The coating of the wire on the car starter armature may melt as it sends current to the starter.
- The starter pinion gear may only partially retract because of return springs damaged by the excessive heat.
It must be fully retracted to turn the ignition switch, turn off the starter motor’s power, and detach the starter motor from the car engine.
This causes the car starter to completely fail to rotate the ring gear or crank the engine. In some extreme cases, the ring gear wears and can’t crank the motor. (Read Why Is My Car Floor Wet When It Rains)
What Causes Car Starter Burn Out
The breakdown of crucial starter components and inappropriate use might cause your car’s starter to burn out.
1. Holding the ignition key in the start position for a long time
This is among the main reasons car starters burn out. It is bad for the starter and may lead the vehicle to burn out when holding the ignition key in start for an extended period (10+ seconds).
2. Many tries to start a car engine
Repeat efforts of the ignition switch to start the car engine can lead to the burning of the starter.
When a magnetic switch fails to hold because of cold weather or low battery voltage, the front solenoid switch chatters, forcing power to the alternator and starter relay motor, thus heating the system and burning the starter.
3. Stuck starter relay
The car may have a faulty relay that continuously supplies power to the ignition system and starter motor, causing the starter motor to burn out. In some instances, a bad or damaged magnetic switch may become stuck and fail to cut off power to the starter motor ignition system, resulting in heat buildup and starter motor burning.
4. Low-power starters
Putting a replacement starter that has a lower power rating than the car engine needs can lead to the car starter burning out right away. For instance, when a 1kW starter is used in a 2kW car. The starter will burn out due to the enormous power demands placed on it by the car.
5. Solenoid
A solenoid switch attached to the engine in some automobiles can also cause the starter motor to burn. The clutch and pinion component of the engine is especially connected via a solenoid lever. The clutch and pinion assembly will continue to draw on the engine if the solenoid switch is active, causing it to wear down or potentially burn out the car.
Symptoms of a Burnt-out Car Starter
Here are some common symptoms of a burnt-out car starter:
- Engine Fails to Crank: One of the most common symptoms of a burnt-out car starter is that the engine fails to crank when the driver turns the key. This may be due to a lack of electrical current to the starter caused by poor connections, a faulty solenoid switch or relay, or a dead battery.
- Burning Smell: A burning smell is another common symptom of a burnt-out car starter. This odor may be caused by insulation melting around the starter or overheating and burning.
- Insulation Melts: Insulation melting around the starter can cause a burning smell, a short circuit, or other electrical issues.
- Burnt Commutator: The commutator is a metal component in the starter that helps to transfer electrical current to the motor. If the starter overheats, the commutator may become burnt or damaged, leading to a loss of electrical current to the starter and preventing it from turning over.
- Discolored Terminals: Discolored terminals on the starter or battery can indicate an issue with the electrical connections, which can lead to starter failure. Corrosion or poor connections can cause discoloration, preventing the starter from receiving sufficient voltage to function correctly.
How To Test For Burnt Car Starter
If you suspect that your car’s starter motor is burnt out, there are several steps you can take to test it.
Here’s how to test for a burnt car starter:
- Check the Battery: Before testing the starter, check the battery to ensure its fully charged and in good condition. Poorly charged batteries can cause the starter to fail, so this is an essential first step.
- Listen for Noise: Turn the key in the ignition and listen for any unusual noises, such as a whining sound or grinding noise. These noises can indicate a burnt-out starter motor.
- Test the Electrical Connections: Check the electrical connections to the starter to ensure they’re tight and corrosion-free. Loose or corroded connections can prevent the starter from receiving sufficient voltage and cause it to fail.
- Measure the Voltage: Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage at the starter motor while someone else turns the key in the ignition. The voltage should be between 10 and 12 volts. If the voltage is too low, this can indicate a problem with the starter or the electrical system.
- Check the Starter Pinion: Remove the starter pinion and inspect it for damage or wear. A worn-out or damaged pinion can prevent the starter from engaging properly and cause it to fail.
- Inspect the Starter Motor: Finally, remove the starter motor and inspect it for signs of damage or burning, such as melted insulation or burnt components.
Can you Fix a Burned Car Starter?
For your car engine to run consistently for a long time, it is best to replace the starter if it has burned-out windings, armature, or both. (Read Why Does My Temperature Gauge Go Up And Down)
