Starting your car is an essential part of driving, and a starter motor is a crucial component that makes it possible. However, a burnt out starter motor can cause a lot of frustration and inconvenience. Fortunately, you don’t have to replace the entire starter motor if it’s burnt out. In this article, we’ll discuss how to fix a burnt out starter motor, step-by-step.
Step 1: Diagnose the Problem
The first step in fixing a burnt out starter motor is to diagnose the problem. You need to ensure that the problem is actually the starter motor and not the battery or alternator. To do this, turn the key and listen for a clicking sound. If you hear a clicking sound, then the problem is likely the starter motor.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery
Before you start working on the starter motor, you need to disconnect the battery. This is important to avoid any electrical shock or damage that can be caused by an electrical current. You need to disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal.
Step 3: Remove the Starter Motor
The next step is to remove the starter motor. You need to locate the starter motor and remove any bolts or screws that are holding it in place. You may need to use a socket wrench or pliers to remove the bolts or screws. Once you have removed the starter motor, you can inspect it for any damage or wear.
Step 4: Clean the Starter Motor
After you have removed the starter motor, you need to clean it. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove any rust, dirt, or debris that may be on the starter motor. This will help ensure that the starter motor is working efficiently and effectively.
Step 5: Check the Brushes
Once you have cleaned the starter motor, you need to check the brushes. The brushes are small metal pieces that come into contact with the commutator. If the brushes are worn or damaged, then they need to be replaced. You can buy replacement brushes from an auto parts store.
Step 6: Check the Commutator
The commutator is a metal ring that the brushes come into contact with. It’s important to check the commutator for any damage or wear. If the commutator is damaged, then it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Step 7: Check the Solenoid
The solenoid is another important component of the starter motor. It’s responsible for engaging the starter motor when you turn the key. You need to check the solenoid for any damage or wear. If the solenoid is damaged, then it needs to be replaced.
Step 8: Reassemble the Starter Motor
After you have checked all the components of the starter motor, you need to reassemble it. Put the brushes and solenoid back in place and tighten any bolts or screws that were removed earlier. Make sure that everything is in the right place before you tighten the bolts or screws.
Step 9: Reinstall the Starter Motor
Once you have reassembled the starter motor, you need to reinstall it. Put the starter motor back in place and tighten any bolts or screws that were removed earlier. Make sure that everything is in the right place before you tighten the bolts or screws.
Step 10: Reconnect the Battery
The final step is to reconnect the battery. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal. Turn the key to start the car and listen for any clicking sounds. If there are no clicking sounds, then the starter motor has been fixed.