MyVans Your Vehicle Solution Have you ever been in a situation where your car wouldn’t start, and all you hear is a clicking sound? This is a common symptom of a faulty starter motor. The starter motor is an essential component of your car’s ignition system, and it provides the initial rotation to the engine to start the car. If your starter motor is not working correctly, you may need to either replace or fix it. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to fix your car’s starter motor.
Step 1: Diagnose the Problem
Before you begin fixing your car’s starter motor, you should diagnose the problem. The first step is to check your car’s battery. If your battery is fully charged and all the electrical connections are secure, then the problem may be with your starter motor. You can also check the starter motor by tapping it lightly with a hammer. If the car starts, it means that the starter motor is faulty and needs to be fixed.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery
Before you start working on your starter motor, you need to disconnect the battery. This step is crucial as it will prevent any electrical shock or short circuit. You can disconnect the battery by removing the negative terminal using a wrench.
Step 3: Remove the Starter Motor
The next step is to remove the starter motor from your car. The starter motor is usually located near the transmission or engine block. You can refer to your car’s manual to locate the starter motor. Once you have located it, you need to remove the bolts that hold the starter motor in place using a socket wrench.
Step 4: Check the Starter Motor
After removing the starter motor, you need to check it for any visible damage or wear and tear. You can also check the starter motor’s solenoid by using a multimeter to measure the resistance. If the resistance is not within the manufacturer’s specifications, it means the solenoid is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 5: Replace Faulty Parts
If you have identified any faulty parts, such as the solenoid or starter drive, you need to replace them. You can buy these parts from your local auto parts store or online. Make sure that you buy the right parts for your car’s make and model.
Step 6: Clean and Lubricate
Once you have replaced any faulty parts, you need to clean the starter motor and lubricate the moving parts. Use a degreaser to clean the starter motor and a high-temperature grease to lubricate the moving parts. This step will ensure that your starter motor works smoothly and efficiently.
Step 7: Reinstall the Starter Motor
After cleaning and lubricating the starter motor, you need to reinstall it back into your car. Make sure that you align the starter motor correctly and tighten the bolts using a socket wrench.
Step 8: Reconnect the Battery
The final step is to reconnect the battery. Make sure that you connect the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal. Once you have reconnected the battery, turn on your car’s ignition to check if the starter motor is working correctly.
Conclusion
Fixing your car’s starter motor may seem like a daunting task, but it is relatively simple if you follow these steps. Remember to diagnose the problem, disconnect the battery, remove the starter motor, check for any faulty parts, replace them, clean and lubricate the starter motor, reinstall it, and finally reconnect the battery. By following these steps, you can save money and time by fixing your car’s starter motor yourself.
