What is a starter solenoid? What is a starter solenoid? What are the symptoms for starter solenoid malfunction? What causes can cause starter solenoid malfunction?
Frustrating car problems can lead to inability to start. A faulty starter solenoid could be the cause of your car’s inability to start. Although you might have heard of the starter solenoid, it is possible that you don’t know much about this component. Let’s first understand the starter solenoid symptoms.
What is a Starter Solnoid? How does it work?
The starter solenoid is also known as the “start solenoid” And “starter switch” The starter motor’s primary function is to start the battery. Most starter solenoids are located directly above the starter. The starter circuit (relay, etc.), is where the electric current from your battery flows when you start your car. The starter solenoid receives the electric current from the battery. The solenoid is energized by a series windings, both attractive and holding, which become magnetized. This drives the plunger (the solenoid). The driven piston causes the separation fork to engage the pinion, flywheel, and forces them apart. The driven piston also pushes a disc towards contact to connect the terminals. This allows current flow from the solenoid towards the starter. This causes the starter to start rotating and the starter drive assembly to actuate.
As you can see the starter solenoid plays an important role in starting the vehicle. It can also prevent it from starting if it fails.
What are the symptoms of starter solenoid malfunction?
You will see different symptoms if your starter solenoid is defective. While some symptoms are easy to spot, others can be more difficult and require professional experience. The following symptoms are common signs of a bad starter solenoid.
A series of quick or consecutive clicks from the Solenoid
Insufficient current can cause this. The same problem can be caused by loose connections or corroded terminals. This situation can lead to the solenoid not producing enough power and the starter motor cannot be started.
It doesn’t start and the vehicle doesn’t start
Naturally, the starter motor will also stop working if the starter solenoid is damaged. The engine won’t start if you turn the ignition key.
No Clicking Sound When Starting
The starter relay or starter solenoid is responsible for the clicking sound that you hear when the starter turns. You may have a defective starter solenoid if you don’t hear any sound.
Starter Motor turns but flywheel doesn’t
Even though it is uncommon, a weak starter solenoid could allow the starter to spin without engaging its flywheel. This is known as burnt contacts. The contact surfaces can melt or fuse if they are exposed to heat and high currents for a long time. The whole starting system could be damaged if left untreated.
Engine cranks slowly
The starter motor might not turn in some cases. This happens because of reduced electrical conductivity from corrosion, dirt, or debris. Due to the high resistance of the starter solenoid, connections may burn out in some cases. This can lead to excessive resistance in your starter motor and slow cranking.
The starter solenoid can also be affected by malfunctions like a dead battery, problems in the starter circuit, or engine locking. Before replacing the starter solenoid, it is a good idea to conduct a thorough diagnostic.
Causes of Startup Solenoid Failing
There are many reasons why the starter solenoid might fail. These are the most common reasons:
- Faulty wiring, loose connections, incorrectly connected terminals, and insufficient current supply may cause problems with the starter solenoid. These causes the starter solenoid failure.
- – The solenoid may fail if it is left in the “ACC” position for a prolonged time. Contacts can become hot and touch one another when solder is applied to them.
- – Moisture from the starter solenoid may corrode electrical connections. The solenoid’s efficiency and electrical conductivity will decrease as a result. You may occasionally encounter situations like not starting or working hard.
- Overtightening bolts can cause parts within and outside of the starter solenoid or other components to crack and bend.
Simple repairs can fix minor problems, such as loose terminals. Major damage to the solenoid’s interior, however, is a matter that must be addressed immediately.
