Experiencing signs that your starter is worn out?
If you turn on the ignition key and you car engine does not start up, this could be a sign that your starter has worn out. It could also be that such a problem is faced intermittently, such that you sometimes cannot start up your engine. We would need to take a closer look at this to determine if you indeed need starter repair, as it could also turn out to be that you have a car battery problem. Also listen out for another sign – whether you hear a loud clicking sound when you start up the ignition.
What the Starter does
The starter is an essential component to getting your engine started up and humming:
- The starter is turned on at the point where the ignition switch key is turned on, and once the ignition springs back, the starter is already turned off.
- During the short period of time, the starter, which is an electric motor, experiences a large surge in current via the car battery.
- A solenoid, which acts as a switch turns on an electromagnet, attracts a rod to link up the car battery and the starter.
- The engine starts to spin, with currents also sent to the spark plugs to start the fuel combustion process.
Possible issues
We would need to carefully check before diagnosing if indeed the starter is causing the issues you faced, or that it could be other car components. For example, if what you experienced is low alternator output, the fault could instead rest with the drive belt slipping. Even within the starter, we would need to determine where the fault and hence what the appropriate starter repair is.
Common starter repairs needed
Starter solenoid replacement
If in the event that you switch on the ignition key and do not hear any sounds at all, it could be that the starter solenoid is faulty and you need a starter solenoid replacement. In such an event, we would need to remove the starter from your car, disconnect the wiring connecting the solenoid to the starter, unbolt it and insert in a new one.
Starter armature repair
Another possible problem with the starter is that the starter armature may be damaged. The starter armature is comprised of numerous winding coils, and if the temperature goes too high, such as when the car is operated hard, the covering on the coils may melt, and the wires may short when they come into contact with each other or with the armature case. This would cause the starter motor to either fail to work or work erratically. If for your car make and model, the starter armature is available separately, we could have this replaced; otherwise it could be that the entire starter would have to be changed.
Typically a starter repair cost is from $250 onwards, depending on factors such as replacements needed as well as car make and model.
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Testimonials
After my free servicing period for my car, I thought it was time to look out for better priced alternatives. I gave ECV Car Service Singapore a call and tried out their service. It was a hassle free experience and good value. - Kenneth Chin, Buona Vista
I had a tire leak caused by a puncture after driving over some construction debris. ECV Car Service Singapore could fix this up for me so I don't need to spend on a new tire. Friendly workshop! - Mr K.T. Liew, Redhill
My car aircon was not functioning and I was not sure what the cause was. I initially brought my car to the dealer workshop and was told the compressor is down. But the price quoted for the compressor replacement was so high. I then gave ECV Car Service Singapore a call, and the price turned out to be much lower, and quality of service good. Thumbs up! - Joel Tan, Bukit Batok
Philosophy
At the heart of our service is to build a trusted relationship with you. When you send your car for car servicing, maintenance and repairs with us, you are assured your car is in good hands.
Our mechanics are experienced, with care for detail. We seek to delight you always, with the quality of our workmanship and good value for our services.
Why Us?
Contact us today at +65 6871 8985 if you suspect your starter is not working properly and you may need a starter repair or starter replacement, or a replacement of one of the components. Our workshop will be here to assist you with the diagnosis and solution. Our philosophy is to delight our customers and minimise wastage, as such we would only suggest changing the parts which are necessary and offer you a competitive quote. We would also only proceed after you have given us the go ahead after our cost quote to you. Let us serve you today, for your car servicing, maintenance and repair needs. We look forward to building a long term relationship with you.