What to Know about the Starter Motor 

Auto Electrical Repair in San Diego, CA

The Starter Motor

Your vehicle’s starter motor converts the stored electrical energy in the battery into the mechanical energy required for cranking the engine and starting the combustion reaction. Its operation is only temporary, but it provides the powerful burst that allows you to start your car. The starter motor spins the flywheel, turning the crankshaft. When the engine begins operating independently, the starter motor stops after disengaging from the flywheel. Although this component will likely work well for a long time, it may eventually require repair or replacement. Count on the certified technicians at August European in San Diego, California, for auto electrical repair. In business since 1980, we have the experience your European import craves, and we offer many amenities to make your visit convenient.

Key Components

As the term “motor” suggests, the starter motor is constructed from multiple parts. It has a high-current switch called a solenoid. This is also an actuator and gives the pinion gear the push it needs to engage with the flywheel. The electric motor provides torque for spinning the flywheel. The pinion gear is located on the starter shaft. It connects with the teeth on the flywheel to transfer power. The grouping also includes an overrunning clutch. It lets the pinion gear spin freely if the flywheel rotates faster than the starter motor. This protects the starter motor.

Repair and Replacement

Most issues with the starter motor can be repaired, but that’s always your best option. A technician can find and fix problems such as worn brushes or a bad solenoid, but that takes time. Between labor and parts, you often spend just as much on the repair as you would have on a replacement. When there’s extensive damage to the starter motor, replacement is always the better choice. There are times when an auto owner might opt for repair. If your starter motor has a small, singular problem, you might choose to replace just that part. Usually, however, it’s best to have us replace the entire component. When you purchase and have us install a new or remanufactured unit, the required amount of labor usually means that you’re paying for about the same amount of time for either pathway to correction. Also, the new or remanufactured starter motor will come with a warranty, protecting your repair dollars. Replacing just a single part could leave you vulnerable to another failure sooner rather than later. A complete swap also lets you handle the problem even if the damage is severe. Don’t be troubled by a bad starter motor. Instead, bring your vehicle to August European for auto electrical repair.