Everything you need to know about the car starter

Aidan Reed

Reference video: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC409CU7mU8&t=339s

What it is:
The car starter is a very important component of the car engine. It is a powerful electric motor
that cranks to start your car. When you start the ignition the battery sends a jolt of energy into
the starter to start your car.

How to diagnose a replacement:

You might think that a faulty car starter would be the reason for your car not starting but there
are actually several common problems that could be occurring.
Battery
One of the most common reasons a car won't start is a dead battery. To check if your battery is
dead get a multi meter and touch negative and positive ends to the corresponding posts of the
battery. If your voltage is under 12.2 you need to charge or change your battery. If your battery
is good but it still isn't starting you could also check that your battery terminals are not corroded
and make sure there is nothing interfering with the connection. If there is corrosion you can take
some sand paper and lightly sand the outside of each post. One more tell tail way to check if
you have a dead battery is if there is a rapid clicking sound when you try to start your car.

Anti theft immobilizer

The anti theft immobilizer is a chip found in most modern cars that prevents thieves without the
actual car key from stealing your car. If you put the key in the run position and the anti theft light
blinks rapidly.

Neutral safety switch

On an automatic car the neutral safety switch will prevent your car from starting if it is stuck in
between gears. Normally it will be located next to the transmission and you should check that
your electrical connectors are all connected. On manual cars make sure your clutch safety
switch is plugged all the way in.

Fuses and relays

One final thing to check could be blown fuses. Open your fuse box and check to make sure the
fuse for the starter relay isn't blown. You can find the information for your specific vehicle in your
owner's manual.
How to replace
Now, after you have tried all those things and it still wont start its time to replace the starter.

1. First thing to do is disconnect the battery so there is no power going to the starter.

2. Then you want to jack up your car and ensure you have enough room to work.

3. Locate where the engine and transmission meet. The starter should be near there because it
has to engage the flywheel to start the car.

4. Using a socket set unbolt the starter from its position underneath the car.

5. Now you have to remove the wires connecting it to the battery again using a socket wrench.

6. Now that your faulty starter is removed , repeat the process backwards to install the new one.

7. Ensure the new starter is bolted on tight by doing each bolt a little bit at a time.

8. It is also a good idea to sand and add sylicone past around the whire connections to ensure a
good durable connection.