The starter clicks, but does not turn: why and how to fix it

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Why does the starter clicks, but does not turn
How to eliminate the causes of problems with starting the car engine
Troubleshooting on the example of VAZ 2110: video

Car owners often face an unpleasant situation: after turning the key in the ignition, you can hear the starter clicking, but it does not turn. The engine will not start. And the point, as a rule, is not in the battery or in the absence of fuel in the gas tank. Without a normally working starter, further operation of the vehicle is impossible. There can be several reasons why it makes clicks and does not twist: from simple contact problems to serious breakdowns in the launch system. There are also many external signs of a problem.

Why does the starter clicks, but does not turn

The starter clicks, but does not turn: why and how to fix it

Component parts of the starter on the example of VAZ 2114

Novice drivers are often mistaken in thinking that the clicks are emitted by the starter relay. But in fact, the source of the sounds is a retractor that engages the bendix working gear with the engine flywheel rim and ensures that it starts.

Note: the sound produced by the solenoid relay is practically inaudible. The mistake of many novice motorists is that they sin on this particular device. If the relay is faulty, then the starter of the car will not work.

If you hear a few clicks

Experienced drivers, by the nature of the clicks, can determine exactly where the malfunction is. If several clicks are heard when turning the ignition key, then you should look for the problem in:

traction relay supplying voltage to the starter;
poor contact between the relay and the starter;
insufficient mass contact;
other starter contacts that do not fit well together.

The correct operation of the engine starting system depends on the normal functioning of each component. And it doesn't matter what car you drive: Priora or Kalina, Ford, Nexia or another foreign car. Therefore, first you need to check the electrical connections, starting from the terminals of the car battery to the contacts of the starter. This often helps to start the engine, get to the nearest service station and carry out more detailed diagnostics of the starting system.

One click is heard

A powerful click and non-starting of the motor indicates a problem in the starter. The sound itself indicates that the traction device is working and an electric current is flowing to it. But the force of the charge entering the retractor is insufficient to start the engine.

Try to start the engine several times (2–3) at intervals of 10–20 seconds. If the attempts are unsuccessful, then the following reasons are possible:

bushings and inner brushes of the starter are badly worn out and must be replaced;
there is a short circuit or a break in the winding inside the unit;
burnt contacts of the power cable;
the retractor is out of order and is blocking the start;
problems with bendix.

A faulty bendix is one of the problems

The bendix teeth can be damaged and interfere with the normal starting of the starter

Bendix plays an important role in starting the internal combustion engine (internal combustion engine). It is part of the starting system and is located in the starter. If the bendix is deformed, it will be difficult to start the engine. Here are two common bendix malfunctions: damage to the teeth of the working gear, breakdown of the drive fork.

The retractor and the bendix are connected by a fork. If full retraction does not occur at the moment of engagement, then the teeth will not engage with the flywheel. In this case, the motor will not start.

When the engine starts the second or third time, do not postpone a visit to an automotive technician for servicing the vehicle. Once you cannot start your car, you will have to look for other ways to start the engine.

How to eliminate the causes of problems with starting the car engine

Buying a brand new starter is not always justified. The old unit is able to serve for a long time. It is enough to carry out qualified diagnostics and replace faulty internal parts: bushings, brushes.

If it is not possible to deliver the faulty car to the service station, then it is necessary to remove the faulty part and take it to the master. Only qualified diagnostics on special equipment can identify an exact malfunction. Repairing internal parts is much cheaper than buying a new part.

The repair usually does not take long. It all depends on the workload of the repairman and the availability of the necessary spare parts. It is better to contact a service that specializes in the repair of electrical equipment for cars. With a favorable set of circumstances, you will be able to drive your car the very next day.