Car Parts and Accessories

Car Initial test

Select neutral, switch the headlights on and then operate the starter. Note the reaction from the engine and the effects on the headlights and follow the advice given in the following paragraphs.

Faulty Car battery

If the engine does not crank or cranks slowly, coupled with appreciable dimming of the headlights, the symptoms suggest corroded battery terminals, loose battery terminal connections or a discharged or defective battery.

Check and tighten the battery cable connections (try forcing a screwdriver head between each battery post and terminal while someone operates the starter), and if this does not cure the fault, either push the vehicle in order to start it (manual drive only), or use ‘jump start’ cables (available from AA offices) to connect your battery with that of another vehicle (automatics or manual).

Car Starter circuit

No response to the starter control with the lights remaining bright, is an indication of a fault in the starter actuating circuit or starter solenoid. Check for loose wires on the ignition switch and starter solenoid and tighten them. If you are unable to trace the fault, actuate the starter by either momentarily earthing the small terminal on the starter solenoid or by connecting a wire from this terminal to the large terminals on the solenoid to which the cable from the battery is secured.

Some solenoids have a button which, when pressed, brings the starter motor into operation. Alternatively, bridge the heavy terminals on the solenoid with a pair of pliers or push-start the vehicle (manual drive only).

Car Starter jammed

If there is a ‘click’ from the engine and the lights remain bright when the starter is operated, seizure of the engine components may have taken place. Sometimes the engine will start again after it has cooled down. When, however, seizure has occurred, expert advice should be obtained. The jamming of a starter motor produces the same symptoms as engine seizure — headlights bright but no cranking effect when the starter is operated. Often the operation of the starter results in only an audible click from the engine.

Inspect the starter motor to determine whether it is of the type on which the starter armature protrudes through the front-end plate. If so, remove the cover over the armature shaft and, after placing a spanner on the armature shaft, turn it to release the starter.

Leaving the car in gear and ‘rocking’ it, that is pushing it backwards and forwards while in gear — will often release a jammed starter but if not, loosen the bolts which secure the starter to the engine and shake the starter free before retightening the bolts. Alternatively, the brush contact with the armature is poor.

Car Starter bendix

A whirring noise from the starter, with the lights remaining bright without cranking taking place, indicates a fault in the starter bendix. (It will either require cleaning and lubricating or the bendix spring has broken.) Removal of the starter is the only way to effect a cure. Push to start (manual drive only).

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Why Car Engine does not Crank or Cranks Slowly

• Car Won't Start, why? How to get your Auto Car checked and Repaired by yourself? step (19-30)
• Mechanic Conjectures Auto Vehicle Strange Phenomena
• Ignition System, how automobile (Petrol Engine) Sparks are Produced
• Car Won't Start, why? How to get your Auto Car checked and Repaired by yourself? step (31- 40)
• Automobile Transmission Axles Care
• Jump Starting your Car
• Why Car Engine Cranks normally, but fails to start (continued)
• Car Won't Start, why? How to get your Auto Car checked and Repaired by yourself? step (9-18)
• Does your Car refuse to start or refuse to keep going? Try this
• Auto kits or tools for the Car and the Garage