Welcome to Starter Motors at Mechanic Werribee

We stock a large Range starter motors. Call us today for the best price.

What is a starter motor ?

 

A starter is an electric motor that turns over the engine to start it.

A starter motor requires a very high current to crank the engine, that's why it's connected to the battery with large cables.

The negative (ground) cable connects the "-" battery terminal to the engine cylinder block close to the starter.

The positive cable connects the "+" battery terminal to the starter solenoid.

The starter solenoid works as an electric switch - when activated, it closes the circuit and connects the starter motor to the battery. At the same time, it pushes the starter gear forward to mesh with the engine's flywheel.

 

How the starting system works?

 

When you turn the ignition key to the "Start" position, the battery voltage goes through the starter control circuit and activates the starter solenoid, which in turn energizes the starter motor.

The starter motor cranks the engine. The starter motor can only be operated when the automatic transmission shifter is in the "Park" or "Neutral" position, or if the car has a manual transmission, when the clutch pedal is depressed.

To accomplish this, there is a Neutral safety switch installed at the transmission shifter or at the clutch pedal. When the automatic transmission is not in "Park" or "Neutral" (or when the clutch pedal is not depressed), the neutral safety switch is open and the starter relay disconnects the starter control circuit.

Starting System Problems

If when you are trying to start the car, you hear the starter cranking as usually, but the car doesn't start, then the problem is most likely not with the starting system. If when you turn the ignition key to the "Start" position and nothing happens, or all you hear is just a click, or the starter cranks very slow then you may have a problem with one of the component of the starting system. Most often, it's the battery or the starter motor itself.