Below are some of the frequently asked questions we hear from technicians on a regular basis.
Possible causes are a damaged pinion or ring gear, a defective starter or magnetic switch, a defective ignition switch or control circuit.
Possible root causes are a defective drive clutch or a defective starter motor.
Possible root causes are a defective solenoid, a damaged or worn pinion gear or ring gear.
There are a couple of reasons the outboard pad can wear out before the inboard pad.
First, check the battery state of charge. Clean and tighten connections. Test the starter and diagnose engine problems.
Unable to start the engine may be caused by any of the following variables:
Never disconnect a battery cable with the engine running.
Removing a battery cable with the engine running causes voltage spikes which can damage the alternator, computer and other electrical components in your vehicle.
•Make sure you have a good, fully-charged battery.
The starter motor will not work properly with a weak or defective battery. The voltage from the key contact should be a minimum of 9,5V during starting.
•Do not use starter motor for ventilation of diesel motor.
After repairs to the injection system (changing filter, diesel pump, high pressure pipes, etc.). NEVER ventilate by using the starter motor. This can cause overheating of the starter motor especially with gear reduction starters.
Check other components of the starting system.
Perform these steps in the order shown:
Check for proper voltage on vehicle
Install starter and fasten all electrical connections securely.
Connect a voltmeter to the starter as follows.Black lead to starter case; red lead to “S” terminal.Attempt to crank engine.
NO CRANK – VOLTAGE LESS THAN 12 VOLTS:
If the engine does not crank and voltage is less than 12.0 volts, check for defective neutral safety switch, bad ignition switch, weak battery or poor ground.
NO CRANK – VOLTAGE MORE THAN 12 VOLTS:
If the engine does not crank and voltage is MORE than 12.0 volts, proceed to step C.
Move red wire of voltmeter to starter BAT post.
Turn the ignition key to the crank position.
Observe the voltmeter:
NO CRANK – VOLTAGE LESS THAN 12 VOLTS:
Check for weak battery, loose or corroded cables
CRANKS – VOLTAGE LESS THAN 9 VOLTS:
Cranking at less than 9 volts will damage the starter. This condition must be corrected to prevent a repeat failure. Check for weak battery, loose or corroded cables.
Never disconnect a battery cable with the engine running.
Removing a battery cable with the engine running causes voltage spikes which can damage the alternator, ECU and other electrical components in your vehicle.
Make sure you have a good, fully-charged battery.
Your alternator is not designed to recharge a weak or defective battery and may be damaged by doing so. Charge and load test battery prior to alternator installation.
Do not overload the alternator.
Retro-fit high power stereo’s, fog and driving lights, or other devices may exceed the capacity of the alternator, causing premature failure.
If the instrument panel or gauge indicates a problem, a voltmeter can be used to isolate faulty components in the charging systems. If you do not have the equipment or skills necessary to perform these tests, your alternator supplier can test your system, recommend a local facility to do so.
USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN WORKING AROUND AN OPERATING VEHICLE ENGINE.
Perform ALL of the following tests with the ENGINE RUNNING at 2000 RPM with LIGHTS and HEATER FAN ON.
Perform these steps in the order shown: