Starter motor failure

Hi,

Can a starting motor just stop working?

I moved the van yesterday then 5 mins later went to start it and nothing.

I can hear my hot start relay click so the ignition switch is fine.

The battery is new and fully charged.

I jumped the solenoid with a screwdriver and it engaged with a big spark.

Rocking the van in gear didn't do much.


Is my starter dead? I haven't cleaned any wires yet but it was starting and running nice then nothing

Any ideas what else I can test?

Thanks

 

If it engaged and turned by shorting the solenoid, implies there's nothing wrong with the starter. I'd suspect your relay. Pull off the connection that comes from the ignition switch, put it on the solenoid terminal and see if it springs to life.

 

Sorry the solenoid engaged but I didn't hear the starter turn.

I'll go check the relay now just in case thanks snotty

 

Ah. Give the starter terminals a good clean and try again. Have a look at the engine earth strap on the other side - has it come adrift?

If they're ok and the starter doesn't turn when the solenoid pulls in (is it a hefty clunk?), does imply the starter's knackered, as the pulled-in solenoid operates the big contacts to get the starter turning.

 

PS No point in rocking it, as it's a pre-engaged starter. Might work on an old Cortina

 

Update it's working again woowoo.

I cleaned all the +ve side and changes the rusty washers and nut.

I added an extra earth on the starter bolt to the gearbox too.

Started first time.

On the plus side I finally replaced my ignition switch too

Thanks @snotty

 

Check the crimp is still good on the heavy wire from the battery - 12 volt battery powered corrosion that makes nuts and washers grotty can also eat the strands of the wire. Mine fell off when tugged .I fumbled the starter when tying it up fitting the gearbox and it just fell off..