STARTING System Trouble Shooting
STARTING System Trouble Shooting
Revised by Debebe G.
September, 2022
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Table of Content
Contents
Acknowledgment ...........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Acronym ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction to the Module ............................................................................................................. 5
Module Instruction: ......................................................................................................................... 6
Unit one: Overview of starting system .......................................................................................... 7
1.1 Safety on starting system ...................................................................................................... 8
1.2 Purpose of starting system .................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Component of starting system and its function.................................................................. 10
1.4. Working principle of starter motor and system ................................................................. 15
1.5. Tools and Equipment ......................................................................................................... 24
Self-Check 1.............................................................................................................................. 26
Unit Two: Overhauling and dismantle starting system................................................................ 27
2.1 Overhaul Starter motor and system component ............................................................. 27
2.2. Disassembling Starter motor and Components .............................................................. 28
2.3. Cleaning starter motor and System components ............................................................ 31
Self-Check 2.............................................................................................................................. 32
Operation Sheet ......................................................................................................................... 33
Lap Test-2 ................................................................................................................................. 33
Unit Three: Inspecting, Testing, Repairing and Replacing starting systems ................................ 34
3.1. Inspecting Starting system circuit .................................................................................. 35
3.2. Testing starter motor and associated component ........................................................... 35
3.3. Starter motor repair procedure ....................................................................................... 41
3.4. Repair and Replace starting systems and associated components ................................. 41
3.5. Reassemble starter motor ............................................................................................... 43
3.6. Starting System Trouble shooting .................................................................................. 43
Self-Check 3.............................................................................................................................. 45
Operation Sheet ......................................................................................................................... 46
Lap Test-3 ..................................................................................................................................... 51
Unit Four: Cleanup work area and maintain equipment ............................................................... 52
4.1. Removing methods of waste and scrap .............................................................................. 52
4.2. Cleaning and inspecting equipment and work area ........................................................ 53
Self-Check -4 ............................................................................................................................ 55
Referance .................................................................................................................................. 56
Acronym
DC - Direct current
AC - Alternative current
EMF – Electro motive force
DMM - Digital multimeter
Introduction to the Module
Engine start is the initial phase, and a very crucial phase in the operation of automotive engines.
“starting system” is the heart of the electrical system in your car, begins with the Battery. The
key is inserted into the Ignition Switch and then turned to the start position. A small amount of
current then passes through the Neutral Safety Switch to a Starter Relay or Starter Solenoid
which allows high current to flow through the Battery Cables to the Starter Motor. The starter
motor then cranks the engine so that the piston, moving downward, can create a suction that will
draw a Fuel/Air mixture into the cylinder, where a spark created by the Ignition System will
ignite this mixture. If the Compression in the engine is high enough and all this happens at the
right Time, the engine will start. The starter motor plays a vital role in this short transient period.
The main function of the starter system is to supply cranking torque to the crankshaft of the I.C.
engine until a sustainable RPM is achieved due to consecutive robust engine combustion events.
This module covers the units: -
Overview of starting system
Overhaul and dismantle starting system
Inspect, Test, Repair and Replace starting systems
Clean up work area and maintain equipment
For effective use this modules trainee are expected to follow the following module instruction:
1. Read the information written in each unit
2. Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit
3. Perform Operation Sheets which were provided at the end of units
4. Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and
5. Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise
Unit one: Overview of starting system
This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
Safety On starting system
Purpose of starting system
Component of starting system and its function
Working principle of starting system
Tools and Equipment
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
Apply Safety for starting system
Understand Purpose of starting system
Identify Component of starting system and its function
Understand Working principle of starting system
Use Tools and Equipment
Over view of starter motor circuit
Always make sure that you wear the appropriate personal protection equipment before
starting the job. It is very easy to hurt yourself even when the most exhaustive protection
measures are taken.
Always ensure that your work area/environment is as safe as you can make it. Do not use
damaged, broken or worn out workshop equipment.
Always follow any manufacturer's personal safety instructions to prevent damage to the
vehicle you are servicing.
Make sure that you understand and observe all legislative and personal safety procedures when
carrying out the following tasks. If you are unsure of what these are, ask your supervisor.
A spark created above a battery can cause an explosion. So always follow these
precautions:
1. Keep your face and body as far back as you can while connecting jumper leads.
2. Connect the leads in the correct order -- positive on discharged battery; then
positive on charged battery; then negative on charged battery; then negative to a
good ground on the vehicle with the discharged battery -- away from the battery
itself.
3. Do not connect the negative cable to the discharge battery because this may cause
a spark.
4. Only use specially designed heavy-duty jumper cables to start a vehicle with a
dead battery. Do not try to connect the batteries with any other type of cable.
F
i
g
u
re 1.4 Armature component
segments. A steel shaft is inserting in the center hole of the laminations with the
commutator insulated from the shaft.
Field Coils (Magnet): Heavy copper windings that create a strong magnetic field when
field when current flows through them.
Pole shoes: Iron cores for the field coils that help to increase magnetism.
Brushes: - are electrically conductive sliding contacts, usually made of copper and
carbon. The brushes make contact with the commutator and as the starter begins to rotate
the brushes reverse the flow of current to the armature. Starter brushes carry the full flow
of current through the motor.
Brush holders: Spring loaded to keep the brushes in contact with the armature.
Brush End cap: Opposite end of the starter from the nose piece. Supports brush holder
assembly and the other armature shaft bushing.
Starter housing (Motor frame): Centre section that holds the pole shoes and field coils
in place.
Nose piece (Drive end housing): the drive end of the starter where the pinion gear is
located. Holds the shift lever in place and supports the armature shaft with a bushing.
Solenoid: - has two windings (Pull-In and Hold-In) that get energized by the starter
control circuit and magnetically move a plunger. The plunger is connected to a heavy
contact disc that is a switch. The switch will send current from the battery terminal to the
field coils. The plunger could also be connected to a shift lever that will move the pinion.
The solenoid has two functions
Pushing the pinion forward so that it engages in the ring gear of the engine.
Closing the moving contact, providing the main current path for the starter.
Pinion Engaging Drive: - the starter’s end shield assembly contains the Pinion Engaging
Drive with pinion, overrunning clutch, engagement lever and spring. The drive
mechanism is responsible for coordinating the thrust motion of the solenoid switch and
the rotary motion of the electric starter motor and transferring them to the pinion. The
starter engages the ring gear on the flywheel by means of the pinion. A high conversion
ratio of pinion teeth to flywheel teeth (between 10:1 and 15:1) make it possible to
overcome the high cranking resistance of the engine using a relatively small but high-
speed starter motor.
Overrunning Clutch In all starter designs the rotary motion is transmitted via an
Overrunning Clutch. The overrunning clutch allows the pinion to be driven by the
armature shaft (or planetary gear set), however it breaks the connection between the
pinion and the armature shaft as soon as the accelerating engine spins the pinion faster
than the starter. The overrunning clutch is located between the starter motor and the
pinion and prevents the starter motor armature from being accelerated to an excessive
speed when the engine starts.
Shift lever: Used to push the pinion out to engage with the ring gear.
Gear Reduction Starter Construction
In their design and function, Gear Reduction Drives are much the same as conventional drive
starters. The main difference in the gear reduction drive starter is a planetary gear set added
between the field frame and the drive end shield. This design allows for the use of smaller and
lighter starters. Starter motor components (armature, brushes, brush holder, field coils, and pole
shoes) are the same as a direct drive starter.
Gear reduction: the armature shaft will have a gear output that will drive an intermediate
gear that drives the pinion gear shaft.
Solenoid: the solenoid performs the same electrical functions as the direct drive starter
but may directly push the pinion gear out.
Overrunning clutch: Same as direct drive.
1.4. Working principle of starter motor and system
The starting system is designed to turn or crank the engine until it can operate under its own
power. To do this, the starter motor is engaged to the engine’s flywheel. As it spins, it turns the
engine’s crankshaft. The sole purpose of the starting system is to crank the engine fast enough to
run. The engine’s ignition and fuel system provide the spark and fuel for engine operation, but
they are not considered part of the starting system. They do affect how well an engine starts.
Starter relay: - two positive cables are needed. One runs from
the positive battery terminal to the relay and the second from the
relay to the starter motor terminal. In any case, these cables carry
the required heavy current from the battery to the starter and from
the starter back to the battery. Starter relays are similar to starter
solenoids. However, they are not used to move the drive pinion
into mesh. Figure1.5 Starter relay mounted on a
vehicle.
They are used as an electrical relay or switch. When current from the ignition switch arrives at
the relay, a strong magnetic field is generated in the relay’s coil. This magnetic force pulls the
plunger contact disc up against the battery terminal and the starter terminal of the relay, allowing
full current flow to the starter motor.
Electric Starter Motor The starter motor converts current into torque through the interaction
of magnetic fields. The magnetic field developed at the field windings and the armature has
opposite polarities. When the armature windings are placed inside the field windings, part of the
armature coil is pushed in one direction as the field opposes the field in the windings. This
causes the armature to begin to rotate. As the armature moves, the contact between a brush and
commutator segment is broken and the brush contacts a new segment. This causes a reverse in
the polarity of the magnetic field around the armature. The new opposition of magnetic fields
causes the armature to rotate more. This process continues and the armature continues to rotate
until current stops flowing to the armature. Many armature segments are used. This provides for
a uniform turning motion because as one segment rotates past a brush, another immediately takes
its place. This also provides for constant torque.
This constant reversal of current flow in the armature provides continual rotation. Direction of
rotation is determined using Flemings Left Hand Rule.
Loop Is Being Force Out Of Magnetic Field
Point your First finger in the direction of the magnetic
Field (from N to S).
Rotate your hand about that finger until your second
finger points in the direction of the Current (conventional
current, from + to -).
Then your thumb points in the direction of the
Movement of the wire.
To increase torque and speed in the starter motor, more
windings in the armature are added, and the field has more pairs of magnets.
The basic law of motors, the direction of force
on a wire that is carrying current when it is in a magnetic field.
Field Coils (Magnet): Heavy copper windings that create a strong magnetic field when current
flows through them. There are two types of Magnet:
1. Electromagnetic
2. Permanent magnet
1. Electromagnetic
Wire ribbons or coils wrapped around a pole shoe, attached to the inside
of the starter housing. The iron pole shoes and the iron starter housing
work together to increase and concentrate the strength of the field coils,
when current flows thought the field coils strong electromagnetic fields
with North and South poles are created.
Torque and speed of the starter motor is dependent on the wiring of the
field coils.
Figure 1.6 Feld
coil holder
DC electric motors have three common types of internal connections field coil
Series Wound motors
In series would motors the excitation and armature windings are connected in serried. The
excitation current is not tapped Off, rather the armature current also passes through the excitation
winding. The armature current in this type of motor generates a strong magnetic field because it
is usually high when the motor starts under load. The motors therefore develop high initial
torque, which develops sharply as motor speed increases these characteristics make the motor a
particular good starter motor. When used in small starters, the motor is switched on as the starter
engages the engine so that it’s full torque in immediately available.
Shunt wound motors
In shunt wound motors the excitation winding is connected in parallel with the
armature. When energized with constant voltage, excitation and speed are therefore
practically of torque this would not be desirable for starter operation. However, the
drop in battery voltage caused by the starter current yield a beneficially characteristics
similar to that of series-wound motors.
Compound wound motors
Large starters used compound wound motors which have a shunt winding and a series
winding which act in to two stages. In the first stage, the armature current is limited
because the shunt winding connected in series with the armature and acts as a
dropping resistance. This keeps the meshing torque of the armature low. In the second stage the
full current is applied to the starter motor which then develops its full torque. The shunt winding
is now connected in parallel with the armature and the series winding is connected is additionally
connected is series with the armature when the pinion returns to its initial position the shunt
windings stops the armature quickly.
Motor Characteristics
The characteristics of a motor are those which show the relation between torque and armature
current (T/Ia) this is also known as electrical characteristics, speed and armature current (N/Ia)
speed and torque (N/T) characteristics, this is also known as mechanical characteristics.
While discussing motor characteristics, the following relations should be kept in mind
Eb
T Ia and N
Where T = Torque
= Flux density (magnetic)
Ia = Armature current
N = Speed
Eb = Back e.m.f
Compound
In these types of motors, series excitation helps shunt excitation. The mechanical characteristics
of such motors lie between those of shunt and series motors.
Comparison of shunt and series motors
1. Series motors
a) have a relatively huge starting torque
b) Have low speed at high loads and dangerously speed at low loads
2. Shunt motors
a) The speed of shunt motors is sufficiently constant
b) For the same current input its starting torque is not as high as that of series motors
3, Permanent Magnet
Multiple permanent magnets manufactured from an alloy of boron, neodymium and iron are
positioned in the starter housing. Use of permanent magnets allow for the elimination of the field
circuit and windings and realize a 50% weight savings.
When the gears are meshed, the contact plate on the plunger turns on the main switch by
closing the connection between terminals "30" and "C."
More current goes to the motor and it rotates with greater torque (cranking power).
Current no longer flows in the pull-in coil. The plunger is held in position by the hold-in
coil's magnetic force.
IGNITION SWITCH IN "ON"
Current no longer flows to terminal
"50," but the main switch remains
closed to allow current flow from
terminal "C" through the pull-in coil
to the hold-in coil.
The magnetic fields in the two coils
cancel each other, and the plunger is
pulled back by the return spring.
The high current to the motor is cut
off and the pinion gear disengages from the ring gear.
A spring-loaded brake stops the armature.
REDUCTION TYPE
The extra gears reduce the motor speed by the factor of one to three or four and transmit it to the
pinion gear.
The plunger of the magnetic switch directly pushes the pinion gear, which is located on the same
axis, causing it to mesh with the ring gear.
This type of starter motor generates much greater torque, in proportion to size and weight, than
the conventional type.
OVER-RUNNING CLUTCH
Both conventional and gear reduction starter motors are fitted with a one−way or over−running
clutch. The clutch prevents damage to the starter when the engine starts. Clutch Operation:
During engine start, the starter pinion gear drives the engine’s flywheel ring gear.
Once the engine fires, the ring gear almost instantly begins to turn faster than the starter
pinion gear. Over−speeding would damage the starter motor if it were not immediately
disengaged from the pinion gear.
The clutch uses its wedged rollers and springs to disengage the pinion shaft from the
clutch housing (which turns with the motor armature). This happens any time the pinion
shaft tries to turn faster than the clutch housing race which is combined with the pinion
gear. Spring loaded wedged rollers are used.
Without an over-running clutch, the starter motor would be quickly destroyed if engine
torque was transferred through the pinion gear to the armature.
Table 1.1 over running clutch principle
Engine Starting The clutch housing, armature, Engine Started The clutch housing and the armature
and pinion gear turn together. turn together. The ring gear drives the pinion gear. The
pinion shaft is disengaged from the clutch housing.
Clutch Start Switch (Manual Transmission):- for
manual transmissions the clutch start switch performs
the same function as the park/neutral position switch.
The clutch start switch opens the starter control
circuit unless the clutch is engaged.
Clutch Start Switch: - the switch closes when the
clutch pedal is depressed
B. Box-End Wrench: The end of the box-end wrench is boxed or closed rather than open. The
jaws of the wrench fit completely around a bolt or nut, gripping each point on the fastener.
The box-end wrench is not likely to slip off a nut or bolt. It is safer than an open-end wrench.
C. Combination Wrench: The combination wrench has an open-end jaw on one end and a
box-end on the other. Both ends are the same size. The combination wrench is probably
the best choice for the second set. It can be used with either open-end or box-end wrench
sets and can be used as an open-end or box-end wrench.
D. Screwdrivers: A screwdriver drives a variety of threaded fasteners used in the
automotive industry. Each
fastener requires a specific kind of
screwdriver. Screwdrivers are
defined by their sizes, their tips, and
the types of fasteners they should
be used with. Special screwdrivers.
F. Circuit Tester :- Circuit testers are used to check for voltage in an electrical circuit. A
circuit tester commonly called a test-light.
Self-Check 1
Instruction: Answer all the questions listed below, if you have some clarifications- feel free to
ask your teacher.
1. Types of electrical starter motor
A. Pre-engaged starter motor B. Bendix drive type starter motor (Bajaj)
C. Reduction type starter motor D. Permanent magnet starter motor E. all
2. a spring starter uses potential energy
A. Electrical Starting System B. Bendix drive type starter motor
C. Mechanical/Non motor Starting System D. regulator
3. When an engine starts, the pinion gear is disconnected from the starter by the:
A. magnetic switch B. plunger C. over-running clutch D. switch return spring
4. If the engine cranks too slow to start, the problem may be caused by:
A. engine problems B. a faulty neutral start switch
C. an open relay in the control circuit D. a damaged pinion gear
5. It is a mechanical device used to connect or disconnect the current flow in all circuits of the
vehicle
A. Battery B. Starter Motor C. Ignition Switch D. Starter Safety Switch
Test II: short Answer
Instruction: write short answer for the given question. You are provided 2 minutes for each
question and each point has 5Points.
1. What is the purpose of starting system?
2. Write down types of electrical starter motor
3. Write down the classification of starter motor
Part III: Short answer writing
Direction: Give short answer to the following questions. Time allotted for each item is 2mniut
and each question carry 4 point.
1. Battery 2. Ignition switches 3. Starter relay
4. Starter motor 5. Starter safety switch
Note: Satisfactory rating – above 60% Unsatisfactory - below 60%
You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers
Lap Test-2
The Starting System Troubleshooting chart lists the most common starting system problems, the
possible causes, and recommended actions to resolve the problem.
Begin with a thorough visual inspection. If this fails to turn up the possible cause, several tests
are available to help you find the problem:
1. Starter motor current draw test
2. Voltage drop tests
3. Operational and continuity tests
4. Starter motor bench tests
Starter motor current draw test
Measures the amount of current the starter circuit draws to crank the engine. Nearly all starter
current testers use an inductive pickup to measure the current draw
Measures the current used by the starting system
Connect a voltmeter and ammeter
Disable the engine
disconnect the coil primary supply
ground the coil wire
disable the electric fuel pump
Crank the engine for 15 seconds while
noting voltage and current readings
Compare the readings to specifications
Starter Motor Voltage Drop Test
Measures the available voltage to the starter during cranking.
To perform the test, disable the ignition or use a remote starter
switch to bypass the ignition switch. Normally, the remote
starter switch leads are connected to the positive terminal of the
battery and the starter terminal of the solenoid or relay.
Locates higher-than-normal resistance. Whenever current flows
through a circuit, electrical resistance causes a voltage drop
Disable the fuel or ignition system so engine will not
start while cranking.
Set the DMM, select a low voltage scale
Connect the DMM leads to measure voltage drop for the
following:
Battery Negative Cable: Meter connected to measure voltage drop
Battery + post to + cable
Battery + cable to starter
Terminal C to terminal 30 (gear reduction type)
Battery to terminal 50 (gear reduction type)
Normal voltage drops in the starting system are in the range of 0.2 volts to 0.5 volts.
Insulated Circuit Resistance Test
Connect the voltmeter between the battery positive and the
starting motor terminal
Crank the engine, noting voltage
Maximum should be 0.5 volts
Excessive voltage indicates dirty or loose connections, or
burned or pitted solenoid contacts
Magnetic Switch (Solenoid) Tests
1. Connect the tester or meter leads:
2. Crank the engine and note the voltage reading:
0.3 volts or less is acceptable resistance
More than 0.3 volts is excessive resistance
If you find excessive resistance, perform these steps:
Isolate the cause
Repair the fault
Re−test the voltage drops
A faulty magnetic switch could cause excessive resistance
For inspection and testing the component/parts was damaged or not good condition
repair and replace carefully.
3.5. Reassemble starter motor
Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly
Pay attention to the following point
- Ensure the shift lever is positioned in the correct direction.
- Apply grease to each sliding surface.
3.6. Starting System Trouble shooting
Common Starter Motor Faults
• Clicks only: Poor wiring connections, Defective solenoid, Defective ignition switch, Defective
Starter Motor, Poor earth connection.
Turns slowly: Poor battery condition, Poor wiring connections, Corroded battery cables,
generally worn Starter Motor. Running in mesh: Defective ignition switch, sticking solenoid,
ticking pinion.
Noisy in operation: Loose mountings, locating dowel (if applicable) not fitted, or fitted askew,
Ring gear damage (although this is extremely rare the ring gear is made of hardened steel and the
drive pinion is made of mild steel, Defective pinion.
Table 3.1 starting system troubleshooting chart
Starter does not Faulty magnetic switch Check and replace as needed
engage/disengage Damaged or worn pinion gear or Check gears for damage and wear;
properly ring gear replace as needed
Self-Check 3
Instruction: Answer all the questions listed below, if you have some clarifications- feel free to
ask your teacher.
1, Which of the following is not part of the starter circuit?
A. battery. B. starting safety switch C. starter motor D. relay solenoid
2. When the starter spins but does not engage the flywheel, which of the following may be true?
A. defective starter drive B. excessive resistance in the control circuit
C. a faulty starter relay D. all of the above
3. If a ground circuit test reveals a voltage drop of more than 0.2 volt, the problem may be.
A. a loose starter motor mounting bolt B. a poor battery ground terminal post connector
C. a damaged battery ground cable D. all of the above
3. The normal minimal cranking voltage specification is approximately.
A. 9.6 volts B 11.0 volts C. 10.5 volts D. 12.65 volts
4. If the solenoid clicks while trying to crank the engine with the starter, which of the following
is not a probable cause?
A. a faulty neutral safety switch B. low battery voltage C. low voltage available to
the solenoid D. an open in the hold-in winding
Test II: short Answer
Instruction: write short answer for the given question. You are provided 3 minutes for each
question and each point has 5Points
B. HOLD-IN TEST
a. With the battery connected as above and with the pinion out, disconnect
the negative lead from.
Check that the pinion remains out.
OBSERVATION___________________________________________
D. NO-LOAD TEST
a. Securely fix the starter motor with a vice
b. Connect the field coil lead to Terminal C. Make sure the
lead is not grounded
c. Connect the battery and ammeter to the starter as shown.
d. Check, that the starter rotates smoothly and steadily, and
that the pinion moves out.
e. Check that the ammeter reads the specified current.
Specified Current. Less than 50 A at 11V.
OBSERVATION______________________________
Quality Criteria: The battery voltage is 9.6 and above.
Precautions: Complete each test as quickly as possible (within approximately 3-5
seconds). Otherwise, the coil in the starter motor may burn out.
This test measures the voltage drop across the positive battery cable.
1,Connect the tester or meter leads:
Red lead to the starter motor housing
Black lead to negative terminal of the battery
2. Crank the engine and note the voltage reading:
0.2 volts or less is acceptable resistance
More than 0.2 volts is excessive resistance
3, Crank the engine and note the voltage reading:
0.5 volts or less is acceptable resistance
More than 0.5 volts is excessive resistance
If you find excessive resistance, perform these steps:
Isolate the cause
Repair the fault
Re−test the voltage drop
Excessive resistance could be caused by any of these:
Damaged battery cable
Poor connection at battery or starter terminal
Defective magnetic switch
Quality Criteria: Normal voltage drops in the starting system are in the range of 0.2
volts to 0.5 volts.
Precautions You can pull the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) fuse
or relay to prevent engine start.