The starter motor is a component in the car that needs to be maintained regularly. If this crucial part is damaged, it can potentially cause the car to be hard to start. Therefore, you need to perform car maintenance by checking the components within the starter motor. Here’s how to check the car's starter motor.

1. Automatic Socket 

The first step to repair the starter motor is to check the automatic socket in the starter motor. 

First, check the small wire connecting the socket and the starter motor. If the small wire is broken, repair it immediately. If the wire is still in good condition, continue checking the fuse.

To determine if the relay or fuse is damaged, start the car. Then, if you hear a clicking sound, this could be the reason the car is hard to start. However, if you do not find any issues with the automatic socket, it is advisable to take the car to a workshop for damage detection.

2. Active Clamp

It cannot be denied that a car that is hard to start is often associated with a weak battery. However, before deciding to buy a new car battery, there are still ways to check the starter motor that can be applied. It could be that the bolt on the battery clamp is not securely attached, meaning it is loose. 

As a first step, open the hood and locate the battery storage. Then, you need to check whether the battery cable clamp on the positive or negative terminal is loose. If that part is loose, try to jump the battery. Try pushing the car forward so that the car battery is supplied and works optimally.

3. Battery Cable

Damage to the starter motor in a four-wheeled vehicle can also be caused by damaged battery cables. As a result, the battery indicator on the dashboard will turn off and the car cannot be started. 

To handle this, perform regular checks to see if the cables are loose or broken.

However, if you do not find any damage to the cables, there is a high possibility that there is a way to check the starter motor through workshop diagnostics. 

Whether you like it or not, you have to take it to the workshop for a detailed inspection. If you do not take the car to the service place immediately, it is feared that the car will experience engine failure.

Read Also: Complete Steps on How to Repair a Dry Battery

4. Car Battery Jumper

For those of you who understand the automotive world, you certainly know that the performance of the starter motor depends on the condition of the battery. So, when the battery is weak and drained, it will not be strong enough to supply electrical power to the starter motor. This is what causes the car to not start.

Try to jump the car battery using another battery. Generally, the car will start immediately when receiving a jump from another battery. However, if this still does not work, you have no choice but to take it to the workshop. 

Usually, the workshop will replace the car battery as a way to check the starter motor.

Damaged components of the starter motor must be repaired immediately. The goal is to prevent the damage from spreading to other parts. If the starter motor experiences total failure, the car will automatically not start. Therefore, always perform regular checks, especially on its components. 

Read Also: Causes of Total Car Electrical Failure and Their Solutions