Vehicle Won't Start, Here’s How to Fix the Car Starter Relay
When your beloved vehicle won't start, it can certainly make you, as the owner, feel annoyed and confused. Especially if you don't know how to handle it. In fact, one of the components that should be checked is the solenoid or starter switch of the car. To address this, here are the correct ways to repair a car starter solenoid.
Function of the Starter Solenoid in Cars
Before discussing further about how to repair the starter solenoid in a four-wheeled vehicle, it would be good for you to first understand its function.
As previously explained, the solenoid is also referred to as the car starter switch. Essentially, the function of the starter solenoid in four-wheeled vehicles is the same as that in two-wheeled vehicles.
Its function is to regulate the electrical current in the vehicle, whether in terms of connecting or disconnecting the current.
You could say that the starter solenoid will later be used as a switch for motor vehicles, connecting or disconnecting the electrical voltage from the battery to be continued to the dynamo.
Steps to Ensure the Car Starter Solenoid is Damaged
Next, what you can do is ensure whether it is damaged or not. This should be a basic step that vehicle owners must take. The goal is to keep the vehicle well-maintained and usable as usual.
First, make sure to check the condition of the battery. You can check the battery by measuring the voltage using a voltmeter to see if it is still viable or not.
Additionally, you can also check the turn signal lights of your vehicle or the speedometer panel. If the lights are bright, this indicates that the battery is still in good condition.
Next, check the condition of the dynamo to ensure it is still functioning properly. The first step to ensure the condition of the dynamo is to check its physical condition.
Carefully observe whether there are any burnt or broken parts on the coil. The second way to check the condition of the dynamo is by listening to its rotation. If it sounds rough, this indicates that the dynamo is damaged.
Read Also: Easy Tips for Maintaining Car and Motorcycle Starter Dynamos
Steps to Repair a Damaged Car Starter Switch
After you have checked the condition of the solenoid and confirmed that it is damaged, the next step is to apply several stages to repair it. First, disconnect the electrical cable connections of the solenoid, which are in the form of nuts at both terminal ends using a soldering iron. Next, open the body of the starter switch and carefully remove it.
Once removed, sand each end of the contact poles inside the car starter solenoid. This aims to clean the parts of the solenoid that have rusted or become dirty. It is hoped that through this method, the flow of electric voltage in the starter switch will improve. When opened, a spring will be visible inside.
To test the condition of the starter solenoid, you can try to stretch the spring. This method of repairing the car starter solenoid must be done carefully. Because if the tension is too strong, the spring will break and add to the damage to the starter solenoid. The final step is to reinstall the starter switch cover that was previously removed.
Driving your beloved vehicle safely and comfortably is certainly the dream of every car owner. Therefore, it is advisable to always check the condition of each important component, especially the starter solenoid. If not checked regularly, it is possible that the vehicle will experience damage that could hinder your journey.
Read Also: Engine Mounting: An Important Component of Car Engines
