Starter

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It all starts with the turn of the key. Most car owners, however, take for granted that which brings the car's engine to life—the starter. Once the key is turned, this electric motor gets a dose of high-voltage current from lead-acid batteries in the engine bay. When the current reaches the starter's solenoid switch, the motor's drive pinion is forced onto a gear on the engine's flywheel, getting the engine up and running.

It's only when the starter's motor conks out that you start to take notice of it, since you're left to deal with an engine that won't start up. There are only a few reasons why the starter would fail. One of the most common causes is the presence of carbon deposits in the motor. Basically, all motors are made up of a wire-covered shaft rotating in the center of magnets. The magnetic field generates electricity to power the motor's solenoid. Over time, however, the carbon contacts holding each end of the shaft get worn out. Powdered carbon is then deposited over the wires, causing electricity to jump.

Sometimes, the bearings holding the shaft inside the starter also get worn out through the years. When that happens, the motor's shaft spins out of alignment and rubs against the magnets surrounding it. Another reason is solenoid failure. Apart from the motor, the starter's solenoid activates a mechanical clutch that engages and disengages the motor from the engine's flywheel. If the solenoid fails, the flywheel won't get the needed push to jumpstart your car's engine. Worse is when the opposite happens and the solenoid gets stuck and the starter remains engaged with the flywheel.

In such a situation, the motor would receive loads of torque from the flywheel, instantly damaging it. Thus, the motor can no longer be used. So the next time your car's engine refuses to start, avoid cranking it for long periods because that would discharge the battery. Instead, have the motor checked and replaced if necessary. Remember: investing in a high-quality starter motor can help keep your car's ignition working for another decade or so.

Featured Models

Featured Products GMC Sonoma - Starter STARTER, NEW -- 9-tooth pinion; 1.2 kilowatts; 12 volts; Clockwise rotation; Manufactured to the strictest OE standards; Built from 100 percent new components to ensure reliable operation. Brand: Replacement P_condition: New Type: OE Replacement Price: $82.43 2002 - SL; 4 Cyl 2.2L; "FLEX, FI, VIN 5" 2002 - SLS; 4 Cyl 2.2L; "FLEX, FI, VIN 5" 2003 - SL; 4 Cyl 2.2L; "GAS, FI, VIN H" 2003 - SLS; 4 Cyl 2.2L; "GAS, FI, VIN H" Oldsmobile Alero - Starter STARTER, NEW -- 9-tooth pinion; 1.6 kilowatts; 12 volts; Clockwise rotation; Manufactured to the strictest OE standards; Built from 100 percent new components to ensure reliable operation. Brand: Replacement P_condition: New Type: OE Replacement Price: $77.99 2001,2002,2003 - GX; 6 Cyl 3.4L; "GAS, FI, VIN E" 2001,2002,2003,2004 - GL; 6 Cyl 3.4L; "GAS, FI, VIN E" 2001,2002,2003,2004 - GLS; 6 Cyl 3.4L; "GAS, FI, VIN E" Buick Century - Starter STARTER, NEW -- 11-tooth pinion; 1.4 kilowatts; 12 volts; Clockwise rotation; Manufactured to the strictest OE standards; Built from 100 percent new components to ensure reliable operation. Brand: Replacement P_condition: New Type: OE Replacement Price: $85.25 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005 - Custom; 6 Cyl 3.1L; "GAS, FI, VIN J" 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005 - Limited; 6 Cyl 3.1L; "GAS, FI, VIN J" 2003 - Base; 6 Cyl 3.1L; "GAS, FI, VIN J" 2005 - Special Edition; 6 Cyl 3.1L; "GAS, FI, VIN J" Pontiac Grand Am - Starter STARTER, NEW -- 1.4 kilowatts; Manufactured to the strictest OE standards; Built from 100 percent new components to ensure reliable operation. Brand: Replacement P_condition: New Type: OE Replacement Price: $98.77 2001,2002,2003,2004 - SE1; 6 Cyl 3.4L; "GAS, FI, VIN E" 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005 - GT1; 6 Cyl 3.4L; "GAS, FI, VIN E" 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005 - GT; 6 Cyl 3.4L; "GAS, FI, VIN E" 2001,2002,2003,2005 - SE; 6 Cyl 3.4L; "GAS, FI, VIN E" 2003,2004 - SE2; 6 Cyl 3.4L; "GAS, FI, VIN E" GMC Sonoma - Starter STARTER, NEW -- 10-tooth pinion; 1.4 kilowatts; 12 volts; Counterclockwise rotation; Manufactured to the strictest OE standards; Built from 100 percent new components to ensure reliable operation. Brand: Replacement P_condition: New Type: OE Replacement Price: $91.52 2002 - SL; 4 Cyl 2.2L; "FLEX, FI, VIN 5" 2002 - SLS; 4 Cyl 2.2L; "FLEX, FI, VIN 5" 2003 - SL; 4 Cyl 2.2L; "GAS, FI, VIN H" 2003 - SLS; 4 Cyl 2.2L; "GAS, FI, VIN H"