Starter Motors

What is a starter motor?

A starter motor is an electrical device responsible for rotating the engine so that the ignition process can begin. When starting the engine the starter motor has a gear that extends to interface with the teeth on the flywheel. As the starter motor spins this causes the flywheel and the engine to rotate and start the combustion process. As soon as the engine has started the starter motors retracts its gear until the next time it is required.

How do I choose the correct starter motor?

There can often be a selection of starter motors listed for a specific model of vehicle. It is important that when replacing the starter motor that it matches the original part number. If you are unable to obtain the original part number here are some factors to check when selecting a replacement:

• Number of gears (i.e. 5 speed or 6 speed etc)

• Manual or semi or fully automatic transmission

• Number of screw/bolt holes required to mount it

• Number of teeth on the starter gear

• Transmission type / transmission code

• Vehicle manufacture date (this is not the date the vehicle was registered but the date it was made

• Engine number sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

• VIN (chassis number) sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

What brand of starter motor should I choose?

Bosch and Valeo make starter motors for the original car brands so these are classed as premium. As a result these brands can be relatively expensive. Other brands such as Febi, HC Cargo (part of the Bosch Group) and Borg & Beck manufacture high quality starter motors but at a lower price point and sometimes with even longer warranty periods than the premium brands.

Starter motors are one of the car parts that are remanufactured to as-new condition. These parts perform every bit as well as a new to market part and often come with the same warranty cover. In some cases only remanufactured parts are available.

How can I tell my starter motor needs replacing?

We would always recommend that you have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle to receive an accurate diagnosis should you have issues with your vehicle.

Quite often the signs of a faulty starter motor are sometimes self evident. Here are some of the symptoms of a faulty starter motor:

• The engine will not turn over

• You can hear the sound of an electric motor but the engine is not turning over

• There is just a clicking sound when trying to start the engine

• The engine turns over slowly while starting

• There is a burning smell when starting the engine