Many people might think that replacing a starter is pretty simple – after all, it’s just a few bolts, right? Well, in reality, it’s a bit more complicated than that. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how hard it is to replace a starter, what tools you’ll need, and what to expect during the process.
Hardness of replacing a starter
If your car won’t start, the first thing you should check is the battery. If the battery is dead, you’ll need to jumpstart the car or replace the battery. If the battery is fine, the next thing to check is the starter. The starter is what turns the engine over and starts the car.
If the starter is bad, it will need to be replaced. This can be a difficult task, depending on the make and model of your car. Some starters are located in hard-to-reach places, making them difficult to replace. Other starters may be easy to access but require special tools to remove and install.
If you’re not comfortable working on your car, it’s best to take it to a mechanic and have them handle the repair. However, if you’re feeling up to the challenge, replacing a starter is something you can do yourself with a little time and patience.
The process of replacing a starter
Assuming the battery is in good working order, the starter replacement process is as follows:
1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
2. Unscrew and remove the bolts that hold the starter in place. The number and location of these bolts will vary depending on your car model.
3. Carefully remove the old starter from its housing and disconnect any wiring attached to it.
4. Install the new starter in the reverse order of removal. Be sure to reconnect all wiring before screwing the starter back into place.
5. Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery and start your car to test if the new starter is working properly.
Why starters go bad
When a starter goes bad, it’s usually because the armature or field coils have failed. The armature is the rotating part of the starter that the field coils surround. The field coils give the armature its magnetic field.
If either the armature or field coils fail, the starter won’t be able to generate enough power to turn the engine over. The most common cause of failure is age and wear. The other causes are excessive heat and vibration.
Excessive heat can damage both the armature and field coils. It can also cause the insulation between them to break down, which will lead to a loss of power. Vibration can also damage the coils and cause them to lose their connection with each other.
How to prevent your starter from going bad
If your car starter goes bad, it can be a pain to replace. Here are some tips to prevent your starter from going bad in the first place:
– Keep your battery clean and free of corrosion. A buildup of corrosion can prevent the starter from getting the power it needs to turn over the engine.
– Make sure your battery terminals are tight. Loose terminals can cause all sorts of electrical problems, including a starter that won’t work.
– If you’re going to store your car for an extended period of time, disconnect the battery. This will prevent the battery from draining and potentially causing damage to the starter.
Conclusion
Overall, replacing a starter is not a difficult task. It is however, important to take your time and be careful when working with electrical components. Make sure to disconnect the battery before starting and be extra cautious when reconnecting the wires. With a little patience and attention to detail, you should be able to replace your starter without any issues.