{"id":510529,"date":"2022-09-06T07:45:39","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T13:45:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/?p=510529"},"modified":"2022-09-06T07:45:39","modified_gmt":"2022-09-06T13:45:39","slug":"starter-spins-but-does-not-engage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cartreatments.com\/starter-spins-but-does-not-engage\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Reasons Your Starter Spins But Does Not Engage (How to Troubleshoot)"},"content":{"rendered":"

As motorists, we naturally expect our vehicles to spring into action, with the simple turn of a key. While this is the case 99% of the time, on occasion, the exact opposite occurs. Though we attempt to crank our vehicle, the engine does not start, leaving us in a world of frustration, inevitably late to our ultimate destination.<\/p>\n

While a general \u201cfailure to start\u201d concern can encompass a wide array of underlying issues, one of the more perplexing problems of this type centers around a starter that spins but does not engage a vehicle\u2019s flywheel. One is often left wondering where to apply blame, while frantically considering all possibilities.<\/p>\n

No brand of vehicle is immune to starter-to-flywheel engagement issues, including those produced by some of the industry\u2019s most prestigious manufacturers, including Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, and Honda. Likewise, all issues of this nature are solved in a similar fashion, by way of thorough diagnosis, and careful attention to detail.<\/p>\n

Read on to learn more about the potential reasons that your starter spins, but does not engage, as well as how to address such issues if they are encountered in the future.<\/p>\n

See Also: 3 Causes of a Car That’s Hard to Start When Cold<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Table of Contents<\/p>\n

  • How Does a Starter Motor Work?<\/a><\/li>
  • Causes of a Starter That Spins But Doesn’t Engage<\/a>
    • #1 \u2013 Low Battery Voltage<\/a><\/li>
    • #2 \u2013 Starter Bendix Failure<\/a><\/li>
    • #3 \u2013 Faulty Starter Solenoid\/Stick Solenoid Contacts<\/a><\/li>
    • #4 \u2013 Corroded Or Loose Cabling<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
    • How to Troubleshoot (Determine the Cause)<\/a>
      • Step #1 \u2013 Inspect Battery Terminals\/Cables<\/a><\/li>
      • Step #2 \u2013 Test Battery Voltage<\/a><\/li>
      • Step #3 \u2013 Verify Battery Cranking Potential<\/a><\/li>
      • Step #4 \u2013 Check Starter Connections<\/a><\/li>
      • Step #5 \u2013 Verify Power Delivery With Jump Test<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n

        <\/span>How Does a Starter Motor Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

        \"\"<\/p>\n

        Though not overly complicated by design, a vehicle\u2019s starter is designed to accomplish a number of tasks simultaneously. Upon turning a vehicle\u2019s ignition, power is distributed to the starter, as well as the starter solenoid.<\/p>\n

        Within the starter, an electromagnet is energized. Once energized, this electromagnet drives a specialized shaft outward, to which a precision cut pinion gear is attached. This pinion gear meshes with the geared outer segment of a vehicle\u2019s flywheel, known simply as the ring gear.<\/p>\n

        Upon engagement, the power delivered to the starter causes the motor within to turn, also turning a vehicle\u2019s flywheel in the process. The flywheel<\/a>, or flexplate, which is affixed to the engine\u2019s crankshaft, then initiates engine rotation.<\/p>\n

        Once spinning, timing-sensitive engine functions are enabled, such as spark delivery and valve actuation. An engine\u2019s pistons are also cycled within their respective cylinders, as a result of the above-mentioned crankshaft rotation.<\/p>\n

        A vehicle\u2019s engine will roar to life almost instantaneously if each step of the process described above goes off without a hitch. However, if any part of this process goes awry, one will typically find themselves calling for a tow.<\/p>\n