How a starter works, the role of the pull-in and hold-in windings, and the main causes of engage-and-drop problems: battery, cold, corroded connections.
Although car models differ, their starters share a similar design and operating principle. As MSG Equipment explains, turning the key energises the pull-in and hold-in windings, pushing the pinion into the flywheel ring gear; once the contacts close the motor spins at full power, and the overrunning clutch takes over when the engine starts.
A starter that engages and immediately drops out, with clicking from the relay, usually points to:
- A faulty or discharged battery
- Low ambient temperature (the article notes battery capacity falls about 20% at -20°C)
- Corroded or loose connections at the battery terminals, solenoid or body ground
- A faulty starter relay or solenoid