When the ignition switch (lock) key is turned to position "D", voltage from the battery is supplied to the pull-in and holding windings of the traction relay, as a result of which the drive lever moves and the starter pinion engages with the toothed rim of the engine flywheel. At the same time, the anchor of the traction relay closes the power contacts (at this moment the pull-in winding is switched off) and the starter motor is supplied with voltage from the battery. The starter anchor rotates the engine crankshaft through the freewheel clutch. After the engine starts, when the gear speed exceeds the starter shaft speed, the freewheel clutch is unlocked and slips, thereby protecting the starter from high speed and damage.
Helpful tips:
In order to avoid many starter malfunctions, follow a number of simple rules when operating it:
- when starting the engine, turn on the starter for no more than 10-15 seconds and again after 20-30 seconds. Continuous long-term operation of the starter can lead to overheating. If after three attempts the engine does not start, then you should check and eliminate faults in the engine power supply system or in the ignition system;
- after starting the engine, immediately turn off the starter, as prolonged rotation of the flywheel drive gear may damage the starter overrunning clutch;
- it is not allowed to move the car using the starter, as this causes its significant overload and damage.
Possible starter malfunctions, their causes and solutions
| Cause of malfunction | Method of elimination |
| The starter does not turn on | |
| The battery is faulty | Check the battery |
| Oxidation of battery terminals and cable ends | Clean, secure and lubricate the wire ends and terminals with petroleum jelly |
| Broken contacts in connections, broken wires in power supply and starter control circuits | Check, clean, tighten or replace contact connections in the electrical supply and starter control circuits |
| Malfunction of the ignition switch (lock) | Replace the ignition switch (lock) contact group |
| The traction relay is faulty | Replace the traction relay |
| Starter faulty | Repair the starter |
| The solenoid switch turns on, but the starter armature does not rotate or rotates too slowly | |
| The battery is very low | Charge or replace the battery |
| Oxidation of battery terminals and cable ends | Clean, secure and lubricate the wire ends and terminals with petroleum jelly |
| Weak tightening of nuts securing wire tips to traction relay terminals | Tighten the nuts |
| Starter faulty | Repair the starter |
| The traction relay turns on and then immediately turns off (frequently repeated knocking sound) | |
| The battery is very low | Charge or replace the battery |
| Increased resistance in starter power supply circuit | Clean and secure the wire ends. Replace any faulty wires |
| The ignition switch (lock) is faulty | Replace the ignition switch (lock) contact group |
| The traction relay is faulty | Replace the traction relay |
| The starter engages but the crankshaft does not rotate | |
| Starter faulty | Repair the starter |
| The starter engages but the gear does not engage | |
| Nicks on the teeth of the drive gear or flywheel rim | Remove nicks or replace the flywheel or starter drive |
| The starter does not turn off after the engine starts | |
| The key is stuck in the ignition switch (lock) in position "D" | Repair or replace the mechanical part of the ignition switch (lock) |
| Closing the contacts of the ignition switch (lock) | Replace the ignition switch (lock) |
| Starter faulty | Repair the starter |
| Increased noise level when the starter armature rotates | |
| The starter mount is loose | Tighten the starter mounting bolts |
| The teeth of the starter drive gear or the toothed rim of the engine flywheel are damaged | Replace or repair the starter, replace the engine flywheel |
| Starter faulty | Repair the starter |