Starter motor troubleshooting

[ThePrimeShot]

Greetings from Australia

i have a KIA Pregio 2005 I use for work.

The issue here is that when I turn the ignition the Van usually
takes a few turns before the starter motor kicks in.

I suppose I am wandering if anyone knows a good starter motor maintenance guide, a link, or any tips on how to maintain a starter motor.

Its going to be hot this summer again and the van is always good for camping, making sure it runs Sh!t hot.

[vgames33]

Does it click at all when it won't start? Clicking suggests that the solenoid is working, so you may have a dead spot in the motor itself.

Since its a consistent, repeatable issue, have a friend work the key while you check for voltage at the starter activation wire. You could have an issue with the ignition switch, starter relay, or wiring.

[ThePrimeShot]

It does make a clicking sound.

I spoke to a mechanic and am almost certain it just needs a good clean.

I have never done maintenance on a starter motor before.

[vgames33]

You may be able to take it apart and clean up the contacts, but I'd suggest at least sourcing a replacement before diving in. Starters are pretty simple things, but they aren't really designed to be serviced anymore - most people replace rather than rebuild now.

Do some searching and see if you can get a factory service manual for your vehicle. Sometimes they have exploded views of parts that may help you out.

[ThePrimeShot]

Originally Posted by vgames33

You may be able to take it apart and clean up the contacts, but I'd suggest at least sourcing a replacement before diving in. Starters are pretty simple things, but they aren't really designed to be serviced anymore - most people replace rather than rebuild now.

Do some searching and see if you can get a factory service manual for your vehicle. Sometimes they have exploded views of parts that may help you out.

Thanks.

[shadows]

Originally Posted by vgames33

You may be able to take it apart and clean up the contacts, but I'd suggest at least sourcing a replacement before diving in. Starters are pretty simple things, but they aren't really designed to be serviced anymore - most people replace rather than rebuild now.

Do some searching and see if you can get a factory service manual for your vehicle. Sometimes they have exploded views of parts that may help you out.

factory service manual is not going to help him
he's talked to his mechanic and is convinced it only needs taken apart/cleaned

never heard of a starter that was "spinning" and upon taken apart/cleaned- worked as good as new

sit down on your floor- spread out a nice white sheet- have pencil and paper handy-

write notes on every screw, nut, bolt- remove the casing screws of the starter- take that starter completely apart- clean everything because you heard a good cleaning is much better than a new/rebuilt starter

I would think you can't- reasemble that completely dissasembled starter and make it even as good as it was before

really- you could have 1 or 20 issues of when you turn the key and the engine doesn't turn over steady

you won't find the no cost- internet search- advice- to be anything but supposition/guesswork/fly by night so called mechanic's advice

you have a mechanic's suggestion- take youR starter apart
then you might just be back here saying "he didn't know what he was talking about"

in all honesty- I don't think you can completely take apart- clean- and reassemble your starter-

pictures- documentation- every step-
I'd imagine many here are waiting for you to dive in because your "mechanic" and you, think clean & it will be all good