The starter and solenoid are key components to your vehicle’s ignition system. Comprised of powerful electric motors, these components have replaced the hand cranks used to start early model gasoline engines thus making modern vehicles safer and more convenient to operate. When you turn the key to the ignition switch, it sends an electrical signal to the solenoid, which moves forward and engages the starter to crank your engine over.
As the engine cranks, it runs through the same cyclesofintake, ignition, combustion and exhaust that it performs once it is running. Without this initial cranking of the engine to pull fuel into the cylinders and create the spark from the spark plugs (or ignition), there is nothing to deliver the fuel and spark needed to start the engine. When you go to start your car and all you hear is a series of clicks or, worse, nothing at all, it is most often caused by a problem in the ignition system. A simple jump start would usually resolve the issue but, if these vital components of your ignition system have failed, then your vehicle will not start.
As ignition system components begin to fail,hesitantstarts, prolonged starting cycles, clicking noises or start-stall situations occur. Qualified mechanics will replace faulty parts by first unhooking the battery cables and then removing the malfunctioning components. This requires removing the wire leads that power the solenoid and a few long bolts which hold the starter in place, next to the flywheel. The replacement parts are then installed before reattaching the battery cables.
New, used or rebuilt parts may be used with the various kinds of replacement parts affecting the total costs of the repair. New parts are the most expensive while used or rebuilt parts generally offer less warranty coverage.
