Starter malfunctions (Opel Astra H)

Caution: The electrical wiring terminals must be securely fastened and not oxidized!

1. If the starter does not turn, first make sure that there is voltage at the traction relay terminal (minimum 10 V). If the results are negative, check the condition of the starter current circuit wiring.

2. To check the starter's operation at full battery voltage, do the following:

• Without engaging gear, turn the key to the ON position;
• Short-circuit terminals 30 and 50 of the starter with a wire with a cross-section of at least 4 mm.

3. If the starter works perfectly, the cause of the malfunction should be sought in the wires to the starter. If the starter does not work, it should be checked with it removed.

21. The starter does not rotate when the key is turned to the "START" position

1. The battery is low.

2. Jumper terminals 30 and 50 of the starter. If it rotates, check the wire connected to the ignition switch for a break, also assess the condition of the starter switch.

3. The ground wire is broken or the quality of its terminal connection is poor.

4. Weakening of current strength due to poor quality or oxidation of contact connections.

5. There is no voltage at the traction relay terminal as a result of a broken electrical wiring or damage to the starter switch.

22. The starter rotates slowly and does not turn the crankshaft

1. The battery is discharged



2. Summer oil is poured in.

3. The flow of current is difficult due to poor quality contacts.

4. Carbon brushes do not fit tightly to the collector, stick to the guides, are worn out, broken, oily or dirty.

5. Insufficient distance between the brushes and the commutator.

6. The collector is grooved or burnt and oily.

7. There is no voltage at the terminal (minimum 8 V).

8. The bearing is broken.

9. The traction relay is faulty.

23. The starter "grabs", but only provides jerky engine cranking

1. The gear drive is faulty.

2. The gear is dirty.

3. The toothed ring of the drive disk is damaged.

24. The starter pinion does not disengage from the flywheel/drive disk ring gear

1. The gear drive components are dirty or damaged.

2. The traction relay is faulty.

3. The return spring is weak or broken.

25. The starter continues to operate after the ignition key is released

1. The traction relay is jammed - immediately turn off the ignition and replace the traction relay.

2. The ignition switch does not turn off - disconnect the battery, replace the switch.