Problem
No cranking and lights stay bright.
Cause
There is an open circuit in ignition switch. Open switch in starting motor. Open circuit in control circuit. Open fusible links.
Solution
Check switch contacts and connections. Check commutator, brushes and connections. Check solenoid, relay, switch and connections. Correct condition causing link to blow and replace link.
Problem
No cranking and lights dim heavily.
Cause
There is trouble in engine. The battery is low. Temperature is very low. Frozen armature bearings and short in starting motor.
Solution
Check engine to find the trouble. Check, recharge or change battery. Battery must fully charged with engine wiring circuit and starting motor in good condition. Repair starting motor.
Problem
No cranking and lights dim slightly.
Cause
Faulty or slipping drive. Excessive resistance or open circuit.
Solution
Replace parts of drive. Clean commutator, replace brushes, repair poor connections.
Problem
No cranking and lights go out.
Cause
Poor connection probably at battery.
Solution
Clean cable clamp and terminal and tighten clamp.
Problem
No cranking and no lights.
Cause
The battery is dead. Open circuit.
Solution
Recharge or replace the battery. Clean and tighten connections and replace wirings.
Problem
Engine cranks slowly but does not start.
Cause
The battery run down. The temperature is very low. Starting motor is defective. Undersized battery cables or battery. Mechanical trouble in engine.
Solution
Check, recharge or replace the battery. Battery must be fully charged. Engine, wiring circuit and starting motor must be in good condition. Test starting motor. Install cables or battery of adequate size and check engine.
Problem
Engine cranks at normal speed but does not start.
Cause
The ignition system is defection. The fuel system is defective. Air leaks in intake manifold or carburetor. The engine is defective.
Solution
Make spark test, check timing and check ignition system. Check fuel pump, line, carburetor or fuel injection system. Tighten mounting and replace gasket as needed. Check compression and valve timing.
Problem
Relay or solenoid chatters.
Cause
Hold in winding open. The battery is low. The contacts are burned.
Solution
Replace the solenoid. Charge the battery. Replace the burned contacts.
Problem
Pinion disengages slowly after starting.
Cause
Sticky solenoid plunger. Overrunning clutch sticks on armature shaft. Overrunning clutch defective. Shift lever return spring weak.
Solution
Clean and free the plunger. Clean armature shaft and clutch sleeve. Replace the clutch. Install a new spring.
Problem
Unusual noise.
Cause
High pitched whine during cranking before the engines fire. High pitched whine after engine fires as key is released. Loup whoop, buzzing or siren sound after engine fires but while starter engaged. Sounds like siren if engine is rewed. Rumble, growl or knock as starter is coating to a stop after engine starts.
Solution
There is too much clearance between pinion and ring gear. There is little clearance between pinion and ring gear. Defective overrunning clutch. Bent or unbalanced armature.
