Do you own a Mazda vehicle with i-stop functionality that won’t start?
If yes you may be wondering if the problem is caused by i-stop damaging your starter motor or if it’s just a standard problem with the starter motor that will need to be replaced.
What is i-Stop And What Does It Have To Do With The Starter Motor?
Firstly, for those that aren’t aware, the purpose of Mazda’s i-stop technology is to reduce the amount of petrol your engine needs to operate by automatically switching off the engine when your vehicle is sitting idle and to therefore decreasing the vehicles fuel emissions.
Many people think that every time the engine turns back on that it is done solely by the starter motor and this leads to the starter motor wearing out sooner. This isn’t correct. When the engine is at operating temperature the engine then gets started by a combination of the starter motor and by fuel been directly injected into a cylinder when the engine stops and then ignited to generate downward piston force when it starts again. When the iStop engine is stopped the engine pistons and valves are stopped in exactly the right position to allow the injection of fuel and the therefore the faster engine start time. This takes about half the time to start the engine than with a conventional / normal starter motor setup.
You can turn the iStop feature off and on from the dash but it will reset to be on next time you manually start the car. You can tell when the i-Stop function of your car is active by an indicator on your dash turning green.
So, if your Mazda won’t start then it is probably a standard issue with your starter motor causing it that will need to be fixed.
What Does A Normal Starter Motor Do?
The purpose of the starter motor (as the name suggests!) is to help start your vehicle’s engine. It does this by turning the engine’s flywheel which then combines with the ignition from the spark plugs and fuel from the injectors to start the engine.
Starter motors usually last quite a long time since they are only in operation when you start your car – but just like many other parts they will wear out over time and need to be replaced depending on the circumstances.
When Do I Need To Have My Starter Motor Replaced?
It’s common for people to misdiagnose a problem with their starter motor when they really have a problem with their battery. Before checking for symptoms of a broken starter model you need to try and jump-start your vehicle. If the engine doesn’t turn over after you jump start it then this is a good sign the starter motor is faulty, but if it does turn over but then stops working it might be a problem with your battery.
If you think the problem is the starter motor, look out for these symptoms:
- No crank when you turn the keys.
- It takes a long time to crank the engine and/or the engine takes a long time to turn over.
- There is a loud grinding noise when you turn the key, but the engine doesn’t turn over.
- The starter motor is more loud than normal.
- The starter motor works sometimes, but not all the time.
What Do I Do If I Need a New Starter Motor?
If you have any of the symptoms outlined above, then you should book your vehicle in with your mechanic. They will do a full inspection of your Mazda vehicle and will then replace the starter motor. On the other hand, they may discover your starter motor is fine, and instead, you need a new battery, or another component replaced.
Mazda i-Stop Starter Motor Diagnostics and Replacement Hamilton
If you’re having trouble with your starter motor contact the team at Grimmer Motors. Our skilled and experienced team will be able to diagnose the problem and present you with your options for how to fix it.
For top-quality Mazda servicing in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!