An inconsistent starter motor that occasionally works perfectly now will not work. Then engine will not crank at all.

-got a second hand engine installed
– car return in great working condition absolutely no issues started instantly.
-never any prior issues with starting car, car started instantly 100% of the time prior to second hand engine install
A day after receiving the car the started motor refused to work not cranking at all after working fine after driving it a few times.
– the car worked post issues of not starting for my mechanic
-mechanic now says it needs a new starter motor and is an issue totally foreign to The install of the new engine just days prior.

is it possible for a starter motor to

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. It is possible for the starter to fail. But before replacing the starter, make sure that the battery cables are tight and clean. Then check the starter relay and make sure that the relay is clicking. If the relay is not clicking, then check for power to the relay. If there is power to the relay but there is no click, then the starter relay would need to be replaced. If there is no power to the relay, then either the wiring from the relay to the ignition switch has a break in it or the ignition switch is failing. If there is power to the relay and power to the starter motor, then the starter motor needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your no start issue, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

If the starter engages but does not disengage when you let go of the key, the solenoid is likely bad and the starter may suffer significant damage as a result. Sometimes your car starts, sometimes it doesn`t. Intermittent operation can be a sign of a failing starter solenoid.
Most of the time it is found that a dead battery is causing your car not to start. Even if the battery is not dead, then a weak battery can also cause your car to crank but not start at all. You can use the jump-start method to start the car and recharge the battery.
If your vehicle won`t start, it`s usually caused by a dying or dead battery, loose or corroded connection cables, a bad alternator or an issue with the starter. It can be hard to determine if you`re dealing with a battery or an alternator problem. Here`s how to know which one is the culprit.
Your Car Starts Intermittently

Dirty or loose wiring could be behind your problem. An electrical component like a damaged relay could cause it to fail and work under different conditions. Even if this only rarely happens, it`s a good idea to take it in as soon as you can secure an appointment.

Corrosion and residues in the circuit restrict the flow of current. Due to these conditions, the starting relay may be forced to work intermittently. The starter relay is the basic component of the ignition system and has very few moving components, which is why it rarely fails.
The starter solenoid is an electromagnetic switch that engages the starter motor. How can I tell if my starter solenoid is bad? If you`re having trouble cranking the engine over but the battery is charged, or if your starter won`t disengage after starting the engine, it`s likely a starter solenoid issue.
Why won`t my car start but I have power? If you attempt to start up your car but the engine won`t turn over and the dashboard lights up, then you most likely have an issue with your battery. You could have a damaged or corroded battery terminal, which is stopping the engine from starting up when you fully turn the key.
Defective ignition switch

If you know your battery is working properly, but your car doesn`t turn over on the first few tries, you might have a problem with the ignition switch. You can try to narrow down the cause of your issue by turning on your headlights.

Bad Sensors

One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft. The computer uses the information from this sensor to know when to fire the spark plugs. If the sensor isn`t working, the spark plugs won`t fire, keeping the engine from starting.

Intermittent Starting Issues

The cause of this problem is most likely the starter relay. This relay either sends the full electrical current to the starter, or nothing at all. If it`s the latter, it`s a good indicator of a starter motor problem.

PROBLEMS STARTING YOUR CAR

If one or more of the flywheel`s teeth are damaged or broken, then the wheel can`t engage with the starter motor. You might need to try a few times to get your car to start, or it might not start at all.

Occasionally, if you keep trying to start the vehicle, it will work, but chances are your starter is worn out and it will not last much longer. This can be due to a wiring issue from the key switch to safety interlocks or antitheft devices, but it is most often the starter that is not working properly.
Slow Cranking: For the starter to be cranking, the control circuit would have to be working. So, if battery and cable checks are within specification and the vehicle still cranks slowly, then it`s a slow cranking problem and it`s time to replace the starter.
Intermittent Starting Issues

The cause of this problem is most likely the starter relay. This relay either sends the full electrical current to the starter, or nothing at all. If it`s the latter, it`s a good indicator of a starter motor problem.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

An inconsistent starter motor that occasionally works perfectly now will not work. Then engine will not crank at all.
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible for the starter to fail. But before replacing the starter, make sure that the battery cables are tight and clean. Then check the starter relay and make sure that the relay is clicking. If the relay is not clicking, then check for power to the relay. If there is power to the relay but there is no click, then the starter relay would need to be replaced. If there is no power to the relay, then either the wiring from the relay to the ignition switch has a break in it or the ignition switch is failing. If there is power to the relay and power to the starter motor, then the starter motor needs replaced. If you need further assistance with your no start issue, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Honda Civic 2008. AC stopped working suddenly and engine check light came ON for a day.Next day AC worked and no engine light.
ANSWER : Hi there. In both cases, when an AC system is not working and a warning light is coming on the dashboard, typically a professional mechanic will complete the same initial inspection, which is to download the stored error codes that triggered the warning light initially. This tends to give them an idea as to what is causing the problems. This could be something as simple as an electrical relay that is faulty or loose or an indication of a computer related "glitch". Either way, the best way to move forward is to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a check engine light inspection.

My starter is spinning but I am getting no form of engine cranking already had starter tested and is good
ANSWER : Hello. When you had the starter out did you look in and inspect the teeth on the flywheel? As long as these are good, then the issue is probably with the starter motor. You had the starter tested and it turned okay, but did the starter drive pop out to engage the flywheel? I would replace the starter and see if this works. A certified mobile mechanic from YourMechanic can come to your home or workplace to inspect the starting issue, and provide any necessary replacements.

Car will not crank after putting in a new starter. Forced starter to start up and engine starts but stalls out. Will the security continue to cut off fuel while force starting?
ANSWER : Hi there. Forcing the starter to engage to make the engine run without the ignition engaging the starter will continue to keep the security on. This is a safety feature that keeps people from stealing your vehicle. I recommend replacing the ignition switch and checking the wires to make sure that they are all tight and clean. If you need further assistance with diagnosing your ignition problem, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Just replaced head gasket, changed crack sensor new plugs. The check engine light is on, but dim, the only other light that the dash is a normal battery indicator. The fuel pump is not running when switch is turned on, the power windows don’t work, it turns over but not firing. It’s like only one part of the system is working. Also the heater fans work even if the switch is off.
ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

no crank with new starter, starter relay, battery, alternater.
ANSWER : If you tried jumping the contacts on the starter directly, then your problem is most likely a power or ground issue. The battery ground cable may not be making a good connection at the engine ground, or there could be a problem in the positive or negative battery cables making them unable to properly complete the circuit. I would start by checking the resistance from the engine ground to the battery ground, and from starter positive to the battery positive terminal. Also do a voltage drop test across each of the cables, which will help determine if there is a problem with them. If after checking the cables and connections, the car still doesn’t start, then you should have a qualified professional, such as one from YourMechanic, diagnose the problem for you.

Why is my starter not cranking the engine in my 2004 Mitsubishi Ecplise
ANSWER : Hello. It sounds like you have bad positive battery cable. When the cable fails it creates a lot of internal resistance that will cause this. I would usually do a voltage drop test of positive cable to verify this. It can also be an internal engine issue causing high drag so I would try moving the engine my hand. If it is really hard to turn then there is an engine issue. If you are going to have this repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [diagnose why it is not cranking] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection

The starter off and on wont turn over when trying to crank the car.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. Often when starters are installed they come with a shim. These shims need to be installed to help hold the starter at the proper angle. If the angle is off the gears may not mesh correctly putting excess pressure on it that the starter cannot compete with. If the starter did not come with a shim, or you do not have it anymore, you can likely purchase or fabricate one relatively easily. If this does not solve the issue, make sure there are no wires that are being pinched or shorted out when the full weight of the car is being supported. For more help diagnosing the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment. And thank you for you service to our country.