Starters are generally reliable, starting your engine thousands of times without incident. However, like any heavy truck part, starters succumb to wear and tear, and will eventually fail entirely if they’re not fixed. Below are some of the most common reasons you might hear nothing but a click when you turn the key.

3 Common Reasons for Starter Failure

1. A Faulty Solenoid

Starting an engine is a complex chain reaction, which begins with the solenoid. Many solenoids fail because of corroded wiring, which can cause an electrical short somewhere in the system. Excessive heat, sometimes caused by leaving the key in the “on” position for too long, can also damage the wire, melting the solder or fusing components in place. If you just hear a series of clicks when you try to start the truck, the solenoid is likely the source of the problem.

2. Worn-Out Brushes

Most starters use copper brushes to complete the circuit that gets the starter motor moving. Over time, the constant action of rubbing against the contact plates wears the brushes down enough until the vehicle won’t start. In some cases, just replacing the brushes can make your starter as good as new.

3. Stripped-Out Gears

The starter motor gets the engine moving, allowing it to draw in fuel and start combustion. Starters, like any heavy truck part with mechanical components, will eventually show their age. Over time, the gears or pinion that attach to the flywheel can get worn out or stripped, which usually means the whole unit will need to be replaced.

Whether you have a single vehicle or an entire fleet, George J. Hust Co. in Cincinnati, OH, has the heavy truck parts you need. With their extensive inventory and expertise, you can rely on their team to keep your vehicles on the road. Visit their website for a list of some of the components they carry, call (513) 898-9171 to talk with a member of their team, or visit their storefront to browse their selection of heavy truck parts today.