Starter malfunctions (VAZ-2101)

The starter (Fig. 70) is activated when the ignition switch key is turned. Current from the storage battery, passing through contact bolts 6 and 7 along the starter traction relay 4, induces a magnetic field, under the action of which the core 3 of the traction relay is drawn in, turning the lever 2. The lower end of the lever moves the starter drive 1 and engages its gear 8 with the toothed ring of the engine flywheel. Then the contact disk 5 of the traction relay closes the main contacts of the traction relay, current flows through the starter windings, the starter anchor begins to rotate itself and simultaneously rotates the engine crankshaft. In order to turn a frozen crankshaft and move the pistons and other moving parts of the engine in winter, the starter requires a large current, so the duration of its activation should not exceed 10 s, and it can be re-activated only after allowing the battery to rest for 40-60 s.



Experience shows that despite difficult operating conditions, the ST-221 starter reliably performs its functions. In cases where the starter refuses to work, there are significant reasons, mostly independent of the starter itself, namely:



1. When the starter is turned on, the anchor does not rotate, the traction relay does not operate. This type of malfunction may occur for the following reasons:

• the battery is faulty or completely discharged;
• the battery terminals and wire terminals are oxidized or the wire terminals are not tightened tightly enough. Defects are eliminated by cleaning, lubricating and tightening the fasteners;
• the ignition switch is faulty (the circuit between the plugs "30" and "50" does not close), the fault is eliminated by cleaning the contacts or replacing the contact plate or, in the worst case, the ignition switch;
• the wire tip has come loose from the "50" plug of the traction relay or ignition switch. The defect is eliminated by restoring the circuit;
• there is an interturn short circuit in the winding of the traction relay, its short circuit to ground or its break. In this case, the traction relay is changed. It can be removed without dismantling the starter, but it is quite difficult to access the starter and its traction relay, since the exhaust pipe, the corrugated paper hose of the air cleaner, and the starter screen interfere. It is necessary to unscrew the nut on the lower contact bolt 7 (see fig. 70) traction relay and disconnect the starter winding terminal. Then unscrew the traction relay mounting nuts and remove it.

2. When the starter is turned on, the anchor does not rotate or rotates too slowly, the traction relay is triggered. This defect occurs most often if the battery is faulty or the terminals are oxidized and poorly secured. It happens that the wires on the contact bolts of the traction relay are oxidized or poorly tightened.


Other reasons that may cause the anchor to rotate slowly or not at all include:

• violation of contact between brushes and commutator;
• open circuit or interturn short circuit in the armature or stator windings.

To troubleshoot the starter, you need to remove it, and it is better to entrust this to specialists, since removing it is quite inconvenient.

3. After the starter is turned off by the ignition switch, the starter does not turn off. This happens due to the fault of the ignition switch, its plugs "30" and "50" do not open. You know how to get to the contact plate of the switch. By cleaning the contacts or replacing the contact plate, you will eliminate the defect.