OE parts manufacturer, HELLA, has shared some important information on common rotating electric faults and failures.

HELLA technical experts say there are a variety of reasons why rotating electrics may develop faults and common symptoms and causes that technicians should be aware of and look for. As these parts are so important in the running of the vehicle, it’s crucial to recognise these potential problems quickly and resolve them to avoid a breakdown situation.

With regard to starter motors, there are common symptoms that may indicate a fault in the starter, such as no response when actuating the ignition switch. Here the starter clicks but does not engage or it audibly turns but without the motor engaging with the flywheel.

A starter malfunction can have different causes including a faulty electrical connection, the solenoid switch (engaging relay) is stiff or faulty, the electric motor is damaged electrically or the single-pinion gear, starter pinion or freewheel has been damaged. Battery voltage may also be a factor to consider and/or loose (high resistant) connections. It should also be remembered that some vehicles have inherent faults such as ignition switch failure, which again can cause premature failure of the starter motor.

With alternators, symptoms of a fault can include the charging indicator warning light coming on, starting difficulties due to an insufficiently charged battery, the battery becomes too hot due to charge overload, the headlights get brighter or dimmer in relation to the engine RPM or bulbs burn out more quickly than normal.

Alternator malfunction is not always due to an internal fault, such as a faulty winding, rotor, rectifier or control unit. So, before replacing the alternator, additional components should be considered as a cause and checked. The cause may be because of a prematurely aged or faulty battery, corrosion or loose electrical connections causing high resistance to the alternator, loose/faulty auxiliary belt or belt tensioner spring being to lose/tight or the tensioner bearing faulty.

HELLA says while these are simple things to look out for, technicians should be aware of them but if the component needs replacing, it’s always best practice to replace it with one of premium or OE quality. It also best practice to make sure that the battery is fully charged before using the replacement alternator or starter motor.

HELLA starter motors and alternators, which are now distributed in Ireland by Somora Motor Parts, are manufactured to OE specifications. The range features more than 1,000 references with each unit guaranteeing a reliable right first time fit.