Malfunctions in the Opel Astra H starting system

Malfunctions in the Astra starting system are manifested in the abnormal operation of the starter. The following five main starter malfunctions can be distinguished:

1. The starter does not turn on. Causes: 1) damage to fusible link No. 18 in the fuse and relay box in the engine compartment; 2) violation of contact connections, breakage or short circuit in the starter switching circuits; 3) malfunction of the traction relay.

2. When the starter is turned on, multiple clicks are heard. Causes: 1) malfunction of the holding winding of the traction relay; 2) the rechargeable battery is strongly discharged; 3) loose contact connections in the starter circuit.

3. The starter turns on, but its armature either does not rotate or rotates slowly. Causes: 1) the battery is discharged; 2) contact connections are broken; 3) the contacts of the traction relay burned out; 4) the collector is dirty or the brushes are worn out; 5) interturn or short circuit in the windings.

4. The starter turns on, its armature rotates, but the flywheel remains stationary. Causes: 1) loosening of the starter to the clutch housing; 2) damage to the teeth of the flywheel or drive gear; 3) slipping of the drive freewheel; 4) breakage of the lever, driving ring or buffer spring of the starter drive.

5. The starter does not turn off after starting the engine. Causes: 1) malfunction of the starter freewheel; 2) sintering of the contacts of the traction relay. In the event of such a malfunction, stop the engine immediately!

These faults require qualified intervention in a car service (preferably an Opel dealer) or upon arrival at the garage. Beforehand, you can only check the degree of discharge of the battery using a voltmeter (for example, as part of an autotester) and the tightness of the contact connections in the starter circuit.