What are the most common reasons for starter motor failure in Suzuki Khyber?

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What are the most common reasons for starter motor failure in Suzuki Khyber?

I’ve had to replace the starter motor on my Khyber twice in the last three years. I drive mostly in city traffic and the car is from the late 90s. What are the main causes of frequent starter motor failure in this car, and how can I prevent it?

Gari Specialist asked on 16 Apr 2025 12:05:10 pm

1 Answer

13 views |

Gari Master - on 16 Apr 2025 12:07:01 pm

Starter motor failures are not uncommon in older Suzuki Khybers, and they often stem from a combination of age, poor maintenance, and electrical issues.

Top Reasons for Failure:
Heat Damage:

The Khyber’s starter is located close to the engine block. In hot conditions, this heat can wear down internal components faster.

Worn Brushes & Bearings:

With age especially 15+ years, the internal carbon brushes wear down, and the bearings may seize o r lose lubrication.

Frequent Short Trips:

Constant start-stop driving e.g., in traffic-heavy areas like Karachi o r Lahore puts extra load on the starter.

Low-Quality Replacements o r Repairs:

Many local rebuilt starters may not be reliable if done with cheap parts.

Electrical Issues Bad Ground / Corrosion:

Poor wiring o r grounding can cause the starter to overheat o r fail prematurely.

How to Prevent It:
Use a good-quality o r genuine starter if replacing.

Keep battery terminals clean and check grounds regularly.

Don’t crank the engine for more than 5 seconds at a time.

Avoid overloading the electrical system with extra accessories.

Pro Tip: If you’re replacing the starter motor, also check the ignition switch and relay, as a weak signal from them can also contribute to early failure.