Rotating electrics 38 www.aftermarketonline.net MAY 2025 Lucas range included in GSF deal Autoelectro has supported the automotive aftermarket, providing motor factors and technicians alike with a quality, OE-specification product, for nearly 40 years. Many of the firm’s engineers have worked for the business for more than 30 years and Autoelectro is keen to share the expertise they have gained from stripping back old cores or inspecting damaged components at the remanufacturing facility in Bradford. It is this knowledge that helps to reduce returns, which are frustrating and potentially damaging for reputations of motor factors and technicians alike. The firm always urges technicians to diagnose and cure problems rather than simply replace a ‘broken’ unit. Autoelectro’s Harnek Bhogal said: “If a motor factor simply accepts the return and sends another starter, without a technician investigating the underlying issue, it can lead to misunderstandings and annoyance.” Technicians are also encouraged to investigate the broader electrical system before installing a new starter motor. Common start motor issues include the Vauxhall Antara, Chevrolet Cruze/Captiva 2.02.2 models (2009-onwards). Autoelectro has noticed that the wiring loom to the rear of this starter motor solenoid is not always heat shrunk correctly. Consequently, the solenoid’s B+ terminal is prone to melting off from excessive heat exposure. Without addressing this wiring issue, replacing the starter motor alone will not provide a lasting fix. On the Dacia Sandero/ Duster, Renault Clio, Nissan Micra 0.9-1.2 models (2013 onwards), sometimes vehicles equipped with a push-button start can experience a fault where the button becomes stuck, keeping the starter motor engaged. When this happens for an extended period, the starter’s internal components overheat and fail — a ‘burnt out’ starter. Again, replacing the starter without fixing the faulty button mechanism will only lead to repeated failures. A starter motor does not produce power on its own. It relies on a vehicle’s ignition system, battery and wiring. As a result, if a starter motor has failed, it is probable that an underlying vehicle fault is responsible. www.autoelectro.co.uk Why tech expertise is vital component In its latest ‘Discover’ series, DENSO Aftermarket focuses on its starter and alternator programme and how it provides a user-friendly solution that makes life easier for the technicians that fit them and the wholesalers supplying them. The video details how the coil resistance and thermal losses of its alternators are cut by half, while delivering 50% more output from 20% less weight. Also in focus are the high torque motors within its starters that can generate fast and consistent power for effortless starting performance. Alongside concerns for the environment, the video highlights the convenience that DENSO’s no surcharge or core return policy provides aftermarket businesses. Starters have progressed in tandem with vehicle designs into compact, lightweight, highperformance devices. DENSO is a true pioneer of starter and alternator technology and the world’s largest original equipment manufacturer of rotating electric parts, with a global market share of more than 25%. As a result, its replacement starters and alternators are small and light. Visit https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3nhbKIToMB4 to see the video. Online video tool for technicians GSF Car Parts has added premium brand Lucas to its rotating electrics lineup, with starter motors and alternators being distributed by GSF as of January — to be followed by other Lucas product lines throughout the year. The range will cover more than 8,700 SKUs, with coverage for 95% of the vehicle parc. Applications focus on passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles with an internal combustion engine, with modern drivetrains such as hybrid and stop/start systems also catered for. Lucas remanufactures used parts and components at its production site to make them perform as well as the original OE units, which means garages return the replaced unit back to Lucas for a surcharge credit. In addition, this improves sustainability as components can be serviced and reused beyond their original application. https://www.lucas automotive.com/en/
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=