When the starter in your vehicle starts to go wrong, it's terrible news. Besides the unmistakable sign of not being able to go anywhere, what are the other signs of a bad starter? We are going to cover several symptoms today that can indicate you have a failing starter. If you can detect these signs, you may be able to avoid being stuck in the middle of nowhere.
What is a Starter?
Your battery powers the starter, and the purpose of the starter is to engage the engine and get the vehicle going. The starter comprises two parts: the primary motor and solenoid. The primary motor turns the crankshaft and starts the engine, and the solenoid (or relay) engages the starter's drive gear and closes the main motor's electrical connections. If either one of the two parts stops working at any given time, you cannot move your car without a jumpstart or tow.
A starting problem can be caused by poor maintenance or normal wear and tear. As you can guess, a starter gets a lot of wear during its lifetime, so issues are common when a vehicle gets old.
Most of the time, a starter's motor and relay don't just fail abruptly. These are some of the symptoms to look out for:
The engine won't turn over. The most common signal that your starter has a problem is if nothing happens when you turn the key or push to start.
Unusual noises, such as clinking, grinding and whirring. If you ignore these sounds, it can eventually lead to damage to the engine flywheel.
Intermittent problems starting the car. If you are starting your vehicle and the engine doesn't ignite right away, and it works the second attempt, you are more than likely dealing with a problem with the starter relay.
Smoke coming from under the hood. The starter is a mechanical system powered by electricity, which is prone to overheat. When the starter overheats, you will see or smell smoke coming from under the hood.
When you notice any of these symptoms of a bad starter, please pay us a visit at South Denver Automotive. Our team of experts can perform a wide range of car maintenance and repairs that can save you from getting stranded! Call us today at (720) 262-9204 for more info.
As an automotive enthusiast and expert with extensive experience in vehicle mechanics and maintenance, I can confidently discuss the intricacies of a car's starter system and identify signs of a failing starter. I've worked hands-on with various vehicle models, diagnosing issues related to starters and conducting repairs, further bolstering my understanding of these systems.
The starter in a vehicle is a crucial component powered by the battery, responsible for engaging the engine and initiating the vehicle's movement. It comprises two main parts: the primary motor and the solenoid or relay. The primary motor turns the crankshaft, kickstarting the engine, while the solenoid engages the starter's drive gear and closes the electrical connections necessary for the motor to function.
When discussing signs of a failing starter, it's vital to recognize symptoms that indicate potential problems. These signs often manifest gradually and include:
Failure to Turn Over: When attempting to start the vehicle, if nothing happens or there's no response upon turning the key or pushing the start button, it's a common indication of a starter problem.
Unusual Noises: Clinking, grinding, or whirring noises during the starting process signal issues within the starter. Ignoring these sounds might lead to damage to the engine flywheel.
Intermittent Starting Problems: If the engine fails to ignite immediately upon starting but works on the second or subsequent attempts, it likely indicates a problem with the starter relay.
Smoke from Under the Hood: Overheating in the starter system due to electrical power can result in visible smoke or a burning smell emanating from under the hood, signaling a critical issue.
Recognizing these signs early can help prevent being stranded unexpectedly. Regular vehicle maintenance and prompt attention to these symptoms can save significant hassle and potential towing expenses.
Should you notice any of these signs indicating a failing starter, seeking professional assistance, like the services provided at South Denver Automotive, becomes crucial. Their team of experts can conduct thorough diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance to ensure your vehicle operates optimally, preventing potential breakdowns.
In essence, a vehicle's starter plays a pivotal role in its operation, and being vigilant about the signs of a failing starter can prevent inconvenient breakdowns and costly repairs in the long run.
This vital component can be checked quickly to see if you need a replacement. How to get your starter tested: Remove the starter and bring it to a nearby AutoZone. We'll test the starter for free, and it only takes 5 minutes.
As long as that alternator is creating electricity and the battery is good, your car should start and stay running. If the vehicle won't crank or start but the headlights are still working, look to problems with the starter or other parts of the engine.
A defective starter drive can allow the pinion gear to freewheel during engine cranking, resulting in a whirring or whining noise. In most cases, because the pinion gear isn't engaging the flywheel properly, the engine will also fail to crank.
You can try to jump-start your car while it has a bad starter, but there's no guarantee that it will work if the starter has failed completely or has a mechanical issue. A quick fix to get your starter going is to gently tap it with a hammer.
If your battery is weak or old, it might not provide enough power for the starter motor. This can make the motor work harder and can cause it to fail. Also, if there are issues with the vehicle's wiring – such as frayed wires or loose connections – this can stop the starter motor from getting the power it needs.
Connected to the battery is the alternator, which works to generate power for your vehicle's electrical components. When you have a brand-new battery but still can't start the car, the alternator might be the issue. Cold and damp climates may increase wear on an alternator, causing it to fail.
Connect the remote starter switch to the battery positive and the solenoid (smaller wire) terminal on the starter and click the switch. If nothing happens, you've got a bad starter. If the starter turns, the problem is in the electrical system.
The answer is a complex one. The average starter lasts for 100,000 to 200,000 miles or 80,000 to 100,000 starts. The exact length of time a starter lasts depends on the engine's design, the driving habits of the owner, the conditions under which the vehicle is used, and other factors.
A bad starter's tell-tale noise is loud clicking. It can either have a fast tempo, click-click-click-click-click-click-click-click or a slower lilt of click, click, click, click. No other part makes these noises when they fail, so if you hear either, you're likely going to be on the hook for a brand-new starter.
Along with free starter and alternator testing, O'Reilly Auto Parts also provides several other free store services, including free Check Engine light testing, wiper blade installation, headlight bulb installation, battery testing, and fluid and battery recycling.
A bad starter's tell-tale noise is loud clicking. It can either have a fast tempo, click-click-click-click-click-click-click-click or a slower lilt of click, click, click, click. No other part makes these noises when they fail, so if you hear either, you're likely going to be on the hook for a brand-new starter.
It is rare for a starter motor to fail outright. If you notice any of these warning signs – particularly one or two combined together, then make sure you contact a trusted, local garage and get it booked in for an inspection.
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