Starter
The starter system of your vehicle is responsible for starting your engine when you turn the ignition key or push the ignition button. When activated, an electric starter motor will spin a component called the flywheel to start it. Once the starter motor gets going, an electric current is sent to the engine to start it. When the engine starts, an electrical signal is sent back up the solenoid to disengage the starter motor. Generally, the starter system is meant to be very durable with the ability to operate in all kinds of conditions, but repeated use and poor maintenance can cause wear and tear and eventually some issues may arise.
Signs of a bad starter
- Car won’t start – This is the most obvious symptom of a bad starter. If you turn the key but don’t hear the usual engine crank, it may be due to a damaged or malfunctioning starter. You may also hear a clicking noise when you try to start your car. A tow truck will be required to get your vehicle to a repair shop where the starter can be fixed.
- Slow engine cranks – When you turn your ignition key, the engine cranks should be rather quick and momentary. If you notice that the engine cranks slower and for longer than usual, it might be due to a failed starter motor or solenoid.
- Engine does not crank – Also knows as “freewheeling”, your starter motor isn’t connecting with the flywheel, causing the flywheel to spin on its own. This will result in you not being able to crank the engine and hearing silence when you attempt to do so.
- Occasional problems starting the car – If you are only experiencing occasional issues with getting your engine started, it may be due to faulty wiring within the starter system. Your starter may be drawing in more current than it needs to, resulting in the occasional start-up failure.
- Interior lights dim upon ignition – You may notice that your dashboard or overhead light dim when you start your car. This is likely due to a short circuit within the starter system. If you also notice an odd sound when starting your car along with the dimming lights, the bearings on your starter motor could be bad.
- Grinding noise when car is starting or running – Grinding noises are signs of a mechanical problem as opposed to an electrical one. If you hear a grinding noise on start-up it may be due to worn gears connected to the starter motor. Additionally, your starter motor could be loose, causing it move around and grind up against other interior components.
- Starter motor continues to run after ignition – If your car still sounds like it’s trying to turn on after you’ve already turned it on, this is likely due to issues with the electrical wiring in your starter system. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent damage to the other components of your vehicle.
- Smoke coming from underneath engine – The combination of overheated metal components soaked in grease and electrical problems can result in some burning near your starter, causing a burning smell or smoke to arise. This indicates a serious problem with your starter and should be replaced immediately.
- Starter is soaked in oil – Due to your starter operating so closely to your engine, it may get soaked in motor oil is a leak occurs.
Once your starter gets drenched, it’s only a matter of time before other problems start to occur, so get your leak fixed and starter replaced as soon as possible if this occurs.
Starter maintenance
If you notice any of the above signs, get your vehicle to a car care professional and get your starter inspected right away. The first thing that a car care professional will do is rule out any issues due to your battery or low battery charge, as these may result in the same kinds of issues. Once it is determined that the issue indeed stems from the starter, it will likely be replaced with a new one. If an oil leak was the cause of the issue, the leak will be patched up as well.
The best way to get maintenance on your starter is to book your appointment through CarAdvise. CarAdvise makes car care simple and guarantees that you’ll pay less than the retail shop price on all maintenance services.
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