Maintenance
Car starters and truck starters have to deliver loads of torque for cranking vehicle engines in all weather conditions. In cold or hot weather, battery drain takes their toll on the starter motor. In hot weather, starter heat soak can create an iffy start-up. Either way, you’re not getting anywhere if your starter motor decides to give up. We offer quality starter motors and other car electrical system repairs along with great warranties.
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If your car will not start, the most common assumption that you are likely to have is that your battery is dead. While this might be the case sometimes, the problem is with the starter in other times. How can you tell whether you are dealing with a starter problem and not a problem with other electrical components? Well, you can come visit our Las Vegas Auto Repair Shop, but below are some signs that you might have a bad starter.
Here are 5 Warning Signs of a Bad Car Starter
1. Freewheeling
Freewheeling happens if you crank your engine and all you hear is a whining sound from the starter without the cranking of the engine. If this happens, it means that your starter gear isn’t engaging with the flywheel. It is quite a serious situation that might result in the need for a new starter. If this happens, ensure that you service your vehicle without delay.
2. Grinding Sound
If the starter drive gear fails to engage properly or is worn out, it usually produces a grinding sound similar to that you hear after you start the engine and then accidentally turn the key or hit the starter again. If you ignore the grinding system, it can also lead to damage to the flywheel of the engine.
3. Malfunctioning Solenoid
The solenoid is responsible for transmitting electrical current from the battery to the starter motor once you turn the key in the ignition. It also allows cranking by pushing the starter drive into the flywheel. The starter cannot work without the solenoid. If you try turning the key to the crank position but nothing actually happens, you should first try to jiggle the transmission gear shift level. If the engine still does not crank, the solenoid could be malfunctioning.
4. Oil Soak
The starter is usually located around the bottom of the engine and is prone to soaking from engine oil or even other drivetrain fluids. If your starter is oil-soaked, you can expect it to have only a short life remaining. You should ensure that the leak is corrected and replace your starter before you experience and malfunction.
5. Smoke
Smoke should be cause for alarm since it can be indicative of various problems with your starting circuit or starter. Smoke usually shows that excessive power is being drawn via the electrical supply to your starter. It could be due to your starter shorting, operating the starter for too long without a rest, or due to a connection issue. Smoke may also be accompanied by a burning smell. If you see smoke coming from your starter, you should have the vehicle serviced by a professional without delay.
The Bottom Line
It is virtually impossible to avoid problems with your starter since there really is not a recommended or predetermined window of time for replacing starters recommended by vehicle manufacturers. Once you notice one of the five warnings of a bad car starter discussed here i.e. smoke, oil soak, malfunctioning solenoid, grinding sound, or freewheeling, contact a professional mechanic to assist you further in identifying the problem and possibly provide a working solution.
At Delta Auto Care we can help you determine what the root of the starter problem is and the best way to fix it. And, if you have other auto electrical services that are needed, we can help with those too! https://deltaautocare.com
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