4 Signs that Your Car Needs a New Starter Motor
Are you finding that your car isn’t starting? Maybe its lights aren’t even turning on? While there could be several reasons for this, we generally consider the starter motor to be one of the first culprits.
The starter motor is an important part of your car, so when it goes, you’ll know about it pretty quickly. Fortunately, there are some key giveaways that your starter motor is playing up. Keep reading to learn more about the signs that your car needs a new starter motor.
What does a Starter Motor do?
As its name suggests, the starter motor is responsible for starting your car. When you turn the key in the ignition, power is sent to the ignition system, which fires the spark plugs and activates the solenoid, which starts the electric motor and systematically engages the flywheel. The starter motor is the first domino that starts the rest of them. Therefore, if the starter is busted, your car isn’t going to start.
Signs that it’s faulty
To make things obvious, if your car doesn’t start, there may be an issue with your starter. One way to check this is to see if power is still being transferred to the spark plugs. However, there are other ways in which you can tell if your starter motor is going. For example:
Clicking sound when you try to start
One of the most common signs people notice about a faulty starter is a clicking sound when you try to start the car. This sound will come when you press the start button or turn the key in the ignition. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, you may press the button or turn the key, but nothing can happen. Usually, the next step is to see if there is any power in the car.
The engine won’t crank
A car not starting can be caused by several things. The alternator could be damaged, the battery might be flat, etc. However, if the car hasn’t started and you haven’t heard the engine crank once, then there’s a chance that your starter motor might be broken. In this case, we recommend calling for someone to come help you.
The lights don’t turn on
A key indicator that something is up with your alternator is that there is no power coming through the car. This would show up in the dash lights or any other lights not turning on.
Smoke is coming from your car
Another cause for concern would be if you see smoke coming from your car. Remember, the starter motor is a part of your vehicle’s electrical system. This means that it could be subject to blown fuses or short circuits. When you try starting your car repeatedly with no success, it could cause the starter to overheat, creating an electrical issue that could create smoke around the engine. If you see smoke, don’t turn the key harder; run to get help.
Additional issues you may experience
There are a bunch of other issues that could cause your starter motor to break, too, for instance:
- Dirty or corroded connections around the starter motor can cause resistance between connections and disrupt the flow of power, which may result in a weak crank
- If the battery is damaged, it could stop the starter from working
- Damaged or worn parts in the starter system
- Oil leaks onto the starter motor
- A bad relay can leave you with a continuous crank or an engine crank that won’t turn
How to diagnose starter motor problems
One of the most helpful skills we’ve learned is how to identify when the starter motor is having issues. Here are some tips that may make this easier for you:
- Check the battery and its cables for any damage. If there is an issue with your battery then the starter won’t work
- Try the good hold tap method a few times; it seems to work for people in the movies. Seriously though, if some of the electrical components aren’t aligned, tapping them could get them back in place
- You may need to change gears. Sounds silly, but some cars limit your ability to start if you aren’t in neutral
- On the same line, you might be out of fuel. So, check that you have enough fuel when attempting to start the car
Replacing the starter motor
Thankfully, replacing your starter motor isn’t the biggest or most expensive fix in most cars, relative to the brand, of course. However, when you’re buying car spares like a starter motor, it’s important to buy from the right place. My Auto Parts sells quality replacement starter motors that are durable and affordable. Consider taking a look at what they have to offer.
Final Thoughts
One of the major challenges with car issues is diagnosing what the problem is yourself. While you don’t necessarily have to fix the car, knowing the signs for different issues can save other parts from getting damaged. In this case, you will at least know the signs of a faulty starter motor.
