How Do You Know If You Have a Bad Starter?
Just what is a starter, you ask? The starter is a small motor, powered by the battery, that starts your engine. A starter relay sits between the battery and the starter motor, transmitting power. Without a properly working starter relay and motor, you can’t even move your car an inch!
So how do you know if you have a bad starter?
- Something doesn’t sound “normal.” One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. However, a starter can die without making any sound at all.
- Lights only. When trying to start the engine and only the dashboard lights come on, you probably have a problem with the starter.
- The engine doesn’t crank. If your engine won’t start, even after a jumpstart, it’s time to call roadside assistance. Remember this important note. If a jump start won’t fire up your engine, nothing other than a certified technician can!
- Smoke coming from your car. As part of your vehicle’s electrical system, the starter is subject to blown fuses and short circuits. When you’ve been trying to start your car several times, the starter can overheat making electrical issues—and the accompanying smoke—more likely. Call for help!
- Oil has soaked the starter. Pop the hood and look at your starter. If it's drenched in oil, you have an oil leak. This can be an expensive problem so keep an eye out for oil leaks to avoid starter issues.
So what causes starter problems? There are several reasons, including:
- Loose wiring to and from the starter
- Dirty connections
- Battery corrosion
- Damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system
- Oil leaks
Don’t wait to get stranded somewhere before having your starting system checked out—even if your problems are off and on.
Need to know more about how do you know if you have a bad starter? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about starters, alternators, and car batteries, and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Just what is a starter, you ask? The starter is a small motor, powered by the battery, that starts your engine. A starter relay sits between the battery and the starter motor, transmitting power. Without a properly working starter relay and motor, you can’t even move your car an inch!
So how do you know if you have a bad starter?
- Something doesn’t sound “normal.” One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. However, a starter can die without making any sound at all.
- Lights only. When trying to start the engine and only the dashboard lights come on, you probably have a problem with the starter.
- The engine doesn’t crank. If your engine won’t start, even after a jumpstart, it’s time to call roadside assistance. Remember this important note. If a jump start won’t fire up your engine, nothing other than a certified technician can!
- Smoke coming from your car. As part of your vehicle’s electrical system, the starter is subject to blown fuses and short circuits. When you’ve been trying to start your car several times, the starter can overheat making electrical issues—and the accompanying smoke—more likely. Call for help!
- Oil has soaked the starter. Pop the hood and look at your starter. If it's drenched in oil, you have an oil leak. This can be an expensive problem so keep an eye out for oil leaks to avoid starter issues.
So what causes starter problems? There are several reasons, including:
- Loose wiring to and from the starter
- Dirty connections
- Battery corrosion
- Damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system
- Oil leaks
Don’t wait to get stranded somewhere before having your starting system checked out—even if your problems are off and on.
Need to know more about how do you know if you have a bad starter? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about starters, alternators, and car batteries, and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
