When your car won't start, it's a big frustration. This can happen for a number of reasons, and many people instantly think of a dead battery, an empty tank, or a number of other more in-depth possibilities. But sometimes it can be as simple as the alternator. Alternators are often overlooked, but they can go bad. So, how do you know when your car starter is going bad?
If you aren't familiar with alternators, they're small electric motors, connected to the battery, that help get the car going when the ignition is turned on. Along with the alternator and battery, there are several other basic parts of the startup system; including, a starter relay, ignition switch, the engine computer, plus wires and cables.
How do you know when your car starter is going bad? Look for these signs:
- Dashboard Lights: Dashboard lights warn us when something is not working right in the car. If you try starting the car and it doesn't turn over but your dash lights are coming on, this could indicate a bad starter.
- Clicking Sounds: Bad starters will often cause a clicking noise when you try turning the key. Clicking is one of the most recognized signs of a bad starter.
- Smoke: Because alternators are part of an electrical system, they can often cause smoke to blow from under the hood when you're trying to turn the car on. Don't keep trying to start the engine if this happens.
- Sluggish Cranking: The car may struggle to turn over. A sluggish turnover is a good indicator of a bad starter.
If your car exhibits any of these signs when starting, consider having the starter checked by a mechanic.
Need to know more about how do you know when your car starter is going bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at River Automotive for more information about the starting system and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
When your car won't start, it's a big frustration. This can happen for a number of reasons, and many people instantly think of a dead battery, an empty tank, or a number of other more in-depth possibilities. But sometimes it can be as simple as the alternator. Alternators are often overlooked, but they can go bad. So, how do you know when your car starter is going bad?
If you aren't familiar with alternators, they're small electric motors, connected to the battery, that help get the car going when the ignition is turned on. Along with the alternator and battery, there are several other basic parts of the startup system; including, a starter relay, ignition switch, the engine computer, plus wires and cables.
How do you know when your car starter is going bad? Look for these signs:
- Dashboard Lights: Dashboard lights warn us when something is not working right in the car. If you try starting the car and it doesn't turn over but your dash lights are coming on, this could indicate a bad starter.
- Clicking Sounds: Bad starters will often cause a clicking noise when you try turning the key. Clicking is one of the most recognized signs of a bad starter.
- Smoke: Because alternators are part of an electrical system, they can often cause smoke to blow from under the hood when you're trying to turn the car on. Don't keep trying to start the engine if this happens.
- Sluggish Cranking: The car may struggle to turn over. A sluggish turnover is a good indicator of a bad starter.
If your car exhibits any of these signs when starting, consider having the starter checked by a mechanic.
Need to know more about how do you know when your car starter is going bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at River Automotive for more information about the starting system and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
