What are the Symptoms of a Bad Starter?
Some drivers may be wondering, what could wrong with a starter? And they may be wondering just what is the relationship between starters, alternators, and batteries? To put it simply; the starter is a small motor that starts your engine. Power from the battery is transmitted to the starter motor with a little relay switch. If there isn’t enough charge coming from the battery, that little motor can’t start. And, of course, most drivers know that the battery receives its charge from the alternator. Without all three components—the alternator, the battery, and the starter—working together, your car won’t start!
Just what are the symptoms of a bad starter, you ask? Here are the most common and obvious problems you will notice:
- You may hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or push the start button.
- If only the dashboard lights come on when you try to start the engine.
- The engine won’t start, even after a jumpstart.
- Subject to blown fuses and short circuits, the starter can overheat and start to smoke
- If the starter is drenched in oil, you have an oil leak.
There are several reasons that your starter can go bad, including:
- Loose wiring to and from the starter
- Dirty connections
- Battery corrosion
- Damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system
- Oil leaks
A word of advice: To avoid paying for unnecessary repairs, rule out the alternator and battery by having them inspected before replacing them. If they are in good working condition, that leaves the starter itself as the culprit of your starting problems.
Have questions about what are the symptoms of a bad starter? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about starters, batteries, and alternators, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
Some drivers may be wondering, what could wrong with a starter? And they may be wondering just what is the relationship between starters, alternators, and batteries? To put it simply; the starter is a small motor that starts your engine. Power from the battery is transmitted to the starter motor with a little relay switch. If there isn’t enough charge coming from the battery, that little motor can’t start. And, of course, most drivers know that the battery receives its charge from the alternator. Without all three components—the alternator, the battery, and the starter—working together, your car won’t start!
Just what are the symptoms of a bad starter, you ask? Here are the most common and obvious problems you will notice:
- You may hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or push the start button.
- If only the dashboard lights come on when you try to start the engine.
- The engine won’t start, even after a jumpstart.
- Subject to blown fuses and short circuits, the starter can overheat and start to smoke
- If the starter is drenched in oil, you have an oil leak.
There are several reasons that your starter can go bad, including:
- Loose wiring to and from the starter
- Dirty connections
- Battery corrosion
- Damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system
- Oil leaks
A word of advice: To avoid paying for unnecessary repairs, rule out the alternator and battery by having them inspected before replacing them. If they are in good working condition, that leaves the starter itself as the culprit of your starting problems.
Have questions about what are the symptoms of a bad starter? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about starters, batteries, and alternators, and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
