Usually, new cars do not let their owners experience starter problems. However, anything can happen with the starter, and usually, it happens unexpectedly and for more than one person. You will notice right away if there’s a bad, worn out or damaged system component, corroded terminals, loose connections etc.
WHAT ARE COMMON BAD STARTER SYMPTOMS?
1. SOMETHING SOUNDS OFF.
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, or it may announce its impending death with whirring and grinding noise—so listen up!
2. YOU’VE GOT LIGHTS BUT NO ACTION.
If you try to start the engine only to find that the dashboard lights up, but the engine doesn’t power up, you might have a problem with the starter.
3. YOUR ENGINE WON’T CRANK.
Is your engine not revving up, even after attempting a jumpstart? At this point, it’s time to call roadside assistance and get your car to the Motor Sport Co. If a jumpstart won’t fire up your engine, nothing other than a certified technician will!
4. SMOKE IS COMING FROM YOUR CAR.
The starter is part of your car’s electrical system and subject to blown fuses and short circuits. When you’ve been desperately attempting to start your car, the starter can overheat making electrical issues—and the accompanying smoke—more likely. If you see or smell smoke, call for help rather than turning the key harder, again!
5. OIL HAS SOAKED THE STARTER.
Your starter can usually be found on the passenger’s side (if RWD) of the engine, just below the exhaust manifold. Or if it is FWD, check on the drivers side above the transmission or under the exhaust manifold. They can also be located just under the intake manifold on some vehicles. If you pop the hood only to find that your starter is drenched in engine oil, your bad starter might be a symptom of another problem—an oil leak. Unfortunately, what starts out as a few drops of oil can slowly and sometimes unnoticeably turn into an expensive problem, so keep an eye out for oil leaks to avoid starter issues of this nature.
WHAT CAUSES STARTER PROBLEMS?
A variety of problems can lead to a bad starter, including:
- Loose wiring to and from the starter
- Dirty or corroded connections at the starter
- Battery corrosion
- Damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system
- Oil leaks
- Bad relay or fuse
