5 Signs Your Car's Starter Could Be Failing
To start your engine, it has to be turned at some speed in order for it to suck in fuel and air into its cylinders and compress it. Your vehicle’s starter motor is what does the turning to get your engine going. For the starter to work, it needs a strong electric current which it pulls from the battery. So it is typical, that when you are having a hard time getting your car started that you look to your battery or starter.
Here are 5 signs your car's starter may be failing:
- Grinding Noise: This noise may occur when the starter drive gear gets worn out or is not engaging properly. If this is ignored it could lead to damage to your engine flywheel.
- Freewheeling: This happens when you crank the engine and only hear a whining noise from the starter and the engine does not crank. This could mean that your starter gear is not engaging with the flywheel.
- Smoke: The copper winding that supplies the voltage to the starter may be receiving too much power causing an overcharge and could lead to the appearance of smoke and an electrical burning smell.
- Oil Soak: Your vehicle’s starter is typically located near the bottom of the engine leaving it vulnerable to soaking from leaks. When the starter becomes oil-soaked it will shorten its remaining life. It is important to have the leak corrected and the starter replaced before it begins to malfunction.
- Malfunctioning Solenoid: The solenoid is what transmits electrical current from the battery to the starter when you turn the key if your car’s ignition. It is also responsible for the pushing the starter drive into the flywheel to allow cranking. With that said, your solenoid is very important and the starter will not work without it.
If you are experiencing any of the above signs call us, Eurasian Auto Repair and we will diagnose your potential starter problem and get you back on the road in no time.
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