Every successful trip you make with your car begins with a functional starter operation. In most modern vehicles, you can locate the starter at the back of the motor, where manufacturers position the gear to line up with the flywheel. Once you initiate ignition, it sets in motion powerful electric motors that spin the flywheel and pistons to activate your engine. If the process works as it should, your car will come to life. On the other hand, when it has issues, you cannot start your car, neither can you get it moving. Here are four indicators you may have a bad starter.
Your Starter Won't Spin the Motor After Engaging
Sometimes, when you want to start your car, you will hear the motor activating but not spinning, indicating a mechanical issue. For example, if the gears connected to the flywheel are experiencing any issues, it will be hard for the automobile to start well. Typically, the gears strip or becomes dislodged against the flywheel, causing a poor alignment. If you are going through this trouble with your car, consider turning it over to a competent auto mechanic
Your Starter Won't Keep Quiet—Just Grinding or Whirring
Grinding can happen because of issues surrounding the motor. Grinding noises usually indicate wear and tear or could also signal a starter's impending death. You can relate the noise with what you hear when you mistakenly turn on the ignition switch. You should avoid ignoring this noise because it often means your engine flywheel is wearing and could suffer quite a bit of damage.
Your Starter Won't Go Off After Engine Action
The starter's role is to get the engine running and should go off once you are on the road. However, if you press and release the starter button, the circuit closes, and the starter motor stops functioning. You should smell trouble if the motor doesn't stop running. Often, the problem stems from the contacts inside the solenoid being welded to each other.
You Have Smoke Accompanying Your Attempts To Start the Engine
When engaging your car, the presence of smoke indicates you are using too much electrical current in your desperate attempts to get it running. If smoke is emitting beneath the engine and you notice a burning smell, get your car checked for damages because you are likely dealing with overheated metal components
A competent mechanic should give you a solution to all these starter problems. Take your car to a professional immediately you notice any of these issues. Immediate repairs save your starter and engine from complete damage. Reach out to a local auto repair service to learn more.