It is normal to assume that a car not starting is due to a dead battery. That may be the case in some cases, but it is also possible that the issue is with the vehicle's starter. How can you tell if the problem is with the starter or another electrical component? Apart from being unable to start your engine, here are some warning signs that your vehicle's starter might be malfunctioning.
1. The engine does not start.
When you turn your key and
nothing happens, this is the most common sign that you have a problem with your
starter. This is often triggered by a burned-out starter solenoid or motor, or
by an electrical problem. This problem, however, could also be caused by a dead
battery or a damaged engine. If this happens, you'll need to call a technician
to check the starter, ignition system, and other electrical parts, as it may be
a sign of a variety of problems. In the worst-case scenario, you might need to
replace your engine with a new one. But you can always look for the used engines for sale to save your
money.
2. The starter engages but the motor does not turn.
When you turn the ignition key,
you can hear the starter activate but not the motor crank over. Starter
problems may also be mechanical in nature. In this case, the issue could be
caused by the gears attached to the flywheel. In this scenario, a licensed
mechanic will replace the starter.
3. Grinding noise while attempting to start the engine
This warning sign, like the one
mentioned above, often appears when the gears that link the starter to the
flywheel are worn out. However, grinding may also occur inside the starter
motor. In both the case, it's something that can't be fixed on the car. If you
find this symptom, the next logical move is to contact a mechanic.
4. Smell or see smoke when starting the motor
The starter is an electrically
driven mechanical machine. Often the starter overheats due to the continued
supply of power to the starter, or the starter motor does not shut off after
the car's engine has ignited. If this happens, you can most likely see or smell
smoke coming from under the engine.
What Happens If You Don’t Repair a Failing Starter?
Numerous things can go wrong if you do not take out the
time to get your starter repaired or replaced.
The most prominent possibilities include but are not confined to:
·
Electrical system
damage
·
Dim lighting
·
Engine or
Transmission Damage
·
Battery drainage
·
The vehicle refuses
to start
Along with damaging your other systems and leading to
more expensive repairs, starter failure can damage the engine that leaves you
stranded. The last thing you want is to find yourself in the middle of nowhere
with a non-starting car with no way to get it to a garage. This can also happen
if you drive a luxurious car. In such a situation you can look for a used Audi
engine, used Chevy engine, used
BMW engine used a Ford engine or any other branded engine instead of buying a
new engine without burning your pocket. But try to take steps early on to
correct the problem and have professional help.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of what you do, do not wait for your car
starter to fail. Bring your vehicle in as soon as possible to minimize damage
and get your car back up and running.