You jump into your car, turn the key, and nothing happens. You try again, but your car won't start. You hear a clicking noise, but the engine doesn't seem to turn over, no matter how many times you try. If this scenario sounds familiar, your car starter has likely gone bad.

But what exactly is a car starter? How does it work? And why does it go bad? In this blog, the expert technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive will answer these questions and provide some common symptoms of a bad car starter.

What Is a Car Starter?

A car starter is an electric motor that starts the engine. It's a small but essential part of your vehicle's ignition system. When you turn the key in your ignition, it sends an electric signal to the starter, which engages with the flywheel and turns the engine over, allowing it to start.

How Does a Car Starter Go Bad?

Like all mechanical parts, car starters can wear out over time. However, some common factors can contribute to it wearing out or breaking sooner rather than later, like:

• Corroded Wires: Over time, wires and connections can become corroded due to exposure to moisture and dirt. This impedes the flow of electricity and prevents your car starter from working properly.
• Excessive Heat or Cold: Extreme temperatures can put extra strain on your car starter and cause it to fail prematurely.
• Age: Like all car parts, the starter will eventually wear out and must be replaced. On average, starters have a long lifespan, averaging between 100,000 to 200,000 miles.

Car starters can fail due to various reasons. That's why it's always best to have a professional technician diagnose the issue and find the best repair.

Symptoms of a Bad Car Starter

So, how do you know if your car starter is bad? Here are some common symptoms:

• Clicking Noise: If you hear a clicking noise when you try to start your car, it could be a sign that the starter is failing.
• Grinding Noise: A grinding noise could indicate that the gears inside the starter are worn out and need to be replaced.
• Intermittent Starting: If your car starts some days but not others, it could be a sign that the starter is on its way out.
• Smoke or Burning Smell: If you notice smoke or a burning smell coming from your car's engine, it could be a sign that the starter is overheating.
• Lights and Radio Work, but Car Won't Start: If all other electronic components of your car are functioning properly but the engine won't start, it's likely an issue with the starter.

If your car won't start but you're not experiencing any of the above symptoms, it could also be a bad alternator or dead battery.

How to Check for a Bad Starter?

If you suspect that your car starter is bad, there are some troubleshooting steps that can be followed to confirm the issue. We recommend:

• Checking the Battery: Make sure your battery terminals are clean and secure.
• Checking Connections: Check all connections on the battery and starter for any signs of corrosion or loose wires that could simulate the symptoms of a bad starter.
• Jump Starting Your Car: If jump starting your car works, the starter may not be the issue, but there may be a battery voltage issue. If jumping fails, it could be a bad starter.

If you're uncomfortable checking these, you can bring your car to a trusted mechanic for a professional diagnosis. We offer Courtesy Inspections to give you a thorough check of your most important components!

Common Fixes for Bad Starters

In most cases, a bad starter will need to be replaced. However, if caught early enough, there are some possible fixes that may prolong the life of your starter:

• Clean or Replace Battery Terminals: Corroded battery terminals can prevent proper electrical flow to the starter. Cleaning them with a wire brush or replacing them altogether may solve the issue.
• Replace Starter Solenoid: The starter solenoid engages the starter with the flywheel. If this part goes bad, it can cause issues with starting your car.
• Replace Flywheel: In extreme cases, a worn or damaged flywheel may be causing problems with the starter. This will require more extensive repairs but could save you from having to replace the entire starter.

While you may want to attempt some of these starter repairs, it's always best to consult a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Let Christian Brothers Automotive Help with Starter Issues

A bad starter can be frustrating and inconvenient. Knowing the common signs and causes of a bad car starter is important so you can address it promptly. Remember, routine maintenance and inspections can help catch issues with your starter early on, saving you from a potentially expensive repair.

If you suspect your car starter has completely failed or is well on its way, don't hesitate to bring it to Christian Brothers Automotive for a professional diagnosis and repair. Our expert technicians have the knowledge and experience to assist with any starter services to get your car repaired!

Find your nearest Christian Brothers Automotive location and book your service appointment today!