How do I know if my car starter motor is bad?
As the owner of Kevin's Autos auto service, I've seen my fair share of car issues over the years. One common problem that can leave drivers stranded is a bad starter motor. Knowing the signs of a failing starter can help you address the issue before it leaves you unable to start your vehicle. In this article, I'll walk you through the key indicators of a bad starter motor and what you can do about it.
Common Signs of a Bad Starter Motor
The starter motor is responsible for cranking your engine and getting it started. When this component starts to fail, you'll typically notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Clicking noise when turning the key - If you hear a clicking sound when you try to start your car, it could mean the starter motor is not engaging properly.
- Intermittent starting - A bad starter may work sometimes but not others, leaving you unable to reliably start your vehicle.
- Grinding or whirring noise - These sounds can indicate the starter motor's gears are worn out and not meshing correctly.
- Smoke or burning smell - If you notice smoke or a burning odor when trying to start the car, it's a sign the starter motor is overheating and may be failing.
- No response when turning the key - A completely dead starter will result in no response at all when you turn the ignition.
Diagnosing a Bad Starter Motor
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, the first step is to have a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle. They can perform a starter motor test to determine if it needs to be replaced. This typically involves checking the electrical connections, testing the starter's voltage and amperage, and listening for the tell-tale clicking or grinding noises.
It's important not to ignore the signs of a failing starter, as a complete breakdown can leave you stranded and require an expensive tow. At Kevin's Autos, we recommend having your starter inspected at the first sign of trouble to avoid being left without a working vehicle.
Replacing a Bad Starter Motor
If the diagnosis confirms a bad starter, the next step is to have it replaced. This is a job best left to a professional mechanic, as it involves removing the old starter and installing a new one. Depending on your vehicle, the labor costs can range from $100 to $300 or more.
When it comes to the replacement part, you'll want to use a high-quality starter motor designed specifically for your make and model. Cheaper aftermarket starters may seem tempting, but they often don't last as long as the original equipment. At Kevin's Autos, we only use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts to ensure a proper fit and reliable performance.
Don't let a bad starter motor catch you by surprise. Keep an eye out for the warning signs and address the issue promptly to avoid being left stranded. If you have any other questions or need assistance with your vehicle, don't hesitate to bring it in to Kevin's Autos. We're here to keep you safely on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can AutoZone test a starter?
Remove the starter and bring it to a nearby AutoZone. We'll test the starter for free, and it only takes 5 minutes. *Free parts testing is subject to location, availability, and vehicle restrictions. Equipment availability and type may vary in store.
How do I know if my starter motor needs replacing?
Labored or slow cranking when you start your vehicle is usually the first sign that you have something going on with your starter. These symptoms could point toward a starter motor problem, or it could mean something else in your system. If you have a mechanic check it right away, you can negate the amount of damage.
How much does it cost to fix a starter?
How Much a Starter Replacement Costs. The cost of rebuild parts for a starter can range from as little as $50 to as much as $350. A brand-new starter can range from $80 to over $350. For a qualified mechanic to replace or rebuild your starter, you can expect to pay between $150 and over $1,100.
What are the symptoms of a bad starter?
What Are Common Bad Starter Symptoms?
- Something sounds off.
- You've got lights but no action.
- Your engine won't crank.
- Smoke is coming from your car.
- Oil has soaked the starter.
- Look under the hood.
- Tap the starter.
- Adjust the transmission.
What can be mistaken for a bad starter?
Battery Issues. A failing starter and battery problems can produce similar symptoms like slow engine cranking, but it's important to know how to tell them apart. A key tool for diagnosing these issues is a voltmeter. To rule out a dead or weak battery, measure the battery voltage with the voltmeter.
Will a car still crank if the starter is bad?
A defective starter drive can allow the pinion gear to freewheel during engine cranking, resulting in a whirring or whining noise. In most cases, because the pinion gear isn't engaging the flywheel properly, the engine will also fail to crank.
How do you check if a starter is good or bad?
Start by connecting a jumper box or jumper cables from a good vehicle's battery to yours. After waiting a few moments, try starting your vehicle. If it doesn't start, your starter may be the problem, since no matter how charged the battery is, your car won't start without a working starter.
How much does it cost to replace a starter?
The average cost for starter replacement is $728 to $820.
Can you jump start a car with a bad starter?
No, a car cannot be jump-started if the starter is bad. A jump start provides power to the battery, which is intended to help crank the engine. If the starter is malfunctioning, it won't engage or turn the engine over, even with a fully charged battery.
How expensive is it to replace a starter?
The average cost for starter replacement is $728 to $820. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much starter repair costs in your local area.
