How do I know if my starter needs replacing?

If your vehicle is having trouble starting, it may be a sign that your starter needs to be replaced. The starter is a crucial component that provides the initial burst of power to crank the engine and get it running. Knowing the signs of a failing starter can help you address the issue before it leaves you stranded.

Signs Your Starter Needs Replacement

• Clicking or Grinding Noises: When you turn the key, you may hear a clicking or grinding sound coming from the starter. This indicates the starter is having trouble engaging with the flywheel, a sign it's wearing out.


• Slow or Delayed Engine Cranking: If it takes longer than usual for your engine to crank and start, it could mean the starter is losing power and needs to be replaced.


• No Response When Turning the Key: If you turn the key and hear nothing at all, the starter may have completely failed and needs to be replaced.


• Battery Draining Quickly: A faulty starter can drain your battery quickly, as it requires a lot of power to crank the engine. If your battery seems to die faster than normal, the starter may be the culprit.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to have your starter tested by a mechanic to determine if replacement is necessary. Catching a failing starter early can prevent you from being stranded and save you the cost of a tow.

Replacing the Starter

Replacing a starter is a job best left to a professional mechanic, as it involves removing and reinstalling the starter, which is often located in a tight space under the vehicle. The cost of a starter replacement can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but it's generally an affordable repair compared to other major engine components.

By being aware of the signs of a failing starter, you can take proactive steps to address the issue before it leaves you with a non-starting vehicle. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can help ensure your starter continues to do its job and keep your car running smoothly.

What are the symptoms of a bad starter?

Symptoms of a bad starter include a clicking sound or grinding noise when you turn the key, the engine cranking slowly, or a complete no-start with dashboard lights still on. Other signs can be a whirring sound without the engine turning over or visible smoke or a burning smell. 
Common symptoms

• Clicking: A rapid clicking sound often means the starter motor is getting power but can't turn the engine over, which can be caused by a weak battery or a bad starter solenoid. 
• No crank: The car won't start at all, or you'll hear a single click. Dashboard lights and the radio may still work normally, indicating a problem with the starter rather than a dead battery. 
• Slow cranking: The engine cranks slowly or sluggishly, taking longer than usual to start. This can be a sign that the starter motor is failing. 
• Whirring or grinding: A whirring noise without the engine turning over can mean the starter is spinning but not engaging with the engine's flywheel. Grinding sounds can indicate a worn-out starter gear. 
• Smoke or burning smell: This is a more serious sign, potentially caused by a short in the starter motor, especially if you've tried starting the car multiple times. 
• Intermittent starting: The car starts sometimes but not others, and this may be a precursor to complete failure. 

What to check

• Battery connections: Loose or corroded battery terminals can cause a clicking or no-start condition. Try cleaning the terminals. 
• Oil leaks: If the starter motor is covered in oil, it can be damaged. Address the oil leak before it causes further issues. 
• Safety switches: For automatic transmissions, ensure the gear selector is firmly in "Park" or "Neutral". 

Do starters go out without warning?

Yes, a car starter can fail completely without warning, but there are often warning signs like clicking, grinding, or slow cranking that indicate it's on its way out. These earlier symptoms can sometimes be ignored, but they can also lead to a complete failure where the car won't start at all.
 
Signs of a failing starter

• Clicking or grinding noises: A single, loud click can signal a starter that's failing to engage, while rapid clicking can indicate a weak battery, though it can also be the starter. 
• Slow or reluctant cranking: The engine takes longer than usual to start, or the engine turns over slowly. 
• Intermittent starting: The car starts sometimes and fails at other times, a sign of an inconsistent starter or solenoid. 
• Whirring noise: A high-pitched whining or whirring noise when you try to start the car, which can mean the starter is "freewheeling" and not engaging properly. 
• No response: The dashboard lights up, but nothing happens when you turn the key, or the engine won't turn over at all. 
• Visual signs: Smoke or a burning smell could indicate overheating, and an oil-soaked starter due to leaks can also point to a failing component. 

What to do if you suspect a bad starter

• Check the battery: Before assuming the starter is the problem, check your battery. If the headlights are dim or the car won't crank at all, a dead battery could be the cause. 
• Try tapping the starter: A quick and careful tap on the starter with a wrench or hammer might temporarily free up a stuck component and allow the car to start. 
• Seek professional help: If your starter has shown any of these symptoms, it is best to have a mechanic inspect it to prevent being stranded or causing further damage. 

How do I know if it's my starter or alternator?

You can tell the difference by your car's symptoms and by performing a simple test. A bad starter will often result in no sound or a single loud click when you turn the key, while a bad alternator typically allows the car to start but will cause dimming lights, electrical issues, and eventually cause the engine to die once the battery runs out of charge. 
This video explains how to diagnose a bad starter or alternator: 57sproclaimliberty2000YouTube · Apr 21, 2018
Symptoms of a bad starter

• No sound or a single click when you turn the key to start the engine. 
• A grinding or whining noise as you attempt to start. 
• The engine tries to turn over but fails to crank. 

Symptoms of a bad alternator

• Dimming or flickering headlights and dashboard lights.
• The car dies while driving, even after a jump start, because the battery is not being recharged.
• Electrical accessories like the radio or power windows malfunction.
• A warning light on the dashboard, often shaped like a battery.
• A burning rubber smell. 

How to test

1. Charge the battery: Jump-start your car to get it running and see if the problem is fixed. 
2. If it starts, wait: If the car stays running, it could still be the starter or alternator. 
3. Check for alternator function: If the car runs, check the voltage with a voltmeter. The reading should be over 13.813.813.8 volts with the engine running. If it's the same as the reading when the engine is off (around 12.512.512.5 volts), the alternator is not charging the battery. 
4. If it doesn't start: If the car doesn't start after the jump, or if the battery dies quickly, suspect the alternator or battery, not the starter. 
5. Check the starter: If the car starts with a known good battery but still fails, it is likely the starter. 

You can watch this video to learn how to test a car battery and alternator: 1mLONESTAR HAWAIIANYouTube · Dec 17, 2017

How can I tell if my starter needs to be replaced?

Signs of a Bad Starter

1. Whirring, grinding, or clicking sounds when trying to start your car.
2. A loud single click while trying to start the vehicle with no engine crank.
3. The instrument cluster, headlights, and radio work normally, but nothing happens when you turn the key.