Starting your car is something most of us take for granted. You turn the key or press the button, and the engine roars to life. But what happens when you turn the key and nothing happens? One possible culprit could be a failing starter motor. The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine, and when it goes bad, you’ll find yourself stuck with a vehicle that just won’t start. So, how can you tell if your starter motor is on its way out?
For a video on how the electrical system and starter motor works, skip to the bottom of this page.
1. The Engine Won’t Turn Over
This is perhaps the most obvious sign. When you attempt to start your car and the engine won’t turn over, it's likely that the starter motor isn't working. You might hear a clicking noise, which is often a sign that the starter is trying but failing to engage. In some cases, you won’t hear anything at all—just dead silence when you turn the key.
It’s important to note that a dead battery can also cause your engine to fail to start, so always check the battery first before jumping to conclusions. If the battery is fine but the engine still won’t turn over, there’s a good chance the starter motor is to blame.
2. Grinding Noise When Starting
Hearing a grinding noise when you try to start your car is a clear sign that something isn’t right. This sound often occurs when the starter gear fails to engage properly with the engine’s flywheel. Essentially, the gears aren’t meshing correctly, leading to that awful grinding noise. If left unchecked, this issue can cause damage to the flywheel as well, turning a simple starter motor replacement into a much more expensive repair.
If your car is making grinding noises when you try to start it, it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
3. Intermittent Starting Issues
Sometimes, your car starts without a problem, but other times, it seems completely unresponsive. If your car's starting is hit-or-miss, this inconsistency could point to a bad starter motor. This issue often occurs because the electrical connections within the starter are worn out, resulting in an unreliable connection.
If you notice that your car only starts after several tries or occasionally doesn’t respond at all, the starter could be on its way out. It’s better to address this problem before it leaves you stranded somewhere.
4. Starter Stays On After the Engine Starts
Once your car's engine starts, the starter motor is supposed to disengage immediately. However, if the starter motor stays on even after the engine has started, you’ll hear a high-pitched whirring noise. This can occur if the solenoid inside the starter motor is stuck in the "on" position.
Letting the starter continue to run after the engine is on can cause major damage to the starter motor and other engine components. If you hear this whirring noise, it’s a sign that your starter is malfunctioning and it needs to be checked immediately.
5. Smoke or Burning Smell
A bad starter motor can cause excessive heat due to electrical issues or mechanical friction. If the starter is overworked or not disengaging properly, it can overheat, leading to smoke or a burning smell coming from the engine bay. Any sign of smoke or an unusual odor should be taken seriously, as it indicates a potentially dangerous problem with the starter or electrical system.
If you ever see smoke coming from your vehicle, it’s crucial to stop immediately and get the car inspected before the issue escalates.
How Vehicle Electrical Systems (and Starter Motors) Work
Don’t let a bad starter motor ruin your day! Head to Airpark Auto Pros and let our team of experts assess the problem and provide a lasting solution. We’re here to help with all your car repair needs.