Automotive

Top Signs of a Bad Car Starter

Does your car refuse to start? Problems with car starter systems are very common than what you might think. However, most vehicle owners confuse these with other troubles.

The starter is a tiny battery-powered motor. The starter relay can be found between the starter motor and the battery, transmitting power. if the starter motor and relay don’t work properly, you won’t even manage to back out of the parking space with no tow or jumpstart. 

Bad car starter
Once you discovered that the engine oil has drenched the starter after you pop up the hood, your bad starter could be a sign of another issue, an oil leak.

Here are some of the most usual symptoms of a bad starter

1. Lights are On But No Action 

There might be an issue with your starter if the dashboard lights up when you start the engine but the engine itself doesn’t power up at all. 

2. There is Something That Sounds Off

Among the most common symptoms of a bad car starter is that clicking noise every time you push the start button or turn the key. But, a starter can also die without producing sounds at all. It may also announce its looming death with grinding and whirring noise. Make sure you listen for such sounds to solve the issue before it is too late. 

3. The Engine Doesn’t Crank 

If your engine doesn’t rev up even after you try a jumpstart, it might be about time for you to get some help from the experts and take your car to a nearby auto care shop. If your engine doesn’t fire up with a jumpstart, a certified technician might be the only one who can do it. 

4. Your Starter is Soaked with Oil 

The car starter is often located on the driver’s side of the motor right under the left bank of cylinders. Once you discovered that the engine oil has drenched the starter after you pop up the hood, your bad starter could be a sign of another issue, an oil leak. 
Sadly, what begins as only a few oil drops can gradually and often unnoticeably become a pricey problem. Thus, make sure you watch out for any oil leaks to prevent this kind of starter issue. 

5. Smoke Comes from Your Vehicle 

The starter is one part of the electrical system of your car and it is subject to short circuits and blown fuses. If you desperately try starting your car, its starter might overheat that can lead to electrical problems that can be accompanied with smoke. When you smell or see smoke, don’t hesitate to call for help instead of giving the key a harder turn once again. 

Common Causes of Car Starter Problems

There are several problems that can result to a bad starter such as:

  • Dirty connections 
  • Loose wiring from and to the starter 
  • Worn-out or damaged parts in the starter system 
  • Battery corrosion 
  • Oil leaks 

If you suspect a problem with your Silux car starter, contact your local mechanic. These professionals can get your vehicle fixed in no time at the right time and in the right way. 

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