Call DOC Auto to set up an appointment if you are having any of the problems listed below with your car, SUV, or truck. These problems are signs that the starter is going bad and needs to be replaced. On average, the starter installed during your vehicle’s assembly will last approximately 100,000 miles. In terms of years, this usually equates to 10 years.
Pre-Ignition Clicking/Whirring
One of the first things that may occur if your starter is going bad is a strange noise before your vehicle ignites. Usually, the starter will click if it is having problems turning over the engine or whir. It’s important to note that you may never hear either of these noises before the starter dies. If you are lucky and the starter makes a noise, drive straight to our shop if your vehicle fires up.
Inability to Start the Vehicle
The starter is designed to turn the engine over so it can draw in the things that it needs to produce combustion. These things are air and fuel. In addition, the starter sends electricity through the spark plug wires so the plugs can produce sparks to ignite the air and fuel. If the starter is bad, your engine will not turn over, and, as a consequence, you will be unable to get your vehicle started.
The Vehicle’s Lights Are Working
At first, you may think that the engine is dead because the battery is dead. There is a way you can check to see if the battery is working even if the engine won’t start. Turn on all of your vehicle’s lights and check them to make sure they are illuminated. If they are illuminated at their normal brightness, the battery is fine. Your car most likely won’t start because of the starter.
Burning Odors and/or Smoke
Another thing that points to the starter is burning odors coming from the engine. You may also see tiny puffs of smoke wafting from underneath the hood. This is an indication that the starter motor is too hot. The motor will get too hot if you keep trying to start your automobile unsuccessfully.
A Starter That Is Oil-Soaked
Finally, your starter may die before 100,000 miles if you have an oil leak in the engine that drips onto the starter motor. This usually is a leak in the cylinder block or head gasket.
Call DOC Auto in Fredericksburg, VA, today if you are having difficulties getting your automobile started.