If you notice any of the things listed below, bring your automobile to DOC Auto right away. The following are signs that the starter is going bad. You cannot get your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine started without a functioning starter. Let’s talk more about this below.
Pre-Ignition Clicking or Whirring
One of the first things that will happen with the faulty starter is it will make noise between the time that you turn the key in the ignition and the engine fires up. Usually, the sound is either whirring or clicking. The sound should stop once the engine starts. If it doesn’t, the starter is still engaged. If you drive your automobile with the starter engaged, you can damage the starter and the engine.
An Engine That Won’t Start
If you hear a pre-ignition sound, head straight to our shop because the next time you try to start your automobile, it may not start. Not all starters give a ton of warnings before they go bad. In fact, you may not receive any warning. You may just end up stranded with the dead engine. Once the starter dies, the engine cannot start because it is not turned over to take in air and fuel.
The Vehicle’s Lights Work
The starter is what turns your engine over, but it’s normal to think that the reason why your engine will start is because you are stuck with a dead battery. A quick trick you can do to determine why your engine is dead is to turn on the lights and see if they are working. If your automobile has interior and exterior lights that are illuminated, the battery is fine. The starter is dead.
You Smell Burning Odors and Smoke
Another specific thing that will pinpoint the problem to the starter is burning odors and smoke. This can happen if you continue to try to start your automobile even though the engine is dead. You will overheat the motor inside the starter and it will release burning odors and smoke.
The Starter Is Soaked in Motor Oil
Finally, the starter can get soaked in motor oil if you have an engine block leak. Specifically, the oil will drip onto the starter from a cracked cylinder block or engine gasket. This can destroy the starter motor no matter how old it is.
Call DOC Auto in Fredericksburg, VA, today if you believe that your automobile needs a new starter. We will test the old starter and replace it if necessary.