What is the first thing to ask if your car won’t start? Most people think the battery is the fault, but the real issue could also be the starter motor. An essential component that rotates the engine to start the vehicle is the starter. If it gets damaged, your vehicle will only show lights – it will not start.
This blog will discuss 5 signs that the starter may be damaged, as well as other possible reasons and their reliable solutions.
What are the Main Indicators of a Malfunctioning Car Starter?
A poor starter can suddenly leave you stranded. Here are the significant symptoms that your car’s starter might be failing, so you can act before it completely dies.
1. Clicking Noise When Starting the Car
If you turn the key or press the start button and hear a single click or a rapid clicking without any engine turnover, there is most likely a problem with the starter not engaging.
Often, this could suggest a power deficiency or an internal fault in the starter motor. Sometimes, it could also point to poor electrical connections or a weak battery, but if the battery is fine, the starter is the next likely suspect.
How to Handle Clicking Sounds When the Engine Fails to Start?
Check the battery first. If it’s charged and you still hear clicking, it’s time to inspect the starter.
2. Nothing Happens at All
When you turn the key or press start, the car doesn’t respond. There are no sounds, no rotation of the engine, and not even a click. This generally indicates a completely dead starter motor or a serious electrical system failure, such as a bad ignition switch, blown fuse, or fault with the starter relay.
What To Do if Nothing Is Heard as Your Turn?
First, you want to confirm that the car is in Park for an automatic or Neutral for a manual, or else the engine will refuse to start. Check for a blown fuse or two. However, if all seems okay, the starter could be dead.
3. The Engine Cranks, But Doesn’t Start
You hear the familiar RRR-RRR sound—the engine is trying to start—but it never actually turns over or fires up. This means the starter is doing its job and cranking the engine, but something else is preventing ignition, such as issues with the fuel system, spark plugs, or engine timing.
How to Diagnose an Engine Kneeling to Crank but Full Refusal to Start?
Although this might not be directly related to the starter, it is worth checking whether the starter is getting constant power and turning the engine over completely.
4. Dashboard Lights On, But No Start
If your dashboard lights, radio, or headlights come on when you attempt to start the car, but the engine doesn’t crank, it indicates that power is reaching the system, but the starter isn’t activating. This typically points to a starter failure—meaning the battery is working, but the starter is not responding.
How to Respond When Your Lights Work but the Car Won’t Start?
Don’t ignore it; your starter could fail to engage properly if the lights are bright and the battery is healthy.
5. Smoke or Burning Smell
Stop immediately if you see smoke or smell something burning after repeatedly trying to start the car. Possible causes include a starter overheating, a short circuit, or wiring issues. When the starter motor works too hard or draws too much power, it can overheat, melt wires, or blow fuses, potentially causing a fire.
What do You do When the Smoke Comes from the Crankshaft?
Call for ARMotors for help if you live in Dubai and across the UAE. Do not continue to crank the engine. Overheating or burning smells from under the hood are serious red flags.
Additional Signs of a Bad Starter | Check for Oil Leaks Near the Starter
Typically, your starter is located just beneath the exhaust manifold on the passenger side of the engine (if RWD). If it’s FWD, look beneath the exhaust manifold or above the transmission on the driver’s side. On some cars, they may also be found just beneath the intake manifold.
An oil leak could cause your defective starter if you open the hood and discover it is covered with engine oil. Keep an eye out for oil leaks to prevent starter problems of this kind because, regrettably, what begins as a few drips of oil can gradually and occasionally imperceptibly become an expensive issue.
What Are the Six Most Common Causes of Car Starter Problems?
Several common issues can lead to starter failure, preventing your engine from turning over. Here are the top six causes of starter problems:
- Weak or Dead Battery: An old or depleted battery cannot frequently activate the starter motor, which causes a no-start situation or loud clicking noises.
- Loose or Corroded Wiring: Poor or damaged electrical connections between the battery, starter, and ignition system can disrupt the flow of power.
- Faulty Ignition Switch or Relay: If the ignition switch or starter relay is defective, it may fail to send the necessary signal to the starter motor, leaving the engine unresponsive.
- Worn Starter Motor: Starter motors wear down over time. A grinding noise or sluggish cranking often signals internal wear and the need for replacement.
- Oil Leaks on the Starter: Leaking engine oil, especially in older vehicles, can seep onto the starter, leading to contamination and electrical failure. This may require both leak repair and a new starter.
- Bad Starter Solenoid: The solenoid is crucial for engaging the starter. Your vehicle may not crank or experience intermittent starting issues if it fails.
How do You Test & Troubleshoot the Starter Effectively?
Diagnosing starter issues involves checking both the electrical system and mechanical components. Here’s how professionals and DIYers can identify the root cause of starter failure:
1. Listen for Warning Sounds
A clicking noise, grinding sound, or complete silence when turning the key can hint at a weak battery, bad solenoid, or faulty starter motor.
2. Test the Battery Voltage
Use a multimeter to check if your battery is fully charged (typically 12.6 volts or more). A low voltage reading may indicate the issue lies with the battery, not the starter.
3. Inspect Wiring and Connections
Examine the wires connecting the battery, ignition switch, and starter motor for any loose, rusted, or broken parts. Clean and tighten any poor connections to restore proper power flow.
4. Tap the Starter Gently
If the starter motor sticks, tapping it lightly with a tool while turning the ignition key can sometimes get it to engage. This is a temporary fix that points to internal wear.
5. Check the Starter Relay & Ignition Switch
A malfunctioning starter relay or a worn ignition switch may fail to send power to the starter motor. If necessary, these parts can be tested and swapped out.
6. Scan for Trouble Codes
Modern vehicles can store error codes related to starting issues. A diagnostic scan tool can reveal faults in the starter circuit or related sensors.
7. Check for Oil Leaks or Physical Damage
Inspect the area around the starter for oil contamination or signs of overheating. These issues can impair starter function and may require part replacement.
How Can a Car With a Bad Starter Be Started? Temporary Solutions
Starting a car with a bad starter can be frustrating, but there are temporary solutions you can try before seeking professional repair. Follow these steps carefully to get your vehicle running again:
1. Safely Park Your Vehicle
Before doing anything, ensure your car is parked safely, away from traffic.
- If your car has a manual transmission, shift it into “Neutral” or “Park.”
- Engage the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
2. Locate the Starter Motor
Locate the starter motor by opening the hood.
- The solenoid, a tiny cylinder, is typically attached to a larger metal cylinder.
- The location may change according on the type and manufacture of the vehicle.
Caution: Some engine parts can be hot, and electrical terminals may spark — handle carefully.
3. Try the Tapping Method
Sometimes a bad starter can be temporarily revived by gently tapping it.
- Use a hammer or similar object to tap the starter motor lightly.
- This can help unstick the brushes inside and allow the motor to engage.
- Do not hit it hard — the internal magnets are fragile.
- If the car starts, drive to the nearest mechanic for proper inspection.
4. Attempt Jump-Start
If tapping fails, jump-starting may help:
- Ask a friend/or a nearby person with a working vehicle for assistance.
- Make use of high-quality jumper cables.
5. Properly Connect Jumper Cables
- Connect the red positive clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery.
- Attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal of the working battery.
- Attach the black negative clamp to the operational battery’s negative connector.
To ground the connection, fasten the last black clamp to a metal part of your car’s engine block rather than the terminal of the dead battery.
6. Turn on the Operational Vehicle & Charge
- Turn on the donor vehicle and allow it to run for 2 to 3 minutes.
- This will supply sufficient power to the dead battery to help start your car.
7. Try Starting Your Car
With the jumper cables still connected:
- Turn the ignition of your car.
- If successful, your engine should start using the extra power from the other vehicle.
8. Disconnect the Cables Safely & Drive to a Mechanic
Keep the engine running once your vehicle is moving. Unplug the cords in the opposite order:
Step 1: Use the assistance car’s negative clamp.
Step 2: Negative your car’s negative clamp.
Step 3: Attach the positive clamp from the helper car.
Step 4: Use your car’s positive clamp.
Attention! Please do not turn off your car when it starts until you’ve reached a mechanic or repair shop.
Fix Your Car Starter with Experts
Keep in mind that starting a car with a faulty starter is just a temporary fix. For a long-term solution, trust the professionals at ARMotors. With over 15 years of automotive expertise, our skilled technicians are equipped to diagnose and replace faulty starters with precision.
We ensure high-quality repairs, fair pricing, and fast turnaround times. Don’t wait until you’re stranded; visit ARMotors and confidently get back on the road.
