When a vehicle has trouble starting, many people initially blame the starter. What is the starter, and how do you know if yours has called it quits? At CME Smog & Auto Repair in Vacaville, CA, we want to keep you informed and telling you what to look for will prevent further damage when issues arise. The starter is essentially just an electric motor; a gear at the end of that electric motor engages the flywheel, which turns the engine over, allowing it to start. How do you know if yours is failing?
Intermittent Starting - If you hit the key to start the engine and you hear a single click coming from the engine bay, your starter is failing to engage. While there are other components that can stop a starter from engaging, there’s a good chance the starter itself is to blame. The starter solenoid, which is usually a part of the starter, maybe failing to allow the motor to engage. Often, starters go out over time - which means there may be intermittent periods where it works fine, or it’ll work after you try the key a few times. Have a technician take a look before it fails completely, leaving you stranded.
No Start - Often, people will hear the starter click but not engage, and assume their battery is dead. Try turning on all the electronics, and see how the car behaves - if everything seems normal besides the no-start condition, it probably isn’t the battery at fault. Have the vehicle diagnosed - it could be the starter, a bad switch, or a wiring issue.
Slow Cranking - A failing starter motor can often seem like a weak battery while turning over. If the engine sounds strained or slow to crank when you turn the key, but the battery is fine, the starter is probably on its way out. Don’t wait until it leaves you stranded to have it fixed - you won’t be going anywhere without a tow truck.
No matter your repair or maintenance needs, we’ve got you covered. For the best automotive, diesel, and fleet service shop in Vacaville, CA, call or stop by CME Smog & Auto Repair today.
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