Bad Symptoms of Starter Motor

A starter motor inside your car is responsible for ensuring a smooth start, but it can be a nightmare if it starts to fail. It exhibits failure signs and symptoms like other important parts of your car.

Here are 5 typical symptoms of a failing starter motor so you can atone before it’s too late.

1. Engine won’t start

2. Starter cranks, but the engine is unpowered

3. Grinding noises

4. Smell or smoke while starting

5. when you start, lights get dim

6. Whirring noise

#1 Engine Won’t Start

When you turn up your key, and nothing happens, that is the typical sign of a failing starter motor. A burned-out or fused starter solenoid or motor is a common source of this problem.

In addition, a dead battery may be the reason for this. However, if nothing happens when you try to start the ignition, regardless of the possible cause, be sure to have your car thoroughly inspected.

#2 Starter Cranks, But the Engine is Unpowered

You may have noticed that many times when you turn on the ignition, the starter will start to turn, but the engine won’t start. In these conditions, the problem may have a mechanical basis because the flywheel’s gears may be acting strangely.

This indicates that the gear has either been stripped or has come into contact with the flywheel. Whatever the situation, a replacement for the starter is required as soon as possible.

#3 Grinding Noises

This problem can also arise from defective or worn starter gears that connect the starter to the flywheel. On the other hand, the starter motor itself can make a grinding sound. The issue cannot be resolved in either scenario.

The best action plan will be to address this symptom if you notice it because a grinding starter may damage the flywheel, which would be even more costly to repair if it is not changed.

#4 Smell or Smoke While Starting

The starter is powered by electricity. Consequently, the starter sometimes overheats due to excessive and continuous power supply, or the motor will not shut off even after the engine runs.

If this happens, it is typical to smell or see smoke coming from the engine compartment. This might be the result of an ignition switch issue or even a blown fuse.

#5 When You Start, Lights Get Dim

When you start your car, you may notice that the interior or dashboard lights start to dim. This is often an indication that the starter has failed. This occurs when the starter motor draws excess power due to a short circuit in its internal wiring, which drains other systems, such as the lights.

Even though problems with the starter motor are nearly impossible to avoid, it is better to replace a failing unit before it becomes a bigger problem.

#6 Whirring Noise

As the engine cranks, a whirring sound is made when the starter pinion gear slips. This results from the pinion gear’s improper flywheel engagement, preventing the engine from starting.