You can tell if your car's starter is bad by looking for several common signs and symptoms:
- Engine won't crank or turn over: When you turn the key or push the start button, if nothing happens (no engine turnover), this is a strong indicator of a bad starter
- Clicking noise: Hearing a single or repeated clicking sound when trying to start the car often means the starter solenoid is engaging but the starter motor is not turning the engine
- Slow or labored cranking: If the engine cranks very slowly or struggles to turn over, the starter motor may be failing or there could be electrical issues affecting it
- Unusual noises: Grinding, whirring, or clinking sounds can indicate the starter gear is not properly engaging with the engine’s flywheel, which can damage components if ignored
- Smoke or burning smell: Smoke coming from under the hood or a burning smell when trying to start can indicate the starter is overheating or has an electrical fault
- Oil-soaked starter: If you find the starter drenched in engine oil, this could cause starter failure and may indicate an oil leak that needs repair
- Intermittent starting problems: Sometimes the engine starts fine, other times it doesn’t, which can point to a failing starter relay or solenoid
To confirm if the starter is bad rather than the battery or other issues:
- Check battery voltage with a multimeter (should be about 12.6 volts fully charged)
- If the battery is good but the engine won’t crank or only clicks, the starter is likely the problem
- A professional can perform a bench test by removing the starter and testing it directly with jumper cables to confirm its condition
If you experience these symptoms, it’s advisable to have your starter inspected and replaced if necessary to avoid being stranded
