Wondering what are the Signs of a Bad Car Starter?

All of a sudden, your car won’t start!  Is the culprit the battery, the starter, or the alternator?  It could be that the battery doesn’t have sufficient charge to start your car.  Or possibly, the alternator isn’t sending power to the battery.  The smart thing to do is to head to your auto shop and ask for a thorough inspection to determine the cause and rule out other problems.

So just what are the signs of a bad car starter?

1. Clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition.
2. The lights come on, but the engine won’t start.
3. The engine doesn’t crank.
4. The starter has overheated and smoke is coming from the car.
5. The starter is soaked with oil. 

There are some other causes that may result in a starter going bad:

• Loose wiring
• Dirty connections
• Battery corrosion
• Damaged parts in the starter system
• Oil leaks

Tip to Remember:  Don’t wait to get stranded with a car that won’t start.  If you have started noticing starting issues, have your car inspected out as soon as possible before it leads to other car issues.

Do you want to know more about what are the signs of a bad car starter?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about starters, alternators and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.