4 Signs Your Starter is Dying (and It's Not Just a Dead Battery)
Let’s set the scene: it’s 5:00 PM in Phoenix, you just got off work, and the first thing you do is brace yourself for that scorching hot steering wheel. You turn the key as quick as you can to get your A/C running – and nothing happens. While it may be easy to put blame on the battery, your starter motor could actually be the culprit.
It’s no coincidence that this failure seems to happen most during the hottest times of the year. Since your starter is located right next to the engine block, things heat up quick and can suffer from “heat soak”. This causes your starter and other electrical components to fail when you need them the most.
Signs Your Starter is Failing
You Hear a Single, Loud Click
When you turn the key or push to start the engine, you hear a single “click” or “clack” noise and the engine refuses to turn over. This indicates the starter solenoid is engaging, but the motor is stuck. In Phoenix, the heat can be to blame by causing heat soak, accelerated degradation, and/or high electrical resistance
You Hear a Grinding Noise
If there’s a harsh, grinding noise that sounds like gears rubbing against each other, that may be the starters gear drive. The gear drive often makes this noise when it’s worn out or misaligned with the flywheel.
Whirring Noise
A whirring noise occurs when the starter motor starts to spin but is unable to connect with and turn over the engine, resulting in a failed start – a common sign of a failed starter or solenoid.
Intermittent Starting
Maybe your vehicle started in the morning, but nothing is happening after work at 5:00 PM. This is a tell-tale sign of “heat soak”, meaning the Phoenix temperatures got the best of your vehicle. When your starter gets too hot, the electrical components become for resistant, preventing it from drawing the power necessary to start your vehicle.
Why Accurate Diagnostics Matter
When your car isn’t starting, it’s easy just to throw parts at it. This can get expensive quickly and may leave you even more confused then when you started. When you think there may be an issue, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis to get the root of the problem as quickly as possible to keep costs down.
During a professional inspection, you can expect your technician to check:
- Battery health and voltage
- Starter draw and engagement
- Electrical connections
- Ignition system signals
By having your vehicle inspected, you will get a clear picture as to what actually needs to be fixed. It can also help ease you mind on whether it’s a battery issue or an actual starter issue that needs to be addressed.
How Precision Tire and Auto Center Can Help
If your vehicle is showing signs of a faulty or failing starter, don’t wait until you’re stranded to get it checked out. At Precision Tire and Auto Center, our ASE-certified technicians are experienced in starter repairs and replacement, giving you peace of mind on the road. Our mission is to keep you and your family safe while providing quality parts, service, and repairs to get you back on the road. Give us a call today at 623-582-4545 to schedule your appointment today!
