We here at Brown Automotive cannot guarantee that your car’s starter will give you a warning before it goes bad. Sometimes, the starter motor dies unexpectedly and immediately. This being said, if you have any of the problems listed below, come to our shop because this is a sign that the starter is going bad. If we catch the problem soon enough, you may never end up with a dead engine.
Pre-Ignition Sounds
What we mean by this is that sometimes the starter will make a funny noise when it is going out. Usually, this noise is a clicking sound that you will hear when you press the start button or turn the ignition key. The noise can also be a whirring sound. If you hear this noise, drive straight to our shop. Don’t take chances or you may end up with…
A Dead Engine
You will not be able to start your vehicle if the starter has died. The starter is the ignition system part that turns over the engine so air and fuel are drawn into the combustion chamber. The starter is also the ignition system part that supplies power to the spark plugs so they produce sparks. If none of this happens because the starter is dead, your engine will be dead.
The Lights Work
At first, you may not think that the problem is the starter. It’s only natural to assume that the engine will not start because you have a battery problem. If your vehicle’s lights are working, however, the battery is producing power. The working lights also suggest that the alternator is producing power. Consequently, the reason why you can’t get your engine started is a dead starter.
Smoke/Burning Odors
In fact, if you continue in your effort to fire up the engine, you will start to see smoke and smell burning odors. This is a sign that the starter motor is too hot. It is overheating because you keep trying to start your automobile. We hate to say it, but give up. Have your vehicle towed to our shop.
Saturated Starter
Finally, your starter should last 100,000 miles or more. If your starter dies prior to this mileage milestone, it’s possible that it is saturated with motor oil. This can happen if you blow the head gasket in your automobile. The latter of the two problems is much worse.
Call Brown Automotive in Birmingham, AL, today to set up a service visit for your vehicle if you suspect that the starter is about to die. We will inspect the starter and replace it if necessary.