SYMPTOMS OF A BAD STARTER
purpose
The purpose of the starter is to turn the engine so that the ECM (Engine Control Module) commands fuel and spark to start the combustion process. This is what makes a cranking noise before the car starts up.
LOCATION
The location of the starter will be close to the flywheel or the flex plate of the engine.
symptoms
no crank no start
The first symptom of a bad starter is a no crank no start. This is one of the most common symptoms and could happen due to an internal electrical issue. Either the starter solenoid isn’t functioning or the brushes inside the starter are worn out, unable to pass electrical current through the commutator to get the starter turning.
A quick tip to help you start your car is to have someone go underneath and smack the starter with a dead blow hammer while someone else turns the key. If you're lucky, smacking the starter can move the brushes to get in better contact with the commutator, passing electrical current through to turn the starter and crank your engine.
one-click sound
The second symptom of a bad starter is a one-click sound when attempting to start the engine. The click noise you hear is the solenoid activating the plunger to move the pinion gear outward to touch the flywheel. The reason why the starter isn’t turning could be due to an internal electrical issue.
Slow crank
The third symptom of a bad starter you could be experiencing is a slow crank when starting your car. The reason for this could be due to poor contact between the brush and the commutator, restricting the right amount of current needed to produce the motor’s full torque to turn the engine.
starter running but not the engine
The fourth symptom of a bad starter could be the starter running but not the engine. You'll hear the starter free spinning. This happens if the starter is turning on but the pinion gear isn't moving out to connect with the flywheel or flex plate to rotate the engine.
grinding noise while cranking
The fifth symptom of a bad starter you could be experiencing is hearing a grinding noise while cranking. The reason behind this could be due to a damaged pinion gear. If it’s defective, when in motion with the flywheel or flex plate it will make a grinding noise.
Before concluding that you have a bad starter, make sure to check the battery is good and the connections are free of corrosion. Here’s a list of other possibilities that can have similar symptoms to a bad starter:
Starter relay
Starter fuse
Anti-theft system
Clutch switch (manual)
Neutral safety switch (automatic)
Ignition switch
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