6 Signs of a Faulty Car Starter Motor You Should Know!
The car starter motor, which functions to turn the engine on, is a crucial component for starting the vehicle.
Without a properly working starter motor, the engine won’t be able to start. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs of a weak or damaged starter motor. Read the full explanation below!
6 Signs of a Faulty Car Starter Motor You Should Know!
1. Whining and Grinding Noises
The first sign of a faulty starter motor is typically a whining or grinding noise, often related to the gears in the pinion gear and the engine ring gear.
If the noise gets louder, it usually indicates that the damage to the starter motor is worsening.
Additionally, the starter motor can produce a whining sound if the one-way bearing on the pinion gear is damaged.
2. Difficulty Starting the Car
Another common sign is difficulty starting the car, especially after long drives. This can occur when internal components, such as the starter gears, become worn out and can no longer function optimally.
When this occurs, the starter motor will struggle to turn the engine, especially when the engine is hot.
If this problem occurs, it’s essential to have it checked as soon as possible and fixed promptly to prevent further damage to other components.
3. No Response When the Key is Turned
If the car doesn’t respond when you turn the key to the start position, this could also be a sign of a faulty starter motor.
This may be caused by damaged internal components such as the solenoid or coil, resulting in insufficient power to start the engine.
4. Battery Voltage Drops Significantly
While a drop in battery voltage can be caused by battery issues, it can also affect the performance of the starter motor.
This is because the starter motor needs a sufficient electrical current to turn the engine. If the battery voltage is too low, the car may not respond at all.
5. Headlights Go Out
If your headlights suddenly turn off when trying to start the car, it may be due to an issue in the electrical system caused by a weak starter motor.
This happens when there’s not enough power left to distribute electricity to other components like the headlights.
Additionally, if the alternator or battery is also faulty, the electricity needed to support the starter motor will be reduced, making it fail to operate properly.
If this occurs, check both the starter motor and alternator as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue could lead to more serious problems.
6. Loud Clicking Sound When Pressing the Starter
If you hear a loud clicking sound when pressing the start button, this could indicate that the starter motor is faulty and unable to turn the engine over.
This may be caused by insufficient torque produced by the motor to operate effectively. Therefore, if this issue arises, it’s crucial to have it checked to identify the root cause.
Those are the 6 signs of a faulty car starter motor, an essential part for turning on the engine and ensuring your vehicle runs properly.
Given its important role, keeping your car’s starter motor in optimal condition is a must. Hope this helps!
*PT Lippo General Insurance Tbk is licensed and supervised by Financial Services Authority (OJK)