If you drive an automobile that has clocked 100,000 miles or more on the odometer, there is a strong chance that the starter will die sooner rather than later. Auto Solutions can replace your starter when it needs it. In some cases, you may need to have your vehicle towed to our shop because the starter has died completely and you cannot get your engine started. Let’s talk more about a faulty starter below.
1. Pre-Ignition Sounds
Hopefully, the starter will give you a warning that it is going bad. This warning comes in the form of pre-ignition noises. You may hear clicking, whirring, or humming before your engine starts. If your engine fires up after you hear any of these noises, bring your vehicle to our shop so we can test the starter right away. This helps to prevent the next problem.
2. A Dead Engine
If you ignore the warning, you may end up with a dead engine the next time you try to start your automobile. Once the starter dies, the engine will no longer start because air and fuel are not making their way into the combustion chamber. The starter helps to facilitate this. Consequently, a dead starter means you will not be able to get your engine started.
3. Working Lights
If you are stuck in this position, take a moment to check your vehicle’s lights. If they are not working, the likely cause of your dead engine is a dead battery. The alternator may have also died and caused the battery to discharge. If the lights do turn on, however, the problem is most likely the starter. Working lights point to a working battery and alternator.
4. Smoke/Hot Odors
If your vehicle has passed the light test, stop trying to start your automobile. The problem is most likely the starter and continuing to turn the ignition key or press the start button will overheat the starter motor. This will leave you with smoke and burning odors coming from the engine.
5. Oily Starter
Finally, the starter can die if it gets saturated by motor oil that is leaking from the engine gasket or cylinder block. As you can imagine, the dead starter is the least of your worries if you have this type of engine oil leak. Don’t worry. We can fix both problems.
Call Auto Solutions in Orlando, FL, today if you are having problems getting your automobile started. We will test the starter and replace it if necessary.