How many times have you sat down wondering why your car won’t start? There are very few things that can be more frustrating than a vehicle that won’t start in the morning, and you parked it fine the last time you used it.
The most likely problems with a dead car are a bad alternator, a dead battery, or a malfunctioning starter.
These car parts all work together to provide the vehicle with the electrical power necessary for igniting the car, running it, and operating electrical features like sound systems, wipers, and power windows.
Therefore, you need to learn the symptoms of a bad starter to distinguish and diagnose your car with a starter problem accurately.
Here, we will explore the signs that mean a car starter is going bad, the possible causes of damage to a starter, and how to fix a car with an already spoilt starter.
What is a Starter?
To keep the explanation simple, a starter is essentially a small electrical motor. This motor is powered by the car battery. The one job of this motor is to help get your car up and running. The starter motor is one piece of the starting system in your vehicle.
Other pieces or parts of the starting system include the battery, battery cables, a starter relay, connecting wiring, ignition switch, Transmission Gear Position switch, Clutch Interlock switch (manual transmissions) and in some cases the engine computer.
If any of these parts of your starting system are malfunctioning your car won’t start and you won’t be able to get it moving without a tow truck.
What is a Starter Solenoid?
On older cars with the starter solenoid mounted on the firewall rather than the starter motor itself, the solenoid is essentially a relay.
When it receives a signal from the ignition switch, it closes the circuit and sends a powerful current to the starter motor solenoid so it can crank the engine over. However, this design is pretty rare these days.
On virtually all cars manufactured in the past 40 to 50 years, the starter solenoid is integrated onto the starter motor – it looks like a smaller cylinder on top of the starter assembly where the electrical connections attach.
It also acts as a relay to close the circuit to the starter, but it does much more. When the solenoid gets an ignition signal, an electromagnet pulls a plunger back in the solenoid.
That motion moves a shift lever that pushes the drive pinion on the starter motor outward so that the pinion gear is inline with the flywheel’s ring gear.
Meanwhile, the powerful current from the battery bridges from the solenoid to the starter motor and causes the electric motor to rotate, spinning the engine over.
When the ignition is released, power is immediately disconnected at the solenoid. The starter stops spinning under power and freewheels to a stop while the solenoid plunger moves back to its resting position, letting the pinion gear release from the ring gear.
How does a starter solenoid work?
The working principle of starter solenoid can be summarized in the following steps:
1. Control Signal Input: When the driver turns the key or presses the start button, the electrical system’s starting circuit sends a control signal to the car’s starter solenoid.
2. Electromagnetic Force Action: Upon receiving the control signal, a strong magnetic field is generated within the electromagnetic coil of the car’s starter solenoid, causing the small iron core inside the solenoid to be attracted, thereby changing the position of the valve.
3. Fuel Channel Opening: As the small iron core is attracted, the valve opens, connecting the fuel channel to the car engine’s fuel system.
4. Fuel Injection and Engine Start: The fuel enters the engine’s combustion chamber, mixes with air to form a combustible mixture.
The car’s starter valve supplies the right amount of fuel, which combines with the engine’s rotating components and is ignited by the spark provided by the ignition system, causing the engine to start running.
This series of processes ensures that the car engine starts smoothly, providing the necessary power for the vehicle to drive.
Components of a starter solenoid
(A). Solenoid terminals.
Starter solenoids typically have three terminals: the battery terminal, the starter terminal and the ignition terminal.
The battery terminal is connected to the positive side of the battery (red post), the starter terminal connects to the starter motor, and the ignition terminal links to the ignition switch.
(B). Purpose of the starter relay.
The relay sends the low-voltage signal from the ignition switch to the solenoid plunger. This signal then allows the solenoid to handle the high-current flow from the battery to the starter motor.
(C). Relationship between the battery terminal and solenoid.
The battery terminal on the solenoid delivers the main power for the starter motor. When active, it connects the battery terminal directly to the starter terminal and sends a high current to the starter motor.
Where are Starter Solenoids Located?
Starter solenoids are typically located on or near the starter motor. In some cases, they may be mounted on the fender well or firewall.
It would only make sense that the starter solenoid would be located close to the starter motor, as it needs to be able to send power to the starter motor to start the engine.
In older cars, it was relatively easy to locate the starter solenoid. However, in newer cars, they can be more difficult to find as they are often hidden away in the engine bay.
In case you are wondering what a starter solenoid looks like. Well, you are looking for a cylindrical-shaped device that is usually black or silver. It will have a large wire going to the battery’s positive terminal and another large wire going to the starter motor.
If you’re unsure where your starter solenoid is located, consult your car’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
Symptoms of a Bad Starter
Starter solenoids and motors rarely fail suddenly. They fail gradually and display several signals along the way, and if you are observant, you can take action soon enough before they fail.
Therefore regularly watch out for the following bad starter symptoms that can help you identify the underlying cause of your starter problems before they completely die off.
#1. Strange Noise When Starting the Car.
The first symptom of a bad starter is unusual sounds when you turn the key or push the start button to start your car. In earlier days, you may notice strange clicking sounds.
However, some starters can skip the clicking sounds and go straight to the more alarming whirring and grinding noises that mean they are already badly damaged.
The sounds start when the starter drive gear does not engage well because it is old and worn out. The whirling or grinding sound resembles the sound made when you turn the ignition a second time after you have already switched the car on.
#2. Freewheeling.
Freewheeling is when you turn the ignition on and hear a whining noise, but the car doesn’t power up. Sometimes, you may even jumpstart your vehicle, but it refuses to pick up.
This unfortunate occurrence happens because the starter cannot engage with the flywheel. This is a critical situation that could mean you have to replace the whole component.
Whenever you encounter freewheeling problems, don’t only replace the starter; take your vehicle for inspection to find out the underlying problems that destroyed the starter.
#3. The car started after several ignition attempts.
A well-functioning vehicle is supposed to start at the first attempt you turn the ignition. Making several attempts at turning the ignition before the vehicle powers is how you tell if the starter relay is bad.
A starter relay is not designed to send partial current. It either sends sufficient energy, or it doesn’t send anything at all. Damaged relays take several attempts for them to send the current required to power the car.
Occasionally, this problem can be a worn-out starter motor brush symptom. These brushes conduct electricity from the stationary to the rotating parts of the vehicle starter.
Therefore, damaged or worn-out brushes that don’t efficiently transmit adequate power can affect the starter relay process of the vehicle.
#4. The starter remains on after igniting the vehicle.
After starting and releasing the key or the start button of your car, the starter motor automatically closes and disengages.
If this doesn’t happen and the starter motor remains on after the vehicle engine has already started, it is a symptom of a bad starter Bendix or that the main contacts of the solenoid are stuck together in the closed position.
You need to contact a mechanic with expertise in how to unstick a starter motor because it could have damaging effects on your car parts.
#5. Smoke Emission after Starting Attempts.
Because the car starting process significantly depends on electrical procedures, the system is prone to short-circuit, blown fuses, and other electrical malfunctions.
When one part of the electrical system is supplied with more power than it can take, it will blow a fuse or overheat.
This can be due to connection problems or prolonged vehicle use without resting it. You will probably sell smoke and then see it coming from under the engine location.
Overheating and some emissions are dangerous signs in a vehicle because gasoline is volatile and can explode with slight ignition.
You should get out of your car and contact your auto mechanic as soon as you experience this symptom.
#6. Starter Soaked with Oil.
Whenever you experience any of the symptoms above, and you suspect that you have a starter, bad battery, or alternator problem, our first instinct will be to pop the hood and find out what is wrong.
When you inspect and find your starter soaked in oil, don’t attempt to start the vehicle again. You probably have a burst pipe or hose that leaked the oil that caused your starter to malfunction. Find out the source of the leak and solve it before taking any other steps.
Symptoms of a Bad Starter Solenoid
Identifying the signs of a bad starter solenoid is crucial for diagnosing potential issues in your vehicle’s ignition system. Here are several key indicators that may suggest a malfunctioning starter solenoid:
#1. No Cranking Noise.
When you turn the ignition key, if you hear a distinct clicking noise but the engine doesn’t crank, it’s a classic sign of a faulty starter solenoid. The clicking sound often indicates that the solenoid is attempting to engage the starter motor but fails to do so.
#2. Silence Upon Key Turn.
If there is complete silence when you turn the key, and the engine doesn’t crank at all, it could be due to a failed starter solenoid. This suggests that the electrical circuit between the battery and the starter motor is not being completed.
#3. Intermittent Starting Issues.
A bad starter solenoid may cause intermittent starting problems. Your vehicle might start fine on some occasions but fail to start on others, indicating an inconsistent engagement of the starter motor.
#4. Smoke or Burning Smell.
Overheating of the starter solenoid due to electrical issues or mechanical problems can result in the emission of smoke or a burning smell from under the hood. This is a serious sign of impending failure and requires immediate attention.
#5. Starter Motor Spinning Without Cranking.
In some cases, the starter motor might spin without actually cranking the engine. This could occur if the solenoid is not successfully engaging the bendix gear with the engine’s flywheel.
#6. Dimming Headlights.
When attempting to start the vehicle, if you notice a significant dimming of the headlights, it may indicate a high current draw without successful engagement of the starter motor. This often points to a problem with the solenoid.
#7. Repeated Jump Starts.
If you find yourself frequently jump-starting your vehicle, it could be a sign of a failing starter solenoid. While jump-starting might get the engine running temporarily, it won’t solve the underlying solenoid issue.
#8. Visible Corrosion or Damage.
Inspect the starter solenoid for visible signs of corrosion, damage, or loose connections. Corroded terminals or frayed wires can disrupt the proper functioning of the solenoid.
#9. Vehicle Stalling.
A malfunctioning starter solenoid may cause the vehicle to stall unexpectedly. If the solenoid fails to engage or disengage properly, it can affect the engine’s performance and lead to stalling.
Beware of False Online Information
One should beware of false information presented on the internet, regarding the diagnosis and repair of automotive issues. This rings especially true when attempting to diagnose starting-related issues.
It’s best to steer clear of any pages that seem to confuse or interchange the terms “starter relay” and “starter solenoid”. These components are not one in the same, and should not be treated as such.
Additionally, avoid taking stock in advice that suggests you should replace a certain component, simply because you hear a certain noise or don’t. There is a diagnostic process associated with troubleshooting starting issues.
Attempting to replace parts in the manner described above, without having a solid diagnosis, is a sure way to waste money on the replacement of components that did not require replacement.
What Causes Starter Problems?
A variety of problems can lead to a bad starter, including:
- Loose wiring to and from the starter – Loose wiring can disrupt the starter’s connection to electrical power, so your engine may not crank.
- Dirty or corroded connections at the starter – Built-up dirt or corrosion causes higher resistance between circuits and disrupts the flow of power. This can cause a very weak crank or failure to crank.
- Battery corrosion – Whether it’s due to overheating, damage from leaking, or battery age, a corroded battery can cause electrical problems if left unattended.
- Damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system – Over time, parts that conduct and distribute electrical power in the starter system (like the starter to battery cable and the starter relay) may wear out and need replacement. If you have parts in your starter system that fail, a technician can help repair and replace faulty parts.
- Oil leaks – Typically a problem with older vehicles, oil can leak out of an engine after years of wear and tear. If enough engine oil leaks onto the starter, it may become inoperable—and you’ll need engine oil leak repair plus a replacement starter.
- Bad relay – A bad starter relay can leave you with either an engine that won’t turn over or a starter that continues to crank after start-up.
Causes of a Bad Starter Solenoid
Over time and with use, bad starter solenoid symptoms can develop. It can occur from a few different origins, and some are much more prevalent than others. Causes include:
- Corrosion. It can occur around the terminals due to moisture and oxidation, creating poor electrical contact and preventing the starter motor from engaging.
- Broken connections. Another common cause of bad starter solenoids is a loose or damaged connection. Over time, internal connections can come apart because of vibrations while driving or extreme temperatures.
- Wear and tear. Some starter solenoids simply become too old or worn out due to daily use over many years and need to be replaced in order for the car to start properly.
How Do You Diagnose And Troubleshoot Starter Problems?
Assuming you’ve already tried to start and jumpstart your car, try one of the following troubleshooting tips.
#1. Look under the hood.
Check the battery and battery cables to see whether everything’s in working order. A weak or dead battery, or even faulty battery cables, could be causing the problems with your car, not the starter.
#2. Tap the starter.
Try lightly tapping the starter a few times with a hard object, making sure not to pound it. In some cases, this gentle tapping can help power it back up, since you’ll be tapping the electrical components back in contact with each other.
Know how you can sometimes bang on the side of an old TV to bring the picture back into focus? It’s kind of like that. But like your wonky television, your car may only react to this fix temporarily—just long enough to get you to your nearest service center.
#3. Adjust the transmission.
Let’s say your car’s automatic transmission is in the “park” setting but the car won’t start. If that’s the case, try starting the car in “neutral.”
If it starts in “neutral,” there may be a technical glitch that’s preventing the car from starting in “park,” like a faulty neutral safety switch.
#4. Check the fuel gauge.
We know it seems silly but…is your gas tank empty? That’s a sure reason why your car isn’t starting! Many times, the quick fix for a bad starter is tapping it.
Jumpstarting your car can get it on the road, at least temporarily, but then you’ll want to get the problem checked out by a qualified technician.
If a jumpstart or tap doesn’t do the trick, you’ll most likely need to get the car towed and have the starter repaired or replaced. We can help with that.
How To Start A Car With A Bad Starter
Starting a car with a bad starter can be challenging, but there are a few steps you can try as a temporary solution. Here’s how to get a car going when the car starter is not working:
#1. First, Safely Park Your Car.
Make sure your car is off the road and away from traffic flow. Put your vehicle in park or neutral if it’s a manual transmission, and then engage the parking brake for your safety.
#2. Find The Starter Motor.
Pop the hood of your vehicle and look for the starter motor. It will typically look like a large metal cylinder with a smaller cylinder stacked on top.
The location of the starter motor may be different depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Be careful, as some parts of the exhaust could be extremely hot, AND the electrical terminals on the starter may be attached directly to the battery and will short/spark!
#3. Start With The Try The Tapping Method.
Helping a starter motor come to life is one of the few times some percussive maintenance is useful. Once you’ve found the starter motor, try tapping it gently with a hammer or a similar object.
By tapping on the starter, you’re aiming to help unstick starter brushes so they can engage and start up the system.
#4. If Tapping Fails, Prepare To Jump-start Your Car.
If tapping doesn’t work, another option is to jump-start your car. So, call over a friend with a working vehicle battery and grab a pair of jumper cables.
Go through the standard procedure for jumping a car battery. Always refer to your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific instructions.
To connect the batteries using jumper cables, inspect the positive and negative terminals on the batteries in each vehicle and make sure they are free of corrosion and not loose. Jumper cables are color coded, typically red for positive and black for negative.
Connect a positive clamp first to the positive terminal of the dead battery and then the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the live battery.
Then connect the negative clamp to the negative terminal of the dead battery and the other end of the negative cable to the negative terminal of the live battery.
#5. Use A Working Car To Charge The Battery.
Now it’s time to jump the battery. Have someone start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the inactive car’s dead battery.
#6. Attempt To Start Your Car.
After taking time to charge the battery, you can attempt to start your car. While the jumper cables are still connected, turn the ignition of your vehicle.
With the extra power coming from the live battery, you should have enough energy to start the engine and bypass the dead battery.
#7. Disconnect Your Vehicle And Drive To Your Nearest Repair Shop.
Once the car has started, keep it running and carefully disconnect it from the working vehicle.
Start by removing the negative clamp attached to the negative terminal on the helper vehicle, and then remove the negative clamp on the negative terminal from the jump-started vehicle.
Next, remove the positive clamp on one end of the positive cable from your helper’s vehicle.
Finally, remove the last positive clamp on your vehicle’s positive battery terminal. Avoid turning off the jumped car’s engine until you reach your destination or a repair shop.
How To Test A Starter Solenoid
A starter solenoid is like a big switch that transfers power from the battery to the starter motor.
They are usually pretty robust, but I have seen a few that develop faults, usually in older vehicles. They are generally easier to replace than to repair, but they are also easy to test.
- Locate the starter motor and the solenoid. Most modern vehicles have the solenoid attached to the starter motor.
- You should see two wiring terminals on the solenoid, one will be the positive going back to the battery and the other will be the feed to the starter motor.
- Check that there is power getting to the positive terminal using a multimeter or circuit tester.
- If there is power getting to the starter solenoid then you need to check that the solenoid is working. Do this by checking the other terminal on the starter solenoid while trying to start the car.
- If the solenoid is switching properly then the other terminal will be live when the ignition switch is on.
If the starter solenoid is not switching properly, ie the switched terminal is dead when the ignition is on, then the best course of action is to replace the solenoid if possible.
How To Fix a Bad Starter Solenoid?
Fixing a bad starter solenoid involves several steps, and it’s important to proceed with caution. Here’s a detailed guide on how to address and fix issues with a faulty starter solenoid:
#1. Professional Assistance.
If you’re unsure about any step or if the problem persists, it’s advisable to seek professional help. A certified mechanic can perform a comprehensive diagnosis and recommend the appropriate repairs.
#2. Safety First.
Before starting any repair work, ensure that the vehicle is in a safe and stable position. Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and, if possible, wear safety gear such as gloves and safety glasses.
#3. Perform a Visual Inspection.
Examine the starter solenoid for any visible signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. If you spot any issues, address them accordingly. Clean corroded terminals using a wire brush, and tighten loose connections.
#4. Check the Battery.
Ensure that the vehicle’s battery is in good condition and has sufficient charge. A weak or dead battery can mimic symptoms of a bad starter solenoid. Charge or replace the battery if necessary.
#5. Tap the Solenoid.
Sometimes, a gentle tap on the starter solenoid with a small hammer or a wrench can help free up stuck components. This might be a temporary fix, but it can indicate internal mechanical issues with the solenoid.
#6. Test the Voltage.
Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the solenoid terminals. If there’s no voltage or insufficient voltage, it may indicate a problem with the electrical connections or the ignition switch.
#7. Inspect the Ignition Switch.
A faulty ignition switch can cause issues that mimic a bad starter solenoid. Check the ignition switch for proper functioning and replace it if necessary.
#8. Bypass the Solenoid.
Connect a jumper cable directly from the positive terminal of the battery to the terminal on the starter motor. If the engine cranks, it indicates a problem with the solenoid; if not, the issue may lie with the starter motor.
#9. Replace the Starter Solenoid.
If the solenoid is beyond repair or continues to exhibit issues, it’s best to replace it.
Remove the old solenoid by disconnecting the wiring and loosening the mounting bolts. Install the new solenoid, ensuring proper alignment and secure connections.
In many vehicles the starter solenoid can be replaced, without having to replace the entire starter motor.
Before you attempt to do any work on the starter motor, always disconnect the battery completely. Replacing the solenoid is fairly easy, but usually involves removing the entire starter motor from the vehicle.
The following is a rough outline of the steps involved in replacing a starter solenoid, refer to a vehicle specific manual for detailed steps.
- Disconnect the car battery.
- Locate the starter motor, this may involve removing some hoses, pipes, engine covers and air filter boxes.
- Locate the wiring connectors on the starter motor and make note of the wiring sequence. I usually use a smartphone camera to take a snap of the wiring before I disconnect anything (this can come in handy later!)
- Disconnect the positive and negative cables from the starter motor. You’ll probably need a small socket wrench to undo the connections. Be careful not to drop the nuts when loose!
- Now remove the bolts that are holding the starter motor onto the engine block. You may need access to the underneath of the car to get to all of them.
- Carefully remove the starter motor from the engine and move it to a bench where you can inspect the starter solenoid.
- Before removing the solenoid, check the condition of the starter motor. You are looking for worn or rusted parts, frayed wiring and any signs of burning.
- If it all looks ok, then remove the starter solenoid screws and pull off the solenoid.
- Compare the new solenoid to the old one, making sure they are identical in shape and size with the same connectors.
- Fit the new solenoid to the starter, and refit the starter to the car. Make sure to torque all bolts and double check the wiring connectors to ensure they are tight.
- Now, reconnect the battery and test the new solenoid by starting the car.
Don’t forget to clear any error codes stored in the ECU before driving the car.
#10. Test the System.
After replacing the solenoid, turn the ignition key to check if the vehicle starts smoothly. Listen for the distinct click of the solenoid engaging, and ensure there are no unusual noises or smells.
Preventing Starter Solenoid Problems
While you can’t escape the time when the solenoid finally fails, you can still prevent early solenoid problems. Here are important steps you can observe to maintain a trouble-free starter solenoid.
#1. Regular battery checks.
A failing car battery can be the culprit of many electrical troubles under the hood. Running on a drained battery prevents the solenoid from working properly. Your battery must remain optimal to prevent the solenoid from functioning with poor current.
#2. Inspect terminals and connections.
Always ensure that improper connections are not involved. Even when you run on a charged battery, the solenoid will experience resistance if connections are problematic. Such resistance not only affects function but also strains the contactors.
#3. Pay attention to warning lights.
Dashboard warning lights exist for a reason. There may not be a designated light for a bad solenoid, but warnings can be related to one.
If left unresolved, warning lights such as battery or ignition can strain the solenoid. Avoid prolonging warning lights related to the starter system as much as possible.
#4. Consult with professionals.
While labor costs are relatively high nowadays, bringing your car to a certified mechanic remains a good investment. You can prevent costly repairs if a trusted professional looks at your vehicle. Always consult with them if you have problems with your starter motor.
How much does it cost to fix a starter?
Just like other parts of your vehicle, the cost to repair a starter can cost as little as $200 to as high as $1000, depending on your vehicle model.
You need to factor in the cost of the starter part and the mechanical labor charge of your mechanic. A new starter ranges from $100 to $450, while your mechanic can charge you anything from $80 to $300.
FAQs.
Q: What happens to a car when the starter goes out?
After a series of malfunctioning symptoms like clicking or grinding, the starter will eventually shut down. When the starter goes out, it won’t be able to transmit any power to light up your engine.
Therefore, your car won’t start. Using a jumper starter to power the batter also will not help you power up the car. You can only start a car that has a failed starter solenoid but a working starter motor.
You can do so by connecting the anodes of the battery and the starter temporarily using lead wire. Start the car and rush to the nearest car repair shop to have your starter fixed.
Q: How to tell if it’s Your Starter or Your Battery with a Problem
You can diagnose your vehicle starter problem by trying to jumpstart the vehicle. A car with a faulty battery will turn on during a jump start. However, the car will need another jump start to power when it switches off.
Jumpstarting a car with a faulty starter won’t power it on. That is because the engine needs to crank and the fuel to combust for it to have the energy to drive off. A car can only crank through the use of a starter motor.
Q: Will the Engine turn over if The Starter is bad?
The starter has to transmit electrical energy from the battery to convert it into electromagnetic energy with mechanical power to initiate turning the engine. Therefore, a car with a faulty starter cannot turn the engine to allow fuel combustion.
Q: What does a dead starter sound like?
A dead starter produces a clicking sound when you turn or press the ignition button. The clicking sound resembles the sound you hear when you have a dead battery or loose terminals.
The clicks are meant to signify insufficient power transmission from the battery to the engine through the starter.
Final Words
We have discussed what a starter is, its functionality, symptoms, and causes for it to malfunction, together with the way to test and fix your car if you have a bad starter.
However, let me provide you with a simple summary if you were in a rush to go through the whole article.
A starter transmits the electrical energy required to turn the engine and initiate combustion for the car to start running. When your car starter malfunctions, the car won’t start, but it will produce clicking sounds.
When it’s on its way to failing, it may crank the engine with some trouble, thus producing a grinding sound when you start the car. You should inspect and fix your starter problem as soon as you notice the listed symptoms to avoid further expenses in the future.