{"id":5493,"date":"2024-09-18T11:10:36","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T08:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/?p=5493"},"modified":"2025-10-28T12:22:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T09:22:09","slug":"signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Signs of a Bad Starter and What to Do About It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you been hearing odd noises when starting your car, or is it taking a while to start? These could be signs of a bad starter motor. Your car&#8217;s starter motor is crucial for getting your car engine up and running, so if it stops working, it can leave you stranded. Let&#8217;s break down the key signs of a bad starter, what causes starter issues, and what you can do about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Signs_of_a_bad_starter_motor\" title=\"Signs of a bad starter motor\">Signs of a bad starter motor<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Unusual_noises\" title=\"Unusual noises\">Unusual noises<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Slow_cranking\" title=\"Slow cranking\">Slow cranking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Intermittent_starting_issues\" title=\"Intermittent starting issues\">Intermittent starting issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Lights_but_no_engine\" title=\"Lights but no engine\">Lights but no engine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Causes_of_a_bad_car_starter\" title=\"Causes of a bad car starter\">Causes of a bad car starter<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Wear_and_tear\" title=\"Wear and tear\">Wear and tear<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Electrical_problems\" title=\"Electrical problems\">Electrical problems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Starter_relay_issues\" title=\"Starter relay issues\">Starter relay issues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Faulty_solenoid\" title=\"Faulty solenoid\">Faulty solenoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Battery_issues\" title=\"Battery issues\">Battery issues<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#What_to_do_about_a_bad_starter\" title=\"What to do about a bad starter\">What to do about a bad starter<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Perform_a_free-speed_no-load_test\" title=\"Perform a free-speed (no-load) test\">Perform a free-speed (no-load) test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Conduct_a_cranking_voltage_test\" title=\"Conduct a cranking voltage test\">Conduct a cranking voltage test<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Inspect_the_starter_drive_and_flywheel_ring_gear\" title=\"Inspect the starter drive and flywheel ring gear\">Inspect the starter drive and flywheel ring gear<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Check_safety_switches\" title=\"Check safety switches\">Check safety switches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Look_for_diagnostic_trouble_codes_DTCs\" title=\"Look for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)\">Look for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Consult_a_professional\" title=\"Consult a professional\">Consult a professional<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#How_do_you_know_if_you_have_a_bad_starter\" title=\"How do you know if you have a bad starter?\">How do you know if you have a bad starter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#What_happens_to_a_car_when_the_starter_goes_out\" title=\"What happens to a car when the starter goes out?\">What happens to a car when the starter goes out?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#How_do_I_know_when_my_starter_needs_replacing\" title=\"How do I know when my starter needs replacing?\">How do I know when my starter needs replacing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#Can_you_jumpstart_a_car_with_a_bad_starter\" title=\"Can you jumpstart a car with a bad starter?\">Can you jumpstart a car with a bad starter?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_a_bad_starter_motor\"><\/span>Signs of a bad starter motor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2.Signs-of-a-bad-starter-motor-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2.Signs-of-a-bad-starter-motor-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2.Signs-of-a-bad-starter-motor-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2.Signs-of-a-bad-starter-motor-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2.Signs-of-a-bad-starter-motor-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2.Signs-of-a-bad-starter-motor-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/2.Signs-of-a-bad-starter-motor.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognizing the signs of a bad starter motor early on can save you a lot of time and trouble. Here are some common bad starter symptoms to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unusual_noises\"><\/span>Unusual noises<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you turn the key, listen for any strange sounds. Grinding noises, like metal chewing on metal, often indicate that the starter\u2019s gears aren\u2019t engaging properly with the flywheel. A single, loud click usually indicates a faulty starter solenoid responsible for engaging the starter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Slow_cranking\"><\/span>Slow cranking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your engine should crank briskly when you start your car. If it\u2019s slow or sluggish, the starter might be struggling. Check the voltage\u2014a healthy starter should receive at least 9.6 volts while cranking. If it\u2019s getting enough power but still cranks slowly, you might have a dirty ground connection or internal wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Intermittent_starting_issues\"><\/span>Intermittent starting issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, your car starts fine; other times, it doesn\u2019t respond at all. This kind of inconsistency often points to a failing starter. Your vehicle&#8217;s electrical system could be the culprit, or it could be an early sign of a starter solenoid that\u2019s on its last legs. Using a voltmeter to check the voltage when the car won\u2019t start can help identify the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lights_but_no_engine\"><\/span>Lights but no engine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you drive an older car and you turn your key, your dashboard lights up, but your engine doesn&#8217;t turn over, this is likely a starter problem, not a bad battery.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this isn\u2019t always the case with newer cars, which may have a battery protection circuit. This is designed to protect the battery from fully discharging, which can damage your battery. In this case, your car\u2019s interior lights and dashboard may still work, but your starter may be blocked as it takes too much power. In this case, it\u2019s important to check that your battery is in good working order before checking your starter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_of_a_bad_car_starter\"><\/span>Causes of a bad car starter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3.Causes-of-a-bad-car-starter-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3.Causes-of-a-bad-car-starter-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3.Causes-of-a-bad-car-starter-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3.Causes-of-a-bad-car-starter-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3.Causes-of-a-bad-car-starter-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3.Causes-of-a-bad-car-starter-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/3.Causes-of-a-bad-car-starter.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding what causes starter issues can help you prevent them in the future. Here are some common causes of starter problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wear_and_tear\"><\/span>Wear and tear<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like any mechanical component, starters wear out over time. The starter gear, bushings, and electrical components inside the starter can degrade, leading to performance issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Electrical_problems\"><\/span>Electrical problems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Faulty wiring or connections in your car&#8217;s electrical system can cause a starter to fail. Corrosion, loose connections, or damaged wires can disrupt the flow of electricity necessary for the starter to function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Starter_relay_issues\"><\/span>Starter relay issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A properly working starter relay is an essential part of your starter system. It sits between your starter motor and the car battery. If your relay isn&#8217;t working, your starter motor won&#8217;t be getting any electrical power, so it simply won&#8217;t work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Faulty_solenoid\"><\/span>Faulty solenoid<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The solenoid is crucial for engaging the starter motor. If it\u2019s failing, the starter won\u2019t turn the engine over. This can be due to electrical current issues or the solenoid&#8217;s magnetic field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Battery_issues\"><\/span>Battery issues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While the starter itself is not a problem, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/essential-tips-recognizing-the-signs-of-a-dying-battery\">weak or dead car battery<\/a> can prevent it from functioning properly. Make sure your battery is in good condition and fully charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_about_a_bad_starter\"><\/span>What to do about a bad starter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/4.What-to-do-about-a-bad-starter-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5496\" style=\"width:870px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/4.What-to-do-about-a-bad-starter-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/4.What-to-do-about-a-bad-starter-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/4.What-to-do-about-a-bad-starter-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/4.What-to-do-about-a-bad-starter-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/4.What-to-do-about-a-bad-starter-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/4.What-to-do-about-a-bad-starter.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suspect your starter is bad, here are some steps you or your mechanic can take. Please note that some of these steps will require professional equipment, so going to your local mechanic might be the quickest and easiest way to solve the problem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Perform_a_free-speed_no-load_test\"><\/span>Perform a free-speed (no-load) test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This test involves running the starter motor without connecting it to the engine. By measuring the current draw and speed, you can determine if it\u2019s working correctly. A healthy starter usually draws between 60 and 80 amps when not loaded. If the current is off, it could indicate mechanical wear or electrical issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conduct_a_cranking_voltage_test\"><\/span>Conduct a cranking voltage test<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure your starter is getting the right amount of power by performing a cranking voltage test. Your starter needs at least 9.6 volts to crank properly. If it\u2019s not getting enough voltage, or the cranking is weak despite sufficient voltage, further tests are needed to check for issues within the starter circuit or the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inspect_the_starter_drive_and_flywheel_ring_gear\"><\/span>Inspect the starter drive and flywheel ring gear<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Check for wear and tear on the starter drive and flywheel ring gear. These gears need to mesh perfectly for the starter to turn the engine efficiently. If you see signs of wear, consider replacements to avoid misalignment and significant starting issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get to the crown of the flywheel, you should remove the hatch where the engine and transmission meet\u2014the hatch will be made of either plastic or metal. You might need to jack up your car to find it, as it\u2019s often located under your car. Remember to be safe and put something under the power elements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_safety_switches\"><\/span>Check safety switches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Safety switches, like the neutral safety switch or clutch safety switch, are there to make sure your car only starts when it\u2019s supposed to (not when the clutch is up or you&#8217;re in gear). Make sure these switches are functioning correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Look_for_diagnostic_trouble_codes_DTCs\"><\/span>Look for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5.Look-for-diagnostic-trouble-codes-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5.Look-for-diagnostic-trouble-codes-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5.Look-for-diagnostic-trouble-codes-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5.Look-for-diagnostic-trouble-codes-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5.Look-for-diagnostic-trouble-codes-60x40.webp 60w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5.Look-for-diagnostic-trouble-codes-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/5.Look-for-diagnostic-trouble-codes.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a diagnostic tool to check for trouble codes. These codes can provide clues about what\u2019s wrong with your starter or other related systems. Scanning for DTCs can save you time and effort by pointing you in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consult_a_professional\"><\/span>Consult a professional<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve gone through these steps and still have issues, it&#8217;s time to consult a professional mechanic. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix more complex problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By paying attention to the signs, understanding the causes, and taking the right steps, you can keep your starter and your car in good working order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_know_if_you_have_a_bad_starter\"><\/span>How do you know if you have a bad starter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You know you have a bad starter when your car won&#8217;t start, you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key, or if the engine cranks very slowly. Other signs include unusual grinding noises or intermittent starting issues where sometimes your car starts fine and doesn\u2019t respond at all other times. Visiting your mechanic can quickly diagnose the issue and get you back on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_to_a_car_when_the_starter_goes_out\"><\/span>What happens to a car when the starter goes out?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When the starter goes out, your car simply won&#8217;t start. You&#8217;ll likely hear a clicking noise when you turn the key, or sometimes nothing at all. The engine won&#8217;t crank, meaning it won&#8217;t turn over and start running. In some cases, you might also hear grinding noises or experience intermittent starting problems where the car starts sometimes but not always. Your engine can&#8217;t get going without a functioning starter motor, leaving you stranded until the starter is repaired or replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_know_when_my_starter_needs_replacing\"><\/span>How do I know when my starter needs replacing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might need to replace your starter if your car makes a clicking noise when you turn the key, notice slow cranking, or get no response. Unusual grinding noises or intermittent starting problems, where the car starts inconsistently, are also red flags. If you check the battery and connections, and they\u2019re in good shape, but the car still won\u2019t start, it\u2019s likely time for a new starter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_jumpstart_a_car_with_a_bad_starter\"><\/span>Can you jumpstart a car with a bad starter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, jumpstarting a car with a bad starter is unlikely to be effective because the problem isn&#8217;t with the battery but with the starter itself. Jumpstarting a car gives you a boost of power when the battery is flat, but you still need a working starter motor for that power to get to the engine. So, if jumpstarting works, the issue is most likely related to a weak battery or poor connections. If your car still doesn&#8217;t start after a jump, the starter likely needs to be repaired or replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do you know if you have a bad starter?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You know you have a bad starter when your car won't start, you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key, or if the engine cranks very slowly. Other signs include unusual grinding noises or intermittent starting issues where sometimes your car starts fine and doesn\u2019t respond at all other times. Visiting your mechanic can quickly diagnose the issue and get you back on the road.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What happens to a car when the starter goes out?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"When the starter goes out, your car simply won't start. You'll likely hear a clicking noise when you turn the key, or sometimes nothing at all. The engine won't crank, meaning it won't turn over and start running. In some cases, you might also hear grinding noises or experience intermittent starting problems where the car starts sometimes but not always. Your engine can't get going without a functioning starter motor, leaving you stranded until the starter is repaired or replaced.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I know when my starter needs replacing?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You might need to replace your starter if your car makes a clicking noise when you turn the key, notice slow cranking, or get no response. Unusual grinding noises or intermittent starting problems, where the car starts inconsistently, are also red flags. 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Your car&rsquo;s starter motor is crucial for getting your car engine up and running, so if it stops working, it can leave you stranded. Let&rsquo;s break down the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5493","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-information"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>From Clicks to Silence: How Do You Know if a Starter is Bad<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If your car makes strange noises when you turn the key or it isn&#039;t starting, you might have a bad starter. Read on to learn the signs of a bad starter.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"From Clicks to Silence: How Do You Know if a Starter is Bad\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If your car makes strange noises when you turn the key or it isn&#039;t starting, you might have a bad starter. Read on to learn the signs of a bad starter.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Tire Reviews, Buying Guide &amp; Interesting Facts - Utires.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-09-18T08:10:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-28T09:22:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"hrushetskyy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"hrushetskyy\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/\",\"name\":\"From Clicks to Silence: How Do You Know if a Starter is Bad\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/signs-of-a-bad-starter-and-what-to-do-about-it\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/1.From-Clicks-to-Silence-How-Do-You-Know-if-a-Starter-is-Bad-1024x683.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-18T08:10:36+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-28T09:22:09+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.utires.com\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/1c3b77b87c2ca712466e7fc48265377a\"},\"description\":\"If your car makes strange noises when you turn the key or it isn't starting, you might have a bad starter. 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