Wondering What Causes a Starter to Go Bad?
Because problems with the starter, the battery, or the alternator can all have the same symptoms, it is hard to know exactly which component could be the cause of starting problems. If you are having problems starting your car, it could be time for a new starter, a new alternator, or a new battery.
First, you may want to know exactly what a starter is and what does it do? Knowing the basics of how a starter works and what components are likely to fail can help you answer the question, “What causes a starter to go bad?” A starter is a tiny, but strong pinion gear that thrusts toward the engine and spins, engaging the flywheel, which gets the pistons moving. When combining that with fuel, air, and a spark, the engine will start.
Although starters rarely fail, there are a few reasons why a starter can quickly become useless. So what causes a starter to go bad?
- Normal wear and tear, as it’s exposed to high temperatures.
- The teeth of the pinion gear and flywheel will wear so they do not mesh properly and the flywheel will not spin. This is what creates the grinding or whirring sound when you attempt to start the vehicle. This problem can start small with worn spots but will be greatly and quickly exacerbated if you continue cranking the ignition. Don’t force starting--you could make things a lot worse.
- Poor installation. The bolts holding the starter to the engine also provide a ground for current. If they are loose, it can cause damage to the flywheel and starter. If the pinion gear and the flywheel have not meshed at installation, the engine may not spin.
Before replacing a starter, always confirm that you’re not just dealing with a dead battery, a bad alternator, a blown fuse or a bad ignition switch.
Wondering what causes a starter to go bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about starters and alternators and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
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Because problems with the starter, the battery, or the alternator can all have the same symptoms, it is hard to know exactly which component could be the cause of starting problems. If you are having problems starting your car, it could be time for a new starter, a new alternator, or a new battery.
First, you may want to know exactly what a starter is and what does it do? Knowing the basics of how a starter works and what components are likely to fail can help you answer the question, “What causes a starter to go bad?” A starter is a tiny, but strong pinion gear that thrusts toward the engine and spins, engaging the flywheel, which gets the pistons moving. When combining that with fuel, air, and a spark, the engine will start.
Although starters rarely fail, there are a few reasons why a starter can quickly become useless. So what causes a starter to go bad?
- Normal wear and tear, as it’s exposed to high temperatures.
- The teeth of the pinion gear and flywheel will wear so they do not mesh properly and the flywheel will not spin. This is what creates the grinding or whirring sound when you attempt to start the vehicle. This problem can start small with worn spots but will be greatly and quickly exacerbated if you continue cranking the ignition. Don’t force starting--you could make things a lot worse.
- Poor installation. The bolts holding the starter to the engine also provide a ground for current. If they are loose, it can cause damage to the flywheel and starter. If the pinion gear and the flywheel have not meshed at installation, the engine may not spin.
Before replacing a starter, always confirm that you’re not just dealing with a dead battery, a bad alternator, a blown fuse or a bad ignition switch.
Wondering what causes a starter to go bad? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about starters and alternators and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
About the Author
