7 Signs That Your Starter Is Dying on You

How do you know when it’s time to replace your 2006 acura tl starter? There are a few warning signs that something is amiss. If your vehicle exhibits any of the following seven symptoms, it’s time to replace your starter.

1. Issues Starting Your Vehicle

If the engine will not turnover, it may be your starter’s fault. The motor should roar to life when you turn on the ignition, but a bad starter won’t initiate that process. Instead, you may hear the key turn but no movement from the motor. Even if your vehicle starts eventually, you should get it checked. You may also want to check out your battery, as a faulty one can cause this issue.  Check out the 2004 acura tl starter for more details on starters.

2. Scent or Sight of Smoke

Smoke from under the hood is one of the worst signs on this list, as it can mean significant damage to your vehicle. Since your starter is part of the electrical system, a dud can cause the whole thing to overheat, resulting in acrid smoke. Should this occur, tow your car to a professional, as attempting to engage the starter again can cause a fire.

3. Cabin Lights Dim

Since starting your vehicle involves the electrical system, you may notice your cabin lights behaving strangely when you try the ignition. For example, the overhead light may dim, or the dashboard warning signals may come on. If this happens, don’t try your ignition again, as doing so drains your electrical system and can affect the battery.

4. Starter Doesn’t Turn Off

In some cases, the starter may become stuck and fail to complete the circuit. This can damage your vehicle, as electricity will continually cycle through the system. A strange noise and running engine usually accompany this issue, so keep an ear out.  

5. Oil in the Starter

Unfortunately, this is a warning sign you can’t see without popping the hood. If you’ve noticed other issues starting your vehicle, you should check the starter for oil. An oily starter usually means a leak that may cause other problems, so make sure you take your car in right away. If the starter is oily, you can’t salvage it, so you’ll also need to replace that part.

6. Cranking Slowly

At times, your vehicle may successfully start but crank slowly several times before catching. Unfortunately, this is a sign of worse things to come. While you may be able to start your vehicle for a short while, the starter will eventually give out, so it’s best to replace it early.

7. Grinding Noises

Strange noises from your vehicle are never a good sign. Of course, it’s sometimes difficult to identify the causes. If your car has a starter problem, you may hear the following:

• Whirring
• Grinding
• Clicking

Repeated attempts to start a vehicle making these noises can cause engine flywheel damage, so have your car towed.

If your 2004 jeep liberty starter no longer does the job, it’s time for a replacement. Once you have a new part, you don’t have to worry about suddenly getting stranded due to a faulty starter.