When you head out in the morning, you jump in your car, turn the key, and expect your car to go. 

Until it doesn’t. What’s wrong?

You turn the key (or press the button). What happens? A sound. A click. Or maybe nothing at all. 

It might be that your car starter is in need of repair. 

What is a Car Starter?

Let’s get technical for a minute. 

When you turn the ignition key or press the start button, an electrical signal is sent to the starter solenoid.

The solenoid receives the signal and creates a magnetic field, which pulls the solenoid plunger. This action does two things: it connects the starter motor to the battery, allowing current to flow, and it pushes the pinion gear forward to engage with the flywheel.

Once the pinion gear is engaged with the flywheel, the electric motor starts spinning, turning the pinion gear. This rotation is transferred to the flywheel, causing the engine’s crankshaft to turn.

As the crankshaft turns, the engine goes through its cycles (intake, compression, power, and exhaust), and the combustion process begins. This initial crank is usually enough to start the engine.

Once the engine starts and begins running on its own, the ignition switch is released, breaking the circuit to the solenoid. The solenoid disengages the pinion gear from the flywheel and disconnects the starter motor from the battery.

Voila! Your car is operating as usual, and you’re on your way for the day. 

Do All Cars Have The Same Starter Systems?

While the basic principle of a starter motor engaging with the engine to initiate the combustion process is common, there are variations in the types of starter systems used in different vehicles. 

Most cars use a conventional electric starter system, which includes a starter motor, solenoid, and pinion gear. This system is activated by turning the ignition key or pressing the start button, which sends an electrical signal to the solenoid, engaging the starter motor.

A variation of the conventional starter, the gear-reduction starter uses a set of gears to increase torque and reduce the motor’s speed. This design allows for a smaller, lighter starter motor that is more efficient and capable of providing higher torque.

Found in many modern hybrid and some luxury vehicles, the Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG) serves as both a starter and a generator. It can start the engine and provide electrical power while the engine is running, and also assist with regenerative braking. This system is often part of a stop-start system that improves fuel efficiency by turning off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarting it when needed.

Stop-Start systems automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop (e.g., at a traffic light) and restart it when the driver releases the brake or engages the accelerator. They often use more robust starters or ISGs to handle the frequent starts and stops.

Diesel engines typically require more torque to start compared to gasoline engines. Therefore, diesel starters are usually larger and more powerful. Some diesel engines also use glow plugs or grid heaters to assist with starting in cold conditions.

While the activation method is different (using a button instead of a key), Push-Button Start systems still use a starter motor to crank the engine. The underlying starter system may be conventional or a more advanced type like ISG.

No matter what system your vehicle uses, the end goal is the same – to get you going. When the starter system no longer works, that’s when you know you have a problem. 

Until It Doesn’t – Common Starter Problems

How do you know it’s a starter problem? Like any car part, it rarely gives out without warning signals. 

Clicking Sound

When you turn the ignition key or press the start button, you hear a single click or a series of clicks. This often indicates a problem with the starter solenoid or a weak battery.

Grinding Noise

A grinding noise when starting the car can mean the pinion gear is not properly engaging with the flywheel, often due to wear or damage.

Whirring Sound

If you hear a whirring sound without the engine cranking, it may indicate that the starter motor is spinning, but the pinion gear is not engaging the flywheel.

Intermittent Starting

The car sometimes starts, and other times it doesn’t, indicating a possible issue with the starter relay or electrical connections.

No Response

When you turn the key, and there is no sound or movement at all, it could be due to a complete failure of the starter motor or solenoid.

Smoke

If you see smoke coming from under the hood when attempting to start the car, it could be due to an overheating starter motor or electrical issue.

Dashboard Lights On, Engine Won’t Start

If the dashboard lights come on but the engine doesn’t crank, it might indicate a starter problem, especially if the battery is known to be good.

Troubleshooting For Starter Problems

Are any of these happening to you? Obviously, some take more immediate action than others. If you turn the key with no response, you won’t be going anywhere at all. But if something else is triggering a warning signal, there are a few troubleshooting steps to take. 

First, check the battery. Ensure the battery is fully charged and in good condition. Sometimes, a weak or dead battery can mimic starter problems.

Not the battery? Inspect electrical connections. Check for loose, corroded, or damaged connections to the starter and battery. You can also use a multimeter to test the starter solenoid for proper operation.

If all of these seem to be working well, perform a voltage drop test to check for any electrical resistance in the starter circuit.

Still have a problem? It might be time to bring it in for an inspection to find the root cause. With thousands of parts, cars can be difficult to diagnose through simple tests. Sometimes, the best way to find a solution is through a trained mechanic and in-depth diagnosis. 

Have a question? Give us a call today. We can get your car in, inspect it, and find a solution. You’ll be back on your way in no time.