If your European automobile’s odometer has just turned the coveted 100,000-mile milestone, your starter isn’t going to die just like that, but you are getting closer to the need for a new starter. European Fix advises that the average lifespan of a factory starter is about 100,000 miles. After this time, you may start to have some of the following problems. These are signs of a bad starter.
Difficulty Starting the Automobile
The starter is responsible for turning over your European automobile’s engine. This allows the engine to draw fuel and air into the combustion chamber for combustion. The starter also helps the spark plugs to generate sparks by sending electricity through the plug wires. If you hear clicking or whirring sounds before your engine ignites, this is a sign that the starter is having trouble turning the engine over. You will also begin to have difficulty starting your automobile on a regular basis.
Inability to Start the Automobile
Eventually, the problem is going to get so bad that you won’t be able to get your European automobile started at all. This is a sign that the starter motor has died and is no longer turning the engine over. Naturally, when this happens, the combustion chamber is void of air and fuel for the spark plugs to ignite. Consequently, no engine combustion means no running engine.
A Dead Engine With Working Lights
In many cases, it might seem as if the reason why your engine will start is that the battery has died. Thankfully, there is a quick check you can do to determine the cause of the dead engine. If your engine is refusing to start but all of the lights are working, the problem is the starter. The lights would not be working if the battery or alternator were dead.
Visible Smoke and Burning Odors
Another thing that points directly to the starter is visible smoke wafting from underneath the hood and detectable burning odors. This is a sign that the starter motor has overheated because you have tried to fire up your European automobile too many times.
Oil Saturation in the Starter
As an aside, it is also possible for the starter to die prematurely in your European automobile if the vehicle develops an oil leak above the starter. Consequently, the dripping oil will saturate the starter and prevent it from working.
Call European Fix in Clinton Township, MI, today if your European automobile is having any of the problems discussed above.
