Starter Service at Bice Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

If you’re having trouble getting your car, truck, SUV, or minivan started, there can be several possibilities that may be at the root of the problem. Generally, drivers relegate the problem to a bad battery, but it could just as well be the alternator, spark plugs, ignition switch, or your starter. If you live near Opelika, Wetumpka, or Tallassee, and you can’t get your car started, get it to us to us at Bice Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, and let us diagnose the problem for you so that you know how to proceed.

What Does the Starter Do?

Your starter is a little motor that your battery powers. Its job is to get your vehicle started, to fire your engine up by the starter relay, which sits between the battery and the starter motor. It draws power from the battery and sends it to the rest of the ignition system. If the starter relay is bad, the power can’t get where it needs to go, and your vehicle won’t start.

How Can I Tell If the Problem Is the Starter?

Several symptoms can indicate a problem with the starter; the following are five of them.

1. Something sounds weird: One of the most notorious sounds that can indicate starter problems is a clicking sound when you turn the key. A starter can die without making any noise, but it may indicate a problem with the starter. Other sounds that may be present are whirring or grinding sounds.
2. Dashboard lights are on but no power: When you turn the key or push the starter and the dashboard illuminates but the engine does kick on, you may have a starter issue.
3. Doesn’t crank: If your engine doesn’t rev up, even after a jumpstart, then it’s time to throw in the towel and get a tow into Bice CDJR to have our expert technicians check out your vehicle and run a diagnostic.
4. Smoke: Smoke from the engine can mean a starter issue. Remember, your starter operates off electricity from the battery, and where electricity is involved, you can run into wiring problems, blown fuses, relays that get overwhelmed, and short circuits. If you have been trying to start your car multiple times, your starter can overheat and cause electrical problems. If you see or smell smoke, call for help rather than turn the key over and over.
5. Soaked in Oil: If you pop the hood and look just beneath the exhaust manifold on passenger’s side in an RWD, on the driver’s side above the transmission, or under the exhaust manifold in a FWD, or just under the intake manifold in other vehicles, and you find your starter soaked in oil, it may be part of your problem, but then you have a new problem . . . an oil leak.

Causes of Starter Trouble

Several things can cause a starter problem, such as loose wiring, dirty or corroded connections, battery corrosion, damaged or worn-out parts, oil leaks, or bad relays. These and other issues can prevent your starter from operating normally.

If you are having problems starting your vehicle, contact us at Bice CDJR and set up an appointment with our Service Center or schedule it yourself online.