Stanley Ford Eastland

Starter Service

close up view of a vehicle's starter

Starter Service with Stanley Ford of Eastland

You go out to your driveway or garage, get inside your vehicle, and put the key in the ignition. You expect the engine to start and to be on your way. When the engine fails to start, it can be for a variety of reasons. One issue could be a problem with the starter, an important component of the starter system. If you live around Eastland, Cisco, or Ranger, you can count on the service team at Stanley Ford of Eastland to take care of your starter.

What the Starter Does

The starter on your vehicle is a tiny motor that’s powered by your battery. Its sole job is to start the engine of your vehicle. The starter transmits power to the relay from the battery. Therefore, if the starter relay or motor doesn't work, your vehicle won't start.

Signs of a Bad Starter

There are several signs that your starter may be going bad. First, something may just sound off. You might hear a clicking noise when you turn the starter. You may hear a whirring or grinding noise, which indicates that it is not working correctly. If you turn the starter and the lights come on but the engine doesn't start, it may be a starter issue. If your engine won't turn over even with a jump start, it could also indicate a problem with your starter.

Another issue with your starter is that it may blow a fuse or short circuit. If this is the case, you may see smoke coming out from under your hood. This often happens if you attempt to start your car multiple times with no luck. In this case, you need to stop trying to turn the key and call for help. An oil leak can also cause problems with your starter if the oil drips onto it.

Causes of Starter Issues

There are several problems that may cause your starter to not work. The wiring may be loose from the starter to the electrical power. The connections may be dirty or corroded. If your battery is corroded and won't power the components, it can also cause problems. Some of the starter parts may be worn out such as the relay.

You can often diagnose starter issues on your own. Look under the hood and see if the battery cables look secure and clean. Lightly tap your starter a few times to see if it will power back up. This might get it to work, but you still need to have it serviced. Try putting your transmission into neutral. If the engine starts from neutral but not from park, you may have a problem with a safety switch.

Try jumping your vehicle to get the engine to start, so you can bring it to your service center for repair. Otherwise, you may need to have it towed. Stanley Ford of Eastland’s service center is here to help you with all your starter issues. We have the latest diagnostic equipment to figure out the cause of your problem.

Schedule service online with Stanley Ford of Eastland or give us a call to set up an appointment.