Can someone tell me what to look for or symptoms to look for when the starter on a car in need of replacement.

Question

Can someone tell me what to look for or symptoms to look for when the starter on a car in need of replacement.

Answer 1

If the starter won't turn the engine over then there are three basic possible problems: most likely the battery does not have enough charge, but it's also possible that an electrical fault has developed, such as a broken wire or loose contact, and least likely (as they are generally simple and durable) the starter motor has developed a fault.  You would confirm this diagnosis by ensuring that the battery is not at fault (eg use jump leads to connect to a known healthy battery), and then listening carefully when you turn the ignition key.  If you hear a clunk as the starter solenoid activates but nothing more, or if the starter itself makes some noise but fails to turn the engine, then the starter motor is definitely suspect.  You could also check with a voltmeter at the starter motor contacts.  However, even if the starter is faulty, it may be a simple problem, eg the bendix gear that comes out to turn the engine can get dirty and fail to engage, in which case it just needs a good clean up.  Depending on the configuration, the starter may be a five minute job to remove with a spanner at home, or a half day in the garage for a mechanic, small modern cars tend to be the most difficult.  

Answer 2

normally when the starter is on its way out, the car will occasionally not start....but after trying a few times it does....it usually happens more frequent as it gets worse....you will no when its gone as when you try to start the engine...you wont hear the teeth in the starter gripping all you will hear is a humming noise.

If its starting to go...turn the key so the ignition is on but not the engine, put it in 1st gear...do not hold the clutch down tho, then rock the car back and forth a bit...this aligns the teeth again and normally starts after that.

hope this helps