Are you Asking, “What Happens When a Starter Goes Out?”

What do you hear when you turn your key in the ignition?  Does your engine start-up smoothly and quietly?  Or do you just hear clicking sounds?  At last, the engine turns over and you’re on your way.  If this has happened to you, you will need to know more about what happens when a starter goes out.  Ask your mechanic to inspect the condition of the starter and let you know if you are looking at a pending auto electrical repair. 

The starter system is designed for repeated use under a variety of weather and road conditions. But the wear and tear of everyday use, extreme conditions and lack of maintenance can all create issues.  There are some symptoms that can indicate a bad or failing starter—many of which can also be caused by the alternator or the battery, key components of the auto electrical system. 

What happens when a starter goes out?  Here are six signs to look for:

1. Slow and intermittent starting.  If the issue is intermittent, it could be loose or dirty wiring or a damaged electrical component that is failing.
2. Your vehicle won’t start.  When you turn the key, you may hear no sound at all or you may hear a clicking or clanking noise.
3. The interior lights dim.  This could be a sign of a short circuit in the starter motor’s internal wiring.  If you notice a chugging sound along with the darkening lights, the bearings in the motor may be failing.
4. You hear grinding noise when the car is starting or running.  This is an indication of a mechanical issue---the gears in the starter motor may be worn or not engaging properly; they may not be disengaging after the engine starts.
5. A burning smell. The starter system is both electrical and mechanical.  Thus, a malfunction often combines electrical issues with overheated metal components, lubricated with grease, giving off a burning smell.
6. The starter is soaked with oil. The starter system sits near the bottom of the engine and gets very burning.  If motor oil leaks into the starter motor, it may cause permanent damage. 

Need to know more about what happens when a starter goes out?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about auto electrical repair and to make an appointment and to find out more about signs of car starter going bad.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

What happens when the Transmission goes out?

If you are having shifting issues, don’t delay in talking to your transmission repair technician.  Because the transmission system is constantly exposed to both heat and stress, it is crucial that you keep up with routine transmission service.  This means that you want to make sure all the many components are correctly lubricated and in good working condition.  Don’t find out the hard way what happens when the transmission goes out!

The key to making sure your vehicle continues to run smoothly and efficiently for many miles is to follow the manufacturer’s service interval recommendations as listed in your owner’s manual.  Usually, this schedule recommends a transmission service between every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.  

A transmission service is a vital part of maintaining your vehicle.  Just the normal wear and tear on your transmission creates millions of tiny abrasive metal that fall into your transmission fluid and can cause your transmission to fail.

What is included in a transmission service?

• The old transmission fluid is drained out, the pan removed and cleaned.
• A checkup of the drained oil for any indications that there are hidden issues in your transmission.
• Removal and replacement of the transmission filter.
• The pan is replaced and a new gasket fitted.
• The transmission is filled with new, clean oil and tested for leakages.
• Your car is tested on the road to make sure that it is operational after the transmission service has been completed.

What happens when the transmission goes out?

• Shifting Issues:  You may find it hard to shift, it won’t stay in the right gear, or you hear a “whining” sound or clunking and thumping sounds when you shift.
• Worn-out parts:  Worn out transmission parts may find you have to force the gearshift into the next gear, causing your vehicle to lurch or jerk while shifting. 
• Warning light:  If the transmission warning light comes on accompanied by shifting problems, ask your transmission repair technician to run a diagnostic test. 
• Transmission failure:  You may be facing a costly transmission repair, such as a transmission rebuild.  

Are you wondering about what happens when the transmission goes out?   Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about transmission service and make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served car owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.