Ever jumped into your car and doesn't want start anymore? Wonder what it could be? Here's Quick Guide to know before you make calls to someone to have look at it
Quick Guide to Help Identify a Faulty Battery, Starter, or Alternator
When a customer calls and says, “My car won’t start out of nowhere,” it can be difficult for them to tell if the issue is with the battery, starter motor, or alternator. Here’s a quick guide to help them distinguish:
1. Alternator
• Simple Explanation: Think of the alternator as a “battery charger.” It only charges the battery when the engine is running.
Signs It’s Likely NOT the Alternator:
- If the car was parked and won’t start, it’s unlikely to be the alternator since it doesn’t work when the car is off.
- A faulty alternator usually causes the battery to drain while driving, often with signs like dimming headlights or flickering dashboard lights.
- In modern cars, Battery symbol will illuminate on dashboard while car engine is running.
2. Starter Motor
Simple Explanation: The starter motor’s job is to give the engine its initial spin to start the car.
Signs It’s Likely NOT the Starter Motor:
- If the car stopped suddenly while driving, it’s NOT the starter motor, as it only works at the beginning to start the engine.
Signs It’s Likely the Starter Motor:
- You may hear a single click sound when you turn the key, but the engine won’t crank.
- Sluggish starts may also be a warning sign before the starter completely fails
DIY Test:
- Open the hood and listen for a burnt or smoky smell in the engine compartment when you try starting. This may indicate a problem with the starter motor.
3. Battery
• Simple Explanation: The battery powers the car’s electrical systems and provides the initial energy for the starter motor.
• Signs It’s Likely the Battery:
• Dim headlights, weak or slow cranking, and electronics not working as usual are common signs of a dying battery.
• If jump-starting the car temporarily solves the problem, it’s likely a battery issue rather than the starter or alternator.
This is very basic guide, should you need any detailed explation check our blog on signs of dying battery.
If you are stuck anywhere in Adelaide, book CarBatteryExperts for $79 to get your car dignosed when it is not starting.
