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Every driver at some point has probably experienced starting problems. You jump in your car in a rush to work, turn the key in the ignition, and you hear nothing. You’re left wondering why doesn’t the car starter work? There could be other reasons your car won’t start. The culprit could be the alternator or battery! So what should you do to fix the problem?

First, you should know what happens when the starter goes bad. The engine may crank too slowly for a quick start, or it may not crank at all. There may be resistance within the starter itself, such as worn brushes and coil windings, or loose bolts so that the starter cannot engage.

It’s fairly common that the real cause of starting problems is not the starter at all! Starters are designed to last for at least 100,000 miles or more, and even possibly the lifetime of a car. The starting problem may actually be caused by a weak battery that can no longer hold a charge, or by loose or corroded battery cable connections. So before you have your mechanic replace the starter, be sure to have the condition of the battery checked. If it’s starting to fail, you may simply need to replace it.

Secondly, you should know what happens when the alternator goes bad. The result from a failing alternator is typically a low or dead battery. Or you may see the alternator warning light (it looks like a battery) illuminate on your dashboard panel. Have your mechanic check the alternator’s voltage, the output of current, a slipping drive belt, or for any alternating current leakage that would indicate bad diodes inside the alternator.

If the alternator passes the test, there may be something in the wiring or the charging system control circuitry. Problems with sensors or a defect in the control module itself may keep the alternator from charging the battery properly.

Even if you’re only having occasional starting problems, have all three components—the starter, alternator, and battery—inspected as soon as possible before the problem gets worse and you are stuck in your driveway or a dark parking lot.

Need to know more about why doesn’t the car starter work? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about starters, alternators, and batteries and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

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Are you wondering why doesn’t the car starter work? Starting problems could also be caused by a bad alternator or weak battery.

Every driver at some point has probably experienced starting problems. You jump in your car in a rush to work, turn the key in the ignition, and you hear nothing. You’re left wondering why doesn’t the car starter work? There could be other reasons your car won’t start. The culprit could be the alternator or battery! So what should you do to fix the problem?

First, you should know what happens when the starter goes bad. The engine may crank too slowly for a quick start, or it may not crank at all. There may be resistance within the starter itself, such as worn brushes and coil windings, or loose bolts so that the starter cannot engage.

It’s fairly common that the real cause of starting problems is not the starter at all! Starters are designed to last for at least 100,000 miles or more, and even possibly the lifetime of a car. The starting problem may actually be caused by a weak battery that can no longer hold a charge, or by loose or corroded battery cable connections. So before you have your mechanic replace the starter, be sure to have the condition of the battery checked. If it’s starting to fail, you may simply need to replace it.

Secondly, you should know what happens when the alternator goes bad. The result from a failing alternator is typically a low or dead battery. Or you may see the alternator warning light (it looks like a battery) illuminate on your dashboard panel. Have your mechanic check the alternator’s voltage, the output of current, a slipping drive belt, or for any alternating current leakage that would indicate bad diodes inside the alternator.

If the alternator passes the test, there may be something in the wiring or the charging system control circuitry. Problems with sensors or a defect in the control module itself may keep the alternator from charging the battery properly.

Even if you’re only having occasional starting problems, have all three components—the starter, alternator, and battery—inspected as soon as possible before the problem gets worse and you are stuck in your driveway or a dark parking lot.

Need to know more about why doesn’t the car starter work? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about starters, alternators, and batteries and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

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Judi Harvey
Auto & Fleet MechanicModesto Auto Repair

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5160 Pentecost Drive #A, Modesto, CA 95356209-543-7575[email protected]
Mon:08:00am - 05:00pm
Tue:08:00am - 05:00pm
Wed:08:00am - 05:00pm
Thu:08:00am - 05:00pm
Fri:08:00am - 05:00pm
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