Subaru Starter Service Near Milpitas, CA

When you slide into the front seat of your vehicle and put the key in the ignition or press the button, you expect to hear the sounds of the engine starting up. If your engine doesn't start, your first thought could be the battery. The starter may also be to blame. If you live around Milpitas, Hayward, or Oakland, you can get your starter checked at Premier Subaru of Fremont.

The starter system consists of the starter motor and the starter relay. The relay is located between the starter motor and the battery. They work in conjunction with the battery and alternator to power your vehicle.

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Signs of a Bad Starter

Since the starter, battery, and alternator all help get your engine running, it can be confusing to know which one is the culprit when something doesn't work. Here are some signs that the starter could be to blame.

  • You hear a clicking noise when you try to turn the key, but nothing happens. You might not hear anything or hear a grinding noise instead.
  • The dashboard lights come on, but the engine doesn't power up.
  • The engine won't start after a jump.
  • You see smoke coming from the vehicle, which indicates the starter may have overheated.
  • Oil has dripped on the starter because of a leak.

Causes of Starter Issues

Sometimes, starters go bad from normal wear and tear. However, other issues with your vehicle can lead to starter damage. Some of these can be prevented.

  • Loose wiring can interrupt the flow of power, which will prevent the engine from starting.
  • Connections to the starter may be dirty or corroded, which prevents a full flow of power.
  • If the battery has corroded, it can cause electrical issues.
  • Oil leaks can lead to damage to the starter, which means you would need to fix the oil leak and replace the starter.
  • A starter relay that has stopped working can prevent the starter motor from powering the engine.

If you have a bad starter motor, you may be able to tap on it to get it to work. Tap on it gently a few times, which may unstick the brushes in the starter. You don't want to tap too hard, or you could cause other damage.

If you can get the engine started, you'll want to go for service immediately. The next time you attempt the tapping method may leave you stranded. If you notice any of the signs of a starter problem, you should schedule service to have it diagnosed right away. When a starter stops working completely, it may not give you a warning.

Schedule Service with Premier Subaru of Fremont

If you suspect an issue with your starter, you can schedule service online with the Service Center at Premier Subaru of Fremont. We'll diagnose the issue and make the repair to get you back on the road.

You can trust Premier Subaru of Fremont for all your repair needs. Contact us today for starter service.