Understanding Your Car Starter With Capitol Toyota in Salem, Oregon

 

How a Starter Works and Ways to Identify Potential Problems

Let's Start the Engine

When you turn your key or press the engine start button, it initiates a small gear in the starter that engages the engine's flywheel. The flywheel then delivers power to get the engine rotating. This allows it to suck air and fuel into the cylinders and begin the combustion process, allowing it to run on its own. Flywheels are considered one of the most vital parts of the engine, because without it, the engine simply cannot start up. Sometimes, the teeth of the starter gear or flywheel can break, making the engine starter freewheel and spin freely instead of engaging as it should.

Powering Up

In order for a car to start up, the car battery needs to have a lot of energy stored inside it. The starter is the main culprit that drains that juice, so although you may see interior lights or other accessories powering on, there may not be enough power remaining in the battery to actually operate the starter. Once your battery is old, or hasn't been recharged in some time (for example: the vehicle has not been driven in a while), your car may have a hard time giving that big heavy engine the heave-ho needed to start up. Whenever in doubt, check out our Ignition Services and inquire about a battery health test to check the condition of your car's battery.

Listen Closely

Most of us are familiar with that clicking or chirping sound that occurs even though the engine isn't powering up. That means the starter is cranking, but the engine may not be getting the fuel delivery or air intake it needs to spark the combustion process. But, there are also times when there is no sound at all, which could be an indication that the starter is not getting enough power from the battery or that the starter itself is broken. Starters have internal components and electrical wiring connections, which can deteriorate or become damaged. Another sound is a quiet whirring or buzzing noise, which would indicate that the starter is freewheeling. This means that, although its motor is working, for whatever reason, it's not catching properly on the flywheel. This would need a diagnostic check to find out exactly what is going on at your Capitol Toyota Service Center.

What Our Ignition Services at Capitol Toyota Can Do For You

Here at Capitol Toyota in Salem, OR, we pride ourselves on having expertly trained certified technicians who provide the best service possible to our valued customers. Never hesitate to reach out to our specialists with any questions regarding your Toyota, and trust in the sincerity in which we handle every situation. You can contact us by making an appointment online, over the phone, or in person, and our team will eagerly assist you. If your vehicle is displaying any cause for concern, don't hesitate to head on down to Capitol Toyota at 783 Auto Group Avenue NE in Salem, OR today.