By Racepages.com
Why is it that a problem with your car’s starter seems to occur when you absolutely, positively must be some place in a hurry? If your starter is shot, then you aren’t going any place at all. Still, before you panic, you must eliminate a couple of other possibilities before determining whether it is, in fact, your starter that is to blame. Let’s take a look at just what may be behind your car’s inability to get going.
Battery and Connections. Your car may not be turning over because your battery has died. Before taking the step of replacing your battery, check the cables leading to the posts and make sure that they aren’t cracked. Also examine the posts to make certain that corrosion isn’t the culprit. Clean the connections and the posts and reattach the cables to the battery. If your car turns over, your starter and your battery are both okay. Go ahead: breathe a sigh of relief!
The Alternator. On the other hand, if you swap out your battery and the car still doesn’t start, then it could be the alternator. Your alternator generates electricity, which is used to maintain battery storage charge as well as to assist with all the electrical accessories, including the ignition and the engine control systems. Because is driven by a belt, any slippage can cause your alternator to lose power and your car may fail to start, so make sure that the belt is secure. To help you make a proper determination of alternator failure, there are tools available that can tell you if the alternator has failed or whether another electrical problem exists. Call up a friend to see if he has one handy. If not, your local auto store should have one available.
The Starter. If you have eliminated the battery, all the connections, the alternator belt, and the alternator itself from the mix, then likely your starter has failed. To make certain, turn off all major components such as the radio, air conditioning, and fan blower and then attempt to start your car. If you get no response, then your starter is the culprit and it will need to be replaced.
Having a garage replace a starter can be expensive especially when relying on them for labor and for purchasing the part. You can expect to pay a flat rate for labor and a premium for a new starter. Instead, you can do the work yourself with your trusty Haynes or Chilton auto repair manual by your side.
Regardless of whether it is Audi parts, Honda parts, or a starter for a domestic make that you will need, if you purchase directly from an online wholesaler, such as the Race Pages, you stand to save significantly on the part alone. Do the work yourself and you’ll save a bundle of money that can be better spent on the purchase of the performance exhaust system you always wanted!
