Services

PriceProtect™

Compare Car Insurance

Refinance Car Loan

DriveShield™

Drive Well, Earn Perks

GarageGuard™

Get Service Reminders

Insurance

Car Insurance

Compare Car Insurance with Jerry

2024 Car insurance quotes

Cheap car insurance

Best car insurance companies

Shopping for car insurance

Is Jerry a legitimate insurance broker?

Jerry’s Expert Advice

What factors affect car insurance rates?

How does car insurance work?

Types of car insurance

Full coverage car insurance

Car Insurance Estimates

Car insurance by car

Car insurance by location

Home & Renters Insurance

Home Insurance

Compare home insurance quotes

Home & auto insurance quotes

Renters Insurance

Compare renters insurance quotes

Repairs

Car Repair Estimates

Repair Estimates for Popular Services

Oil change cost estimate

Brake pad replacement cost estimate

Battery replacement cost estimate

Timing belt replacement cost estimate

Wheel bearing replacement cost estimate

Spark plugs replacement cost estimate

Rotate tires cost estimate

Transmission fluid service cost estimate

See all 300+ service estimates

Advice

Read Car Content

Browse Jerry Car Advice

How do I know if a mechanic is taking too long?

How to put antifreeze in your car?

What do you do if your car makes a noise?

Read 5,000+ more car advice articles

Check Out Expert Car QnA

Why does my car squeal when I drive?

Do driving warnings go on your record?

How long can you go past your oil change?

How much below MSRP is a good deal?

Learn from 30,000+ more questions

Learn About How We Create Content

Our Editorial Standards

Our Editorial Review Board

Jerry Data & Research

Recent Studies

State of the American Driver (2023)

Memorial Day (2023)

Android vs Iphone (2023)

Auto repairs (2023)

Auto loans study (2023)

Read all recent studies

Comprehensive Data Reports

Jerry Annual Data Report (2023)

Read all data reports

About

MenuIcon

What are some tips for how to know if your starter is going out?

I’ve been hearing some clicking noises when I turn on my car. I want to get ahead of any problems and wonder if this could be an early sign of a starter problem. What are some tips for how to know if your starter is going out?

Bonnie Stinson · Updated on Jul 20, 2022

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

How to know if your starter is going out can be tricky—clicking, inconsistent starting, or smoke can indicate a serious problem.

You’re right that clicking and whirring could be early indicators. Here are a few other symptoms of a starter going out:

Engine won’t turn over

Whirring, clicking, or grinding noises

Inconsistent starting

Smoke

It’s best to bring your vehicle to a skilled mechanic. These issues can hide various problems, like a damaged relay, faulty battery, or other ignition system issues.

If you’re worried about getting stranded, now might be a good time to review your

coverage. You can use the

app to add protections like roadside assistance, so you have peace of mind until you can get this issue resolved.

MORE:

What to do and how to stay safe if your car breaks down

View full answer

WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY

Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

Symptoms of a Bad Car Starter

Bad car starter symptoms include difficulty starting your engine and strange noises from the hood of your car.

Common Causes Your Car Struggles to Start

If your car struggles to start but runs fine, look first to the battery and alternator for the problem before assessing other parts of the engine.

Kathryn Mae Kurlychek

How to Tell If You Have a Bad Fuel Filter

Signs of a bad fuel filter include trouble starting your car and engine misfiring. You generally can diagnose a problem and replace a fuel filter easily.

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

How Long is a Ford Expedition?

How long is a Ford Expedition—and will it fit in your garage? Here are all the details!

Comparative Negligence in Alaska

Under Alaska’s contributory negligence law, you can collect damages from a car accident unless you’re 100% at fault.

Coupe vs. Sedan Insurance: Which is Cheaper?

Sedans are usually cheaper to insure than coupes, but you can save on both if you know how to find cheap insurance. Read this article to learn more about car insurance for coupes vs sedans.

What Others Are Asking

What should I do about shady mechanic tricks?

I took my car to an auto repair shop to have the front bumper replaced. They’ve had my car for two whole days now. I went in and said I needed it back, but they wouldn’t give me my car. They said it was unsafe to drive without a full tire alignment. It seems like they’re literally holding my car hostage. What should I do about what seems like shady mechanic tricks?

What are some Lexus RX 330 interior features?

I was interested in a 2005 Lexus RX 330, but I’m not sure what they’re like on the inside. What are some Lexus RX 330 interior features?

How do car steering wheel locks work?

My car got stolen last month and my husband is getting me a steering wheel lock for the replacement. How do they work?

Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

Insurance In Your City

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls

Quotes from top insurance companies

Find insurance savings

Car Insurance by Make

Car Insurance by State

Car Repair by Service

AC Compressor Replacement Cost

Battery Replacement Cost

Fuel Injector Replacement Cost

Fuel Pump Replacement Cost

Ignition Coil Replacement Cost

Oil Change Cost

Oil Pan Replacement Cost

Car Insurance by Company

Aspire Advantage

Assurance America

National General