Is the starter on my car going out?

Question

I have a 2002 Volkswagon Jetta. Some days my car starts just fine. Other days, it may take 4 or 5 tries before it starts. I've been told my starter could be going out. Is that true or is it something else?

Answer 1

First thing first........Check the battery connectors. If they are corroded then clean them with a wire brush and also do the same to the battery posts. Then check the voltage from the battery....A normal car has a 12 volt battery so a normal battery should have about 12.50 volts. If the battery has the two bumped up rectangular things on top then take them aff and check the 6 cells for water, the water level should be around 1 inch from the top......if it isnt then fill it to that point DO NOT fill it all the way up cause when the alternator is charging the battery it may boil over. After you have checked that and nothing has changed then you may in fact have a problem with your starter. But the trying to start it 4 or 5 times then it fires up sounds like a leaking injetor. What happens is an injector gets a very very small leak which drips down into the cylinder causing the car to flood just enough for you too have to crank it alittle.....Either way good luck. P.S. I am a mechanic in case your wondering.

Answer 2

well without knowing whether it actually try,s to start or not i would say it could be the starter,,i own a repair shop,,and may be able to help you,,first off if the starter turns it over good but the car don't try to start ,,then the starter is doing its job,,if not,,it could be a bad connection on the battery post causing a voltage drain to the starter,,this will make the starter drag like it is going bad,,also if the motor turns over really good and don't start,you may have a ignition problem causing it not to start as quick as it should,,if you try all of this ,,and are still unsure ,,take it to auto zone,,or advance auto ,,and have them do a free battery and starter check on it,,it don't cost anything,,and this will tell you for sure what it is,,i hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you can turn the engine over but it does not start, it is probably not the starter. If the engine does not spin over (or spins to slowly) you may need a starter or some other electrical related component. Check battery? Check battery connections, and check the starter fuse/relay (see: Owners Manual) Good Luck, Cookui34

Answer 4

Well, if you turn the key and nothing happens or maybe just a click or something, then you have a starter problem. Could be starter or starter selinoid. The selinoid is on the starter and comes with a rebuilt one. Just buy another starter and replace. Good luck.

Answer 5

It could be many things. Yes the starter is a possibility, so is the battery, plus the alternator if it is not charging the battery. If a mechanic told you, then he probably knows for sure.

Answer 6

I have a 95 cavalier and that same thing was going on w/ my car. I had to put a new starter on it. So, yes, more than likely, it is.

Answer 7

is the car cranking or just dead if dead sounds like a flat spot in the windings of the starter

Answer 8

well my experience with starters is that when they get hot is when they dont want to work, so if its cold and cranking over but not starting its not your starter.When it dont crank at all then you can put bad starter into equation.

Answer 9

it could be the starter but instead of listening to our opionins you should go to a mechanic and ask them.

Answer 10

ck the batty. cables clean them ck the belts adj. if lose and when you start it do not put your foot on the gas at all good luck