Cranking Trouble? How to Check If It’s Your Battery or Starter
There's nothing more frustrating than turning the key—or pressing the button—and your car doesn’t start. Is it the battery? Is it the starter? Before calling the tow truck or jumping to conclusions, here’s how you can troubleshoot the issue yourself.
🚗 Step 1: Listen to the Sound
Pay close attention to what you hear when you try to start the engine:
Clicking noise but no crank? Likely a weak battery or corroded terminals.
One solid click or nothing at all? Could be the starter.
Rapid clicking? Often a classic sign of a dead battery.
🔋 Step 2: Check the Battery
Your battery is the heart of your car’s electrical system. Here’s how to check it:
Look at the terminals: Corrosion (white, crusty buildup) can block the power flow. Clean with a battery terminal brush or a mix of baking soda and water.
Check the voltage: Use a multimeter. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the car is off. If it’s under 12.2 volts, it’s weak. Under 12.0 volts? Probably dead.
Try a jump-start: If the car starts with a jump but dies shortly after, it might be the alternator. If it stays running, the battery was likely drained.
🛠️ Step 3: Evaluate the Starter
The starter’s job is to crank the engine. Here’s what might signal a failing starter:
No sound at all when you turn the key (but the battery is good)? Could be the starter solenoid or motor.
Lights and electronics work fine, but the engine doesn’t turn over? That's another starter red flag.
Smoke or a burning smell? Stop trying to start the car and call a pro — that’s a major starter issue or possibly an electrical short.
⚡ Quick Tip: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Both battery and starter issues often give small warnings before they fully quit:
Slow cranking
Dim lights when starting
Intermittent starting issues
Don’t ignore these symptoms — early detection can save you from being stranded.
✅ Bottom Line
If you’re not sure whether it’s your battery or your starter, have a trusted mechanic run a full diagnostic. At Johnson Mobile Automotive, we offer free diagnostics and we’ll come to you — no tow truck needed. We’ll quickly identify the issue and get you back on the road with confidence.