Our Certified Service experts know the exact needs of your Cadillac and are trained to know every inch of your vehicle. One process that is crucial to the longevity of your Cadillac is ensuring the starter system is properly operating. Your Cadillac’s starter system cranks your engine to initiate combustion. When you turn the key, the battery sends an electrical current to the starter relay, which activates the starter motor. The starter motor spins the flywheel, turning the crankshaft and starting the engine. It’s a simple process but one that can fail for several reasons. Below, we’ll explore how to test and maintain your Cadillac’s starter system.
Potential Warning Signs of a Failing Starter
To determine if it’s time to test your starter system or if you need to perform maintenance, there are some warning signs to look out for. One key indicator that you have a starter issue is a clicking noise that occurs while you’re turning the key or pushing the start button. This clicking noise signals that there’s insufficient power reaching the starter motor.
In addition to a click, listen for a grinding sound when starting your Cadillac. A grinding noise can occur when the starter gear isn’t engaging properly with the engine’s flywheel.
Finally, look at the lights on your dashboard. If these lights dim when you attempt to start your vehicle, this typically signals an electrical issue.
How To Test Your Cadillac’s Starter System
Checking your Cadillac’s starter system will require getting under your vehicle’s hood and using electrical tools. You should start by using a multimeter to test your vehicle’s battery, as a failing battery is more common than a failing starter and often presents similar issues. When you use the multimeter, you should see readings between 12.4 and 12.6 volts.
If the battery has plenty of life, check the connections to the starter. Make sure all connections are tight and that there’s no corrosion surrounding the connection points. From there, you can check your starter relay by swapping it with a functioning one from your fuse box.
The last thing to check is if power reaches your starter when you turn the key. Use a multimeter to perform a voltage drop test when starting your car to see if sufficient power is running to the starter.
If all these checks pass, the likely problem is the starter motor or a solenoid. You’ll likely need to replace them to get your vehicle starting normally again.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
reliably. First, ensure you always have a strong battery, as a battery with low voltage can strain your starter. Routinely check your battery with a multimeter and clean off the battery terminals to prevent corrosion.
While you’re inspecting your battery, perform a quick visual inspection of your starter motor, solenoid, and relay. Look for signs of wear, such as rust or loose wiring. If you notice any of these signs, schedule a maintenance visit to repair the issue and keep your starter running smoothly before it fails entirely.
If you need help diagnosing the issue with your Cadillac, or if you’ve identified the problem and need help addressing it, schedule a service appointment at Cadillac of Portland! Our Certified Technicians have the proper training and equipment to diagnose and address the issue, quickly restoring your Cadillac to normal.
