What are typical symptoms of a faulty starter?

A faulty starter often presents specific symptoms that directly relate to the starting process of the vehicle. The typical symptoms include a clicking sound when the ignition is engaged, which indicates that the starter motor is not turning over but is attempting to engage. This clicking could also suggest that the starter solenoid is working but the motor itself isn't functioning correctly.

Additionally, failure to start the engine entirely is a primary sign of a faulty starter, as it is responsible for initiating engine ignition. If the starter motor is defective, the engine won't crank, leading to the vehicle not starting. Grinding noises may occur when the starter gear does not properly engage with the flywheel, indicating improper alignment or failure within the starter mechanism.

These symptoms directly correlate with the operational role of the starter in a vehicle, making them the most reliable indicators when diagnosing a starting issue. The other choices relate to performance or wear issues that don't specifically focus on the starter's functionality.