No, a car cannot reliably start with a truly faulty starter motor. The starter is an electric motor responsible for physically cranking the engine. If it's seized, has burnt-out windings, or a broken solenoid (the component that engages the starter gear with the engine's flywheel), it simply won't have the power to turn the engine over. You'll likely just hear a single loud "click" from under the hood when you turn the key, or complete silence.
However, the problem isn't always the starter itself. Often, what seems like a "bad starter" is actually a problem with the power delivery system. A weak or dead battery is the most common culprit, providing insufficient voltage. Corroded or loose battery cables can also prevent adequate power from reaching the starter.
Before assuming the worst, you can perform some basic diagnostics. First, check your battery voltage with a multimeter; it should read at least 12.4-12.6 volts when the car is off. Next, inspect the battery terminals for any white or bluish corrosive buildup and ensure the connections are tight.
Here’s a quick diagnostic table based on the symptoms you might hear:
| Symptom When Turning the Key | Most Likely Cause | Possible Secondary Cause |
|---|
| Single loud click, no engine crank | Faulty starter motor or solenoid | Extremely weak battery |
| Rapid series of clicks, lights dim | Weak or dead battery | Poor battery connections |
| Whirring sound but no engine crank | Starter solenoid not engaging gears | Worn starter drive gear |
| Grinding or screeching noise | Worn starter gear or engine flywheel teeth | Starter not fully engaging |
| Silence, no lights on dashboard | Complete battery failure | Blown main fuse, faulty ignition switch |
If diagnostics point to the starter, the car will need a jump start or a push start won't work. The only solutions are repairing or replacing the starter, which is a job best left to a professional mechanic due to its location and the need to handle high-current electrical components.
