What are the symptoms of water entering the starter?
3 Answers
After water enters the starter, there will be no response or weak rotation when starting. The symptoms are similar to those of a depleted battery, so the first step is to check whether the battery is fully charged, followed by inspecting for any poor contact in the circuit. As long as the battery voltage is measured to be normal and the power supply to the starter terminals is normal, it indicates that the battery and circuit are fine, and the problem lies with the starter itself. White smoke from the car's exhaust pipe: If water enters the car's engine, it will affect the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber, and the water will turn into steam due to high temperatures, eventually being expelled through the car's exhaust system, resulting in white smoke. Car engine stalling: If a large amount of water enters, it can cause the engine to stall directly, leading to fatal damage to the engine.
I previously encountered a situation where the starter got waterlogged. When starting the car, the engine made a clicking sound as if it was stuck and wouldn't fire up. It felt like the start button had no response when pressed, and sometimes I could hear a squealing noise or smell a burnt odor, which might indicate internal components short-circuiting due to moisture. After water ingress, driving became very difficult, especially after going through puddles or heavy rain. If not addressed promptly, the parts could rust and corrode, eventually becoming unusable. After discovering the issue, I quickly turned off the power, pushed the car to a dry area to air it out, but still went to the garage for inspection and replaced it with a new one. I recommend that owners who frequently drive through water raise the air intake or avoid deep water areas to prevent such issues. Looking back, I was careless during that period with weekly car washes, and poor chassis sealing led to water leakage. In summary, the symptoms of water ingress include difficulty starting, abnormal noises, and unusual odors—prompt action is necessary to ensure safety.
The most obvious sign of a starter motor getting wet is difficulty starting. When you turn the key, the engine either won't crank or takes a long time to start, accompanied by strange squeaking and grinding noises like metal rubbing. If you smell burning, it indicates a high risk of electrical short circuits. This often happens due to driving through water or improper car washing, causing moisture inside the gear or coil to disrupt normal operation. I used to frequently drive off-road and only discovered the issue after rain when starting problems arose. If not dried promptly, the entire motor can corrode and rust. If detected, immediately disconnect the power and avoid repeated attempts to start. Push the car to a shaded area to air dry or use a hairdryer for several hours before checking again. Regular maintenance should include inspecting the chassis seals for aging, damage, or failure that could allow water ingress. Symptoms of water ingress include excessive vibration, slow starting, and unusual odors. Quick action can save on repair costs.
