Proper Motor Works | Calgary's Best Mechanics

Starting and Battery Services by Calgary's Best Mechanics

Consisting of many components includig your battery, starter motor and ignition switch, your vehicle's starting system is incharge of getting you going. The mechanics at Proper Motor Works can diagnose, service, repair and replace any part of your starting system.

No Start Service

  • Test Battery
  • Battery Repalcement
  • Starter Replacement
  • Alternator Replacement
  • Scan Vehicle for Faults
  • Inspect and Repair Fuel System
  • Inspect and Repair Ignition System

Why won't my car start?

There are a couple different systems all working in unison when it comes to starting your vehicle. If one of these systems has failed, it will prevent your vehicle from starting.


Battery

Your vehicle’s battery really has one job to do. That is to power up the engine computer and crank the engine to start. Once started, the alternator should take over and keep your vehicle running. Batteries do fail as they have a lifespan of roughly 3 years. If a battery has failed your vehicle should most likely start with a boost or jump start from either another vehicle or portable booster pack. Signs that your battery has failed include,


  • No lights on dashboard
  • Multiple soft clicks when starting
  • Slow cranking

Starter (Starting Motor)

The starter is bolted between the engine and the transmission with the front of the starter installed through a window where the gear on the starter can contact the flywheel of the engine. The flywheel is bolted to engine’s crankshaft and the starter will then turn the engine allowing it to make compression and fire up. Most modern starters have an integrated solenoid to activate them. A solenoid is an electrical device which allows a small current to activate a large current safely. When you turn the key (or press the start button) a signal is sent to the solenoid to engage the starter to the flywheel and turn the engine. If the starter as failed, the engine will not turn and will not fire up. Signs that a starter has failed include,


  • Load click when starting
  • No crank but all lights stay on
  • Loud whirring or grinding noise

Ignition Switch and Immobilizer

Have you seen the movie where they jam a screw driver into the ignition cylinder, turn it, and they’ve stolen the car? Luckily it’s not that simple anymore. The ignition switch is a simple switch inside the steering column that changes it’s output depending on the position of the key. It will send a signal to your engine’s management computer to activate the starter signal and crank the engine. Sounds simple? It is. Most all manufacturers have fitted immobilizers to their vehicles for the better part of the last 25 years. The immobilizer will read a vehicle specific signal inside the key and tell the engine management computer if it should allow the engine to run. These two parts working hand in hand are what allow you to conveniently start your vehicle from inside the driver’s seat. However, these parts do fail at times. Signs that your ignition switch or immobilizer has failed include,


  • Cranks won't start
  • All lights on but no crank
  • Security light on

Fuel and Ignition System

An engine needs 3 things to fire up. Air, fuel and spark. If one of these 3 elements are missing you can be left with an engine that refuses to run. The fuel and ignition system on modern engines is a complicated combination of sensors that are telling the engine management computer everything from the temperature of the coolant to the precise position of the camshafts. If one of these sensors happen to fail and the engine management can’t figure out when to ignite the spark or add fuel, you’re left with an engine that will turn over but refuses to start. Signs your ignition or fuel system has failed include,


  • Cranks won't start
  • Strong smell of fuel while cranking
  • No smell of fuel while cranking

Starting Repair

Already know what you need? Have you had the car inspected by another shop and would like a quote from us? We would be happy to give you a quote on service you already know you need. Any starting repair booked with us also includes a complimentary road test and pre-inspection.


Remember with our Price Guarantee we will match and beat any competitor’s price by 10%!