Sparks during startup

[sLADe781]

Since last Monday's incident, everytime I start up my car in the morning I would hear a weird sparking/crackling noise. Is it my starter going bad? Or just not enough juice from my battery or what? Thanks in advance.

[YogsVR4]

Originally Posted by sLADe781

Since last Monday's incident, everytime I start up my car in the morning I would hear a weird sparking/crackling noise. Is it my starter going bad? Or just not enough juice from my battery or what? Thanks in advance.

Do you hear it after the car is running? If the battery was gonig dead, you'd notice it getting harder and harder to get the car started. It sounds more like a nasty short or the starter.

[sLADe781]

No, I hear it during the start up process. Like when I turn the key and the engine starts turning, the crackling noises are heard when the car is actually coming on (if that makes sense). Is there any way to find out what's going bad or do I just wait until it's actually dead before I can fully figure out what's going wrong!?!

[Linebckr49]

understood. i'm a bit confused too, still. so does the noise go away after the car is started? if you think its the starter, you can remove it, take it to AutoZone or your local chain auto parts store and they should test it for you for free. you might call and ask before removing and taking it to them, just to make sure. also, for free they will test your battery and alternator. but i would check the alternator first.

[sLADe781]

Yeah, after my car is fully on, the crackling sound that I hear goes away completely. Furthermore, the sound is only heard the very first time I start my car in the morning during the day. Later when I'm leaving work, everything sounds normal. Any ideas Linebckr49?