A car that clicks but won't crank usually has a battery or connection problem, not a failed starter. A car that cranks slowly or grinds may have a failing starter or damaged flywheel ring gear. For Edmonds drivers navigating the waterfront hills and ferry terminal approach, Tom's B&M Auto diagnoses starting system problems correctly — voltage drop tests, battery tests, and physical inspection — before replacing parts.
Voltage drop test across the starter circuit — battery positive to starter terminal, and battery negative to engine ground. High resistance in either circuit mimics a bad starter. Battery load test to rule out a weak battery.
Starter motor inspected: solenoid function, drive gear condition. Flywheel ring gear inspected for worn or broken teeth — replacing a starter against a damaged ring gear destroys the new unit. OEM-spec remanufactured starter installed.
Post-installation crank test and voltage drop retest. Most starter replacements completed same day, including difficult-access vehicles.
Car won't start? Experiencing clicking when turning the key, slow cranking or car won't start? Edmonds drivers trust Tom's B&M Auto — your local mechanic and auto shop just minutes from Edmonds on Hwy 99. Our ASE-certified technicians handle starter motor diagnosis, replacement and electrical inspection for all makes, domestic and foreign. We offer honest car repair with upfront pricing, no hidden fees, and a free multi-point inspection with every visit. Car won't start? Same-day diagnosis available — same-day service available for most vehicles. Proudly serving Edmonds, Snohomish County and surrounding areas since 1985.
The most common misdiagnosis on a no-start: replacing the starter when the real problem is a corroded battery cable or a failed ground strap. A $15 cable repair vs a $200 starter replacement. We test the circuit before we replace the part.
For import vehicles — Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Nissan — we source starters from suppliers with OEM contracts. Generic rebuilt starters from discount suppliers use undersized brushes and weak solenoid springs that fail within 20,000 miles. We've seen it enough times to know the difference.
Voltage drop test rules out cables and grounds before replacing the starter.
Damaged ring gear teeth destroy a new starter immediately. We check before installing.
Most starter replacements completed same day including difficult-access vehicles.
Starter replacement includes voltage drop test across the starter circuit, battery load test, starter solenoid and drive gear inspection, flywheel ring gear inspection, OEM-spec remanufactured starter installation, and post-installation crank test.
From Tom's B&M Auto - serving Edmonds and the greater Seattle metro.
Tom's B&M Auto · 17820 Hwy 99, Suite E, Lynnwood · Serving greater Seattle
Also serving: Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Mukilteo, Kenmore, Alderwood Manor