1. Engine cranks slowly or doesn't crank at all. This is the most common sign of a bad starter. When you turn the key in the ignition, the starter should engage and turn the engine over. If the engine cranks slowly or doesn't crank at all, the starter may be bad.
2. Clicking noise when you turn the key. This is another common sign of a bad starter. When the starter solenoid engages, it sends power to the starter motor. If the starter motor is bad, the solenoid will still engage, but the starter motor won't turn the engine over. This will produce a clicking noise.
3. Grinding noise when you turn the key. This is a less common sign of a bad starter. If the starter motor is damaged, it can grind against the flywheel when you turn the key. This will produce a grinding noise.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is likely that the starter on your 2000 Chevy Cavalier is bad. To find out for sure, you can have the starter tested by a qualified mechanic.
Here are some steps you can take to find out if your starter is bad:
1. Check the battery. Make sure the battery is properly connected and has enough power to start the engine. A weak or dead battery can cause the starter to crank slowly or not at all.
2. Check the starter solenoid. The starter solenoid is located on the starter motor. It is responsible for sending power to the starter motor. If the solenoid is bad, the starter motor won't turn over the engine. You can test the solenoid by using a jumper cable to connect the positive terminal of the battery to the solenoid terminal. If the solenoid is good, the starter motor will engage.
3. Check the starter motor. If the solenoid is good, the starter motor may be bad. You can test the starter motor by using a jumper cable to connect the positive terminal of the battery directly to the starter motor terminal. If the starter motor is good, it will turn over the engine.
If you are not comfortable performing these tests yourself, you can have the starter tested by a qualified mechanic.
