What is a common symptom indicating a failing starter motor?

A clicking sound or the engine not cranking is a classic indication of a failing starter motor. When the starter motor is malfunctioning, it may not engage properly with the engine's flywheel due to issues such as worn-out brushes or damaged solenoids. As a result, when the ignition key is turned, the only sound heard might be a rapid clicking noise, which signifies that the electrical current is reaching the starter but the motor is not effectively turning over the engine.

In addition to the clicking sound, a completely unresponsive situation where the engine does not crank at all can also point to starter motor issues, as it indicates that the motor is unable to initiate the engine's operation. This is a common and recognizable symptom for technicians when diagnosing starter problems, allowing for timely intervention before the situation potentially worsens.