Tired of endlessly cranking your car’s engine to get it started?
It’s likely a faulty starter motor that’s causing you trouble. You’ll need to get a new one before you’re stranded.
Unsure of how to replace a starter?
Don’t worry! We’ll help you avoid getting stuck by explaining the diagnosis and replacement procedures, as well as the costs involved if you get professional assistance.
This Article Contains:
- How to Replace a Starter: A General Know-How
- How Do You Diagnose a Faulty Starter?
- 5 FAQs on Starter Motors
How to Replace a Starter: A General Know-How
Replacing a bad starter requires specialized knowledge and mechanical skills. It also involves working with the vehicle’s electrical system, which is dangerous. It’s best to have a mechanic perform the starter replacement for you.
Here are the tools and materials they’ll use:
- Socket wrench
- Replacement starter
- Extension cord
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Jack and jack stand
Once the mechanic confirms your starter is beyond repair, they’ll replace it. Let’s check out the steps they’ll follow:
Step 1: Locate the Starter
The mechanic will locate the starter by following the positive battery cable, which attaches to the starter solenoid. They’ll look for two cylindrical-shaped components attached together. The larger one is the starter, and the smaller one is the solenoid.
Step 2: Jack Up the Vehicle
Accessing the starter on certain vehicles requires raising it off the ground. The mechanic will place a jack beneath the jack point at the front of the vehicle and engage it until there is sufficient clearance.
Step 3: Disconnect the Battery
To prevent short circuits, the mechanic will first disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the car battery (then the positive). They’ll do this by loosening the nut with a socket wrench and pulling it off.
Then, they’ll remove the wiring and positive car battery cable attached to the starter solenoid.
Step 4: Remove the Starter
The mechanic will use a socket wrench to unscrew each retaining bolt holding the old starter to the engine, and then they’ll remove it.
Step 5: Install the New Starter
If the old starter has a heat shield or a mounting bracket, they’ll remove them and attach them to the new starter.
Afterward, they’ll place the new starter in position and tighten each bolt to secure it.
Step 6: Reconnect the Battery Wiring
The mechanic will reconnect the cables to the replacement starter solenoid. They’ll first reconnect the positive terminal, followed by the negative terminal.
Next, they’ll reconnect the battery cables, starting with the positive and then the negative, to prevent short circuits.
Step 7: Lower the Vehicle
If the mechanic had raised the vehicle to access the starter, they’d slowly release the jack to lower the car. They’ll then test the starter by engaging the ignition.
Now that you know how to replace a starter, let’s examine how a mechanic determines whether it’s faulty.
How Do You Diagnose a Faulty Starter?
To diagnose a faulty starter, a mechanic will:
- Check for symptoms: An engine that won’t crank, strange noises (whirring or grinding) when cranking the engine, and a lack of clicking sound when turning the ignition key all point to a bad starter motor.
- Read the problem code: The mechanic will connect an OBD II scanner to the vehicle to access the relevant problem codes. For example, a P0615 code indicates “starter motor relay circuit malfunction.”
- Test the starter solenoid: They’ll place a test light on the positive terminal and ground the negative cable to the car body. Then, they’ll have a colleague turn the ignition key to check if the light comes on, indicating a faulty starter.
Still, have some starter motor questions?
Find the answers below.
5 FAQs on Starter Motors
Here’s everything else you should know about starters:
1. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Starter?
You’ll have to pay between $200 and $1450 for the starter replacement. This includes the new starter motor ($50 to $350) and the labor charges ($150 and $1,100). If the starter solenoid needs replacing, it’ll cost between $445 and $605 (including labor).
In some cases, a mechanic can repair your starter by replacing specific internal components, which will usually cost less. For example, replacing a starter brush costs $20 to $75.
2. How to Start a Car with a Faulty Starter Motor?
Avoid continually cranking the engine when trying to start your vehicle, as this will overheat the starter and cause additional damage. Two methods that may work include:
- Jump-starting: If a weak or dead battery is causing the starter problem, you can jump-start your vehicle by connecting each battery terminal on your car to a charged battery on another vehicle.
- Push-starting: For manual vehicles, you can put the car into second gear, turn the ignition key, and release the clutch while the car is rolling forward.
3. How Does a Starter Motor Work?
When you engage the ignition, electrical current moves from the battery to the solenoid. The solenoid pushes the starter gear forward, connecting it to the ring gear on the engine’s flywheel. The connection between the starter gear and ring gear allows the flywheel to engage. This rotates the engine’s crankshaft, starting the combustion cycle.
4. What Causes a Bad Starter Motor?
Several issues that lead to a bad starter include:
- Bad solenoid: On older vehicles, corrosion may cause the solenoid to stay engaged, which strains the starter.
- Worn starter brushes: A worn starter brush won’t carry electrical current from the battery to the starter.
- Weak battery: The starter is an electric motor that relies on battery power. A lack of power strains the starter, making it work harder to draw energy.
- Faulty alternator: A problem with the alternator may cause a weak battery, which leads to the starter overheating as it draws excessive current to compensate.
- Corroded battery terminals: Corrosion can cause an electrical issue by inhibiting the flow of current to the starter.
- Oil leaks: If engine oil leaks onto the starter, it’ll lead to corrosion and overheating.
- Damaged wiring: As the starter is an electric motor, wiring issues can cause short circuits.
- Incorrect installation: Poor installation can cause connection issues. Always have a professional with the necessary mechanical skills handle any starter replacements.
5. How to Maintain a Starter Motor
To preserve your car starter and prevent costly repairs:
- Avoid over-cranking: Engaging the ignition for extended periods can overheat the starter and wear down its internal components.
- Clean the starter: Regularly clean your starter motor and each battery terminal to prevent dirt, engine oil, and corrosion from negatively impacting its performance.
- Check the battery’s health: Regularly check your battery’s voltage to prevent an electrical issue (like a weak or dead battery) from straining the starter motor.
- Secure the solenoid connections: Ensure the solenoid connects to the battery adequately and that there isn’t any loose wiring within the vehicle’s electrical system.
- Secure the mounting bracket: Tighten any loose mounting bolts to prevent the starter from getting damaged through movement.
Replace Your Starter with AutoNation Mobile Service
A faulty starter can lead to difficulty cranking your car’s engine, produce abnormal sounds, and, in severe cases, cause smoke to rise from under the hood due to overheating.
You should have a mechanic repair or replace it with a new one as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary costly repairs.
Can’t get to the mechanic because your car won’t start?
We won’t leave you stranded!
AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics will replace your starter from your driveway. We offer easy online booking and provide a 12-month,12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Contact us for any replacement, repair, or maintenance procedures for new and older vehicles.