How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Car Starter?

When your car refuses to start, it can throw a wrench into your day. One common culprit behind this frustrating issue is a faulty starter. The starter is a powerful electric motor that cranks your engine to life. But like any component in your vehicle, it can wear out or fail over time. If you suspect your starter is the problem, a key question pops into mind: how much is it to repair a car starter?

The cost to repair or replace your car’s starter can vary significantly based on several factors. You might be looking at a repair bill anywhere from $150 to upwards of $1,100. This broad range highlights the importance of understanding what influences these costs. From the price of the starter itself to labor expenses, and even the make and model of your car, numerous elements contribute to the final amount you’ll pay.

If you’re a hands-on type, replacing a starter can be a rewarding DIY project, potentially saving you money on labor. Auto parts stores like AutoZone offer guidance and the necessary parts to tackle this job yourself.

Related: Remote Starter Buying Guide

Factors Influencing Car Starter Replacement Cost

Before diving into specific price ranges, it’s crucial to understand the elements that dictate the cost of starter repair or replacement.

• Type of Starter (New vs. Remanufactured vs. Rebuilt Parts): You have several options when it comes to starter parts, each with different price points.

  • New Starters: These are brand-new units directly from the manufacturer or a reputable aftermarket supplier. They are generally the most expensive option but offer the longest lifespan and reliability. Expect to pay between $80 to over $350 for a new starter unit alone.
  • Remanufactured Starters: These are used starters that have been professionally disassembled, cleaned, and had worn components replaced. They offer a good balance of cost and reliability, typically falling in the mid-price range.
  • Rebuild Parts: If only specific components within your starter are faulty (like brushes or solenoids), you might be able to rebuild your existing starter using replacement parts. This is generally the cheapest option for parts, ranging from as little as $50 to $350 for a rebuild kit, but requires more labor and expertise.

• Labor Costs: Unless you’re doing a DIY replacement, labor costs will be a significant part of your bill. Labor rates vary by location and mechanic shop, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $150 per hour. The time it takes to replace a starter can range from under an hour for easily accessible models to several hours for vehicles where the starter is buried deep within the engine bay. Complex locations can significantly increase labor costs.

• Vehicle Make and Model: The make, model, and year of your vehicle play a major role in starter replacement costs.

  • Common Sedans and Trucks: Starters for common vehicles like Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, Ford F-150s, or Chevrolet Silverados tend to be more readily available and less expensive. Their starter locations are often more accessible, reducing labor time.
  • Luxury and Performance Vehicles: Luxury vehicles like BMWs, Audis, or Mercedes-Benz, and performance cars can have more complex electrical systems and less accessible starter locations. Parts might be specialized and pricier, and labor can be more extensive, leading to higher overall costs.
  • Older vs. Newer Vehicles: While parts for older vehicles might sometimes be cheaper, accessibility can be a challenge due to engine bay design and potential corrosion of components, which can increase labor time.

• Accessibility of the Starter: The location of the starter within your engine compartment drastically affects labor time. Some vehicles have starters that are easily accessible from under the hood or by simply lifting the car. Others, however, require the removal of other components, like the intake manifold or other engine accessories, to reach the starter. This increased complexity directly translates to more labor hours and a higher repair bill.

Related: What Is A Remote Engine Starter

Starter Replacement Costs: Examples by Vehicle Type

To give you a clearer picture, let’s look at how starter replacement costs can vary across different vehicle types:

• Economy Sedan (e.g., Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic): For these common and relatively simple vehicles, you can expect a lower end of the cost spectrum. Parts are affordable and labor is usually straightforward. Estimated total cost: $150 – $450.
• Mid-Size Sedan (e.g., Toyota Camry, Honda Accord): Slightly more complex than economy sedans, but still relatively common. Costs are moderate. Estimated total cost: $200 – $600.
• Full-Size Truck/SUV (e.g., Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota 4Runner): Larger vehicles can sometimes have less accessible starters, and parts might be slightly more robust and expensive. Estimated total cost: $300 – $800.
• Luxury Sedan/SUV (e.g., BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class): Expect the higher end of the cost range for luxury vehicles due to specialized parts, complex systems, and potentially intricate labor procedures. Estimated total cost: $500 – $1,200+.

It’s always best to get a specific quote from a trusted mechanic for your exact vehicle make, model, and year. They can assess the accessibility of your starter and provide a more accurate estimate for parts and labor.

Recognizing the Signs of a Failing Starter

Before you get hit with a repair bill, it’s important to recognize the warning signs that your starter might be going bad. Catching these symptoms early can prevent you from being stranded and potentially save you from further damage. Here are common indicators of a failing starter:

• Clicking or Clicking Sounds When Turning the Key: This is one of the most classic signs. When you turn the ignition key, you might hear a rapid clicking or a single click, but the engine doesn’t crank or turn over. This often indicates that the starter solenoid is engaging but not receiving enough power to turn the motor, or the starter motor itself is failing to engage.

• Engine Cranks Slowly or Erratic Cranking: If your engine cranks slowly, struggles to turn over, or cranks erratically (sometimes fast, sometimes slow), it could be a sign of a weakening starter motor. The armature within the starter might be experiencing resistance due to wear or damage, preventing it from spinning at the necessary speed to start the engine.

• No Response or Silence When Turning the Key: In some cases, when you turn the key, you might hear absolutely nothing – no clicks, no cranking, just silence. This could indicate a complete failure of the starter motor or solenoid, or an electrical issue preventing power from reaching the starter.

• Grinding Noises During Start-up: An unusual grinding noise when you try to start your car can signal a problem with the starter drive gear or the flywheel ring gear. These components mesh together to engage the engine for starting. Grinding suggests these gears are worn, damaged, or misaligned, preventing proper engagement.

• Intermittent Starting Problems: If your car starts fine sometimes but fails to start at other times, especially after the engine is warm, a failing starter could be the culprit. Heat can exacerbate issues with internal starter components, causing them to malfunction intermittently before failing completely.

You can learn more about the specific signs and symptoms of a bad starter for a more in-depth understanding.

[ Starters

Shop Now ](https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/starter?intcmp=BLG:CTA:20181012:00000000:STR:BLOG-HOWTO)

Understanding the Components of a Car Starter

Knowing the basic parts of a starter can help you understand potential failure points and whether a repair or replacement is more appropriate. Here are the key components:

• Solenoid: This is an electromagnetic switch that receives power from the ignition switch and engages the starter motor. It also pushes the starter drive gear to mesh with the flywheel. A faulty solenoid is a common cause of starter problems.
• Starter Motor (Armature and Field Coils): The electric motor itself is composed of the armature (rotating part) and field coils (stationary electromagnets). When energized, these create a magnetic field that spins the armature, providing the cranking power.
• Starter Drive Gear (Pinion Gear): This gear extends from the starter to engage with the flywheel ring gear on the engine. It transmits the starter motor’s rotation to the engine for cranking.
• Shift Fork: This lever mechanism, often controlled by the solenoid, moves the starter drive gear into and out of engagement with the flywheel.
• Brushes: These conductive components transfer electrical current to the armature as it rotates. Worn brushes are another common cause of starter failure, especially in older vehicles.
• Bearings and Bushings: These support the armature shaft, allowing it to rotate smoothly. Wear in bearings or bushings can cause resistance and slow cranking.
• Starter Housing: The outer casing that protects and houses all the internal components.

Understanding these parts can help you or your mechanic diagnose the specific issue and determine if a simple component replacement is possible, or if a full starter replacement is necessary. You can also explore starter rebuild kits if you are considering a DIY rebuild.

Driving with a Faulty Starter: Not Recommended

While a starter is only used to initiate engine operation, driving with a known faulty starter is not advisable. A failing starter can become completely unreliable at any time. While your engine will run once started (as the starter is not needed for continuous operation), you run the risk of your car not restarting after you turn it off. This can leave you stranded in inconvenient or even unsafe locations. It’s best to address starter issues promptly to avoid unexpected breakdowns and potential safety concerns.

Repairing vs. Replacing Your Starter: Which is Better?

When faced with a starter problem, you have two main options: repair (rebuilding) or replace. The best choice depends on several factors:

• Nature of the Problem: If the issue is a simple, isolated component failure, like worn brushes or a faulty solenoid, rebuilding might be a viable option. However, if the starter motor itself is damaged, or multiple components are worn, replacement is often more practical and reliable.
• Cost: Rebuilding can be cheaper in terms of parts cost, especially if you do it yourself. However, labor costs for rebuilding by a mechanic can sometimes approach or even exceed the cost of replacement due to the time and skill involved in disassembly, diagnosis, and reassembly.
• Time and Labor: Rebuilding a starter is a more time-consuming process than simply replacing it with a new or remanufactured unit. For DIYers, this means more time spent working on your car. For professional mechanics, it translates to higher labor charges if they choose to rebuild.
• Reliability and Longevity: While a properly rebuilt starter can function well, a new or high-quality remanufactured starter generally offers greater long-term reliability and a longer lifespan. New starters come with warranties, providing added peace of mind.

Generally, for most car owners, replacing the starter is the more cost-effective and reliable long-term solution. It minimizes downtime, reduces the risk of future starter problems, and often comes with a warranty. Rebuilding is typically only considered for older or classic vehicles where original parts are desired, or in DIY scenarios where the owner has the skills and time.

Troubleshooting Starter Problems: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Before assuming your starter is the issue, it’s wise to rule out other potential problems in your starting system. Use this checklist to troubleshoot:

1. Check the Battery:

   • Symptom: Weak or dead battery can mimic starter problems.
   • Test: Are headlights and dashboard lights dim or non-existent? Use a multimeter to check battery voltage. A healthy battery should read at least 12.4 volts at rest.
   • Action: If the battery is weak, try jump-starting or charging it. If it’s old or failing, battery replacement might be the solution.

2. Inspect Battery Connections:

   • Symptom: Poor electrical contact can prevent sufficient current flow to the starter.
   • Check: Examine battery terminals for corrosion, looseness, or damage.
   • Action: Clean corroded terminals with a wire brush and baking soda solution. Ensure terminals are tight and secure.

3. Test Starter Fuses and Relays:

   • Symptom: A blown fuse or faulty relay can cut power to the starter.
   • Check: Consult your owner’s manual for the location of starter fuses and relays in the fuse box. Visually inspect fuses for blown filaments. Test relays using a multimeter or by swapping with an identical relay (if applicable).
   • Action: Replace blown fuses with the correct amperage rating. Replace faulty relays.

4. Listen for Noises:

   • Symptom: Noises can provide clues about the nature of the problem.
   • Listen:
     • Clicking sound but no crank: Points towards a potential starter or solenoid issue (or low battery).
     • Silence: Could indicate a problem with the ignition switch, wiring, or a completely failed starter.
     • Grinding: Suggests issues with the starter drive gear or flywheel.

5. Test the Starter Relay (if accessible):

   • Symptom: A faulty relay can prevent power from reaching the starter solenoid.
   • Test: Locate the starter relay. You can often test it by listening for a click when the ignition key is turned to the start position. You can also use a multimeter or relay tester.
   • Action: Replace a faulty starter relay.

6. Check Starter Wiring:

   • Symptom: Damaged or loose wiring can interrupt the electrical circuit to the starter.
   • Check: Inspect wires connected to the starter and solenoid for damage, breaks, or loose connections.
   • Action: Repair or replace damaged wiring. Ensure all connections are clean and tight.

7. Attempt Jump-Starting:

   • Symptom: Helps differentiate between battery and starter issues.
   • Test: Try jump-starting your vehicle from another car with a known good battery.
   • Result:
     • Starts with a jump but not on its own: Indicates a battery or charging system problem (alternator), not necessarily the starter.
     • Still doesn’t start with a jump: Strengthens the suspicion that the starter itself is faulty.

By systematically working through this checklist, you can often pinpoint whether the starter is truly the problem or if another component in your starting system is at fault, potentially saving you time and money on unnecessary repairs.

DIY Car Starter Replacement Guide

If you’re comfortable with basic car repairs and have some tools, replacing a starter can be a DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide, but always consult your vehicle’s repair manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Socket set and wrenches (metric and/or SAE depending on your car)
• Jack and jack stands (for safe vehicle lifting)
• Torque wrench (optional, but recommended for proper bolt tightening)
• Ratchet and extensions (for reaching tight spaces)
• Safety goggles and gloves (essential for personal protection)
• Wire brush or sandpaper (for cleaning electrical connections)
• Multimeter (optional, for testing voltage and continuity)

Safety First!

• Disconnect Battery: ALWAYS disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before working on the electrical system. This prevents shorts and electrical shocks.
• Use Jack Stands: If you need to lift your vehicle, ALWAYS use jack stands to support it safely. Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.
• Wear Safety Gear: Protect your eyes and hands with safety goggles and gloves.

Step-by-Step Starter Replacement:

Step 1: Locate the Starter

Refer to your vehicle’s repair manual or online resources to pinpoint the starter’s location. It’s typically mounted on the engine block near the transmission.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery

Using a wrench, loosen and disconnect the negative (-) battery cable from the battery terminal. Secure it away from the terminal to prevent accidental contact.

Step 3: Safely Raise the Vehicle (If Needed)

If the starter is underneath the car, use a jack to raise the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands. Ensure the car is stable before proceeding underneath.

Step 4: Disconnect Starter Wires

Locate the wires connected to the starter solenoid. There are usually two: a large battery cable and a smaller signal wire from the ignition switch. Carefully disconnect these wires using a wrench, noting their positions (take a picture!). Clean any corrosion from the terminals with a wire brush.

Step 5: Remove Starter Mounting Bolts

Identify the bolts securing the starter to the engine block. Use a socket and ratchet (possibly with extensions) to remove these bolts. Keep track of any shims or spacers.

Step 6: Remove the Old Starter

Carefully wiggle and remove the old starter from its mounting location. It might be snug.

Step 7: Inspect Wiring and Mounting Area

Inspect the disconnected wires for damage or wear. Clean the wire terminals and the starter mounting area to ensure good electrical contact and proper seating for the new starter.

Step 8: Install the New Starter

Position the new starter in place, aligning it with the mounting holes. Install the mounting bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer’s specified torque (if known, use a torque wrench).

Step 9: Reconnect Starter Wires

Reconnect the wires to the new starter in their correct positions, as noted in Step 4 or your picture. Ensure the connections are tight and secure.

Step 10: Reconnect Battery and Test

Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable. Start the vehicle to test the new starter. Listen for smooth, normal engine cranking.

Find the Right Starter at Affordable Prices

Ready to get your car starting reliably again? Shop online or visit your local AutoZone auto parts store for a wide selection of name-brand starters at competitive prices. Now that you have a better understanding of “how much is it to repair a car starter,” you can confidently find the right part for your vehicle and get back on the road. Whether you’re tackling a DIY replacement or getting a professional repair, AutoZone has the parts and expertise to help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the telltale signs of a bad starter?

Common signs include clicking sounds upon turning the key, slow or no engine cranking, grinding noises during startup, and intermittent starting issues.

2. How long does a car starter replacement typically take?

For most vehicles, starter replacement takes between 1 to 2 hours of labor. However, some complex vehicles can take longer, potentially up to 6 hours or more in rare cases.

3. Can I still drive my car if the starter is going bad?

While your engine will run once it’s started, you cannot reliably drive with a bad starter. The engine may not restart once turned off, leaving you stranded. It’s best to address starter issues promptly.

4. Is rebuilding a starter a cheaper option than replacing it?

Rebuilding can be cheaper in parts cost, but labor for rebuilding by a mechanic can sometimes be similar to or more expensive than replacement. Replacement is often more reliable and recommended for long-term use.

5. What is the expected lifespan of a car starter?

Car starters typically last between 100,000 to 150,000 miles, or approximately 5 to 7 years. However, lifespan can vary based on usage patterns, vehicle conditions, and climate. There is no fixed replacement interval; starters should be replaced when they show signs of failure.