Struggling to start your car, no matter how many times you turn the key?
Chances are, your starter motor is calling it quits — and if you don’t replace the starter soon, you might end up stranded at the worst possible time.
Not sure how to replace a starter?
We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide on correctly diagnosing a starter issue, the replacement process, and costs if you opt for professional help.
Let’s get your car back on the road!
This Article Contains:
- 5 Common Signs of a Faulty Starter
- How to Replace a Starter Motor: A Step-By-Step Guide
- 5 Other Car Parts that Can Prevent Your Engine from Cranking
- How Much Does a Starter Replacement Cost?
- How to Maintain a Starter Motor: 5 Car Care Tips
- 3 FAQs on Car Starters
5 Common Signs of a Faulty Starter
If you suspect that your car starter is on its last legs or has already shut down, you’ll notice:
- Slow cranking than usual
- Grinding noise after releasing the ignition key
- Intermittent clicking sounds instead of cranking
- Strange noises while the engine turns over
- Burning smell or smoke when the starter is engaged
If your car shows any of these signs, it’s time for a starter motor replacement.
How to Replace a Starter Motor: A Step-By-Step Guide
Replacing a bad starter requires specialized knowledge, the right tools, and mechanical skills. It also involves working with the vehicle’s electrical system, which is dangerous. So, instead of a DIY, it’s best to have an automotive mechanic perform the starter replacement the right way.
Here are the necessary tools and materials they’ll use:
- Socket wrench
- Torque wrench
- Set of pliers
- Screwdriver
- New starter motor (matching specifications of the original starter)
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
Now, let’s check out the steps they’ll follow:
Step 1: Park the Vehicle
The mechanic will park your vehicle in a well-lit and ventilated area. They’ll also engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks to keep the car stationary.
Step 2: Locate the Starter Device
The mechanic will locate the starter by following the positive battery cable attached 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 3: Jack Up the Vehicle
In most vehicles, the starter is mounted on the lower side of the engine block and may require raising the vehicle off the ground to access it from underneath.
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 4: Disconnect the Battery
To prevent short circuits, the mechanic will first disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the car battery and then the positive. They’ll do this by loosening the nut with a socket wrench and pulling it off with pliers.
Then, they’ll remove the connector for the positive car battery cable attached to the starter solenoid.
Step 5: Remove the Original Starter
The mechanic will use a socket wrench to unscrew the mounting bolts holding the old starter to the engine. Then, remove the starter.
Step 6: 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 position the new starter and use a torque wrench to tighten each starter bolt to secure it.
Step 7: Reconnect the Battery Wiring
The mechanic will reconnect the cables to the replacement starter solenoid, ensuring the positive battery cable is properly secured.
Next, they’ll reconnect the battery, starting with the positive and then to the negative terminal.
Step 8: Lower the Vehicle
If the mechanic had raised the vehicle to access the starter, they’d slowly release the jack to lower the car while keeping the parking brake engaged. They’ll then test the starter by turning the ignition key.
But here’s the deal:
Sometimes, your new starter may still fail to crank the engine. Before getting a replacement, you should check a few other related electrical components.
5 Other Car Parts That Can Prevent Your Engine From Cranking
Try troubleshooting these car parts before installing a new starter:
1. Test Your Battery
Before you replace the old starter, make sure it’s getting enough power supply. A weak or dead battery can mimic a starter issue, causing slow cranking or no response at all.
SOLUTION: Check your battery voltage with a multimeter — anything below 12.4V may indicate that it needs to be charged or replaced.
2. Check the Anti-Theft Immobilizer
Many modern vehicles have an anti-theft system to disable the starter if triggered. If you see a flashing theft light on the dashboard, your car may not recognize the remote starter key, preventing it from starting.
SOLUTION: Try using a spare key or resetting the system before assuming the starter is bad.
3. Examine the Neutral Safety Switch
The neutral safety switch ensures the vehicle only starts in “Park” or “Neutral.” If it’s faulty, the car may not crank at all.
SOLUTION: Try shifting to Neutral and attempting to start. If it works, the switch may need adjustment or replacement.
4. Look for a Blown Fuse or Starter Relay
A blown fuse or faulty relay can cut power to the starter, making it seem like it has failed.
SOLUTION: Check your vehicle’s fuse box for damaged fuses or swap the starter relay with a similar one to see if that’s the issue. If unsure about the correct fuse, refer to your service manual.
5. Inspect the Flywheel for Damage
The starter’s ring gear engages with the pinion gear of the flywheel or flexplate to crank the engine. If the pinion gear has missing teeth, cracks, or excessive wear, the ring gear may struggle to engage, causing grinding noises or failure to start.
SOLUTION: Inspect the flywheel or flexplate when checking the starter to rule out mechanical damage.
Next, check out how much you need to budget for a new starter motor.
How Much Does a Starter Replacement Cost?
You’ll have to pay between $230 and $1450 for the starter motor replacement.
This includes:
- Cost of new starter gear: $80 to $350
- Labor charges: $150 and $1,100
If the starter solenoid also needs replacing, it’ll add another $325 to $450 (for parts) to your final bill.
Want to avoid these expenses?
Check out how to care for your original starter.
How to Maintain a Starter Motor: 5 Car Care Tips
To preserve your starter gear and prevent costly repairs:
- Avoid over-cranking: Engaging the ignition for extended periods can overheat the starter and wear down its internal electrical components.
- Clean the starter: Wipe 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 securely to the battery 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 by engine block movement.
Still have some starter motor questions?
Find the answers below.
3 FAQs on Car Starters
Here’s everything else you should know about starters:
1. How to Start a Car with a Faulty Starter Motor?
Avoid continually cranking the engine when starting your vehicle, as this will overheat the starter and cause additional damage.
Two options for car starts that may work include:
- Jump-starting: If a weak or dead battery is causing the starter problem, you can temporarily start your vehicle by using a jump starter. For this, connect each battery terminal on your car to a portable jump starter or use jumper cables to connect them to a charged battery on another vehicle.
- Push-starting: For manual transmission vehicles, you can put the car into second gear, turn the ignition key, and release the clutch while the car is rolling forward.
2. 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 let electrical current flow 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 current flow 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.
3. How Difficult is It to Repair or Replace Starter?
Whether you own a Toyota or a BMW, troubleshooting and replacing a car starter can be tricky, especially if the device is located in a hard-to-reach spot. It involves disconnecting the battery, removing electrical connections, and unbolting the old starter by following specific instructions. You may also not have all the necessary tools to remove other components in the way.
While DIY options are possible for experienced car owners, it’s often easier (and safer) to let a professional replace the starter for you.
Get Your Car Back on the Road with Hassle-Free Starter Replacement
A faulty starter can make cranking your engine difficult, cause unusual noises, or even lead to smoke from overheating.
But it’s not always the starter motor — issues like a weak battery, faulty fuses, or an ignition problem could be to blame.
Can’t get to a mechanic because your car won’t start?
AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics will come to you and replace the starter right from your driveway.
Fill out the form with your personal information to get reliable repairs and vehicle maintenance — be it an oil change or replacing worn brake pads.