On average, a complete starter replacement costs between $350 and $1,100. The final price is influenced by factors like the make and model of your vehicle and the number of labor hours required for the job. The quality of the replacement depends on if you can find a good mechanic and the quality of the starter you buy.
Suspicious sounds like clicking, grinding or smoking at startup are all concerning signals that can be symptoms of a starter motor issue. Let's explore what goes into the final bill and share some tips you should know about starter issues.
Factors That Influence Starter Replacement Cost
When calculating your overall bill, the standalone car starter cost, for just the replacement part, typically ranges from under $80 to more than $400. However, other variables can impact the full price you'll pay, which are covered below.
Cost of Labor vs. DIY
The average mechanic labor rate varies widely by region and shop. Car repair labor rates within the AAA Approved Auto Repair network range from $150 to $300 per hour.
The average total cost to get your starter replaced by a mechanic, including labor, generally ranges from $400 to $1,200. The AAA car repair estimate tool can give you a better idea of what to expect in your location.
The number of labor hours required for your vehicle will determine the bulk of your out-of-pocket repair costs. Labor cost to replace a starter will also depend on how easy or difficult it is to access the starter under your hood. If your starter is easily visible, then it'll be a simpler task than if it's located underneath other parts.
Replacing your car starter yourself can save on labor costs, but you should consider a few things first. Do you have the right skills and tools? Is the starter easily accessible?
Keep in mind that while mechanics offer guarantees for their work, a DIY approach means you take on all the risk for any mistakes made during installation.
Car Make and Model
The specific make and model of your vehicle directly impacts your total car starter replacement cost. For example, many Toyota and Lexus V8 vehicles require removing the intake manifold to reach the starter, which takes more labor hours. In contrast, Honda Accords are easier to access and usually need fewer labor hours.
Your car's make and model will also dictate the type of starter you need, which will affect the cost. If you drive a luxury European car like a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, a new starter can easily cost $600 or more just for the part. By comparison, parts for a standard compact car or sedan usually run between $320 and $540.
Type of Starter
The type of starter your vehicle uses also factors into the cost to replace it. There are two main types of starters:
- Gear-reduction starters: These are known for being more efficient and drawing less battery power, but are more expensive than heavier direct-drive starters.
- Direct-drive starters: These use a larger, low-speed motor and are less efficient but cheaper than gear-reduction starters.
You can check your car's service manual or look for identification numbers on your current starter motor to find what kind of starter you have.
New vs. Remanufactured Starter
In terms of starter replacement parts, you generally have three main choices. You can pick from new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, new aftermarket options or remanufactured starters:
- Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) starters: OEM components match your car's exact factory specifications. They usually carry a reliable warranty to give you peace of mind down the road.
- New aftermarket starters: They tend to cost less upfront, but overall quality can vary widely between brands.
- Remanufactured starters: If you want to balance reliability and cost, remanufactured units are a great alternative. Mechanics rebuild these parts to original factory standards using tested components. They serve as a reasonable middle-ground option for older vehicles that might not need a brand-new factory part.
Finding the right fit depends on your current budget, the age of your vehicle and if you're trading it soon. Spending extra on a brand-new OEM part makes sense for a newer model you want to drive for many more years. A rebuilt unit will do the job perfectly well for an older daily commuter nearing the end of its lifespan.
What Are the Signs You Need a Car Starter Replacement?
There are various signs that indicate you may need a starter replacement. Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Your engine cranks slowly when you try to start your car. This is often accompanied by all dashboard lights illuminated, indicating that the battery is not the problem. You should rule out a bad alternator vs. a bad battery before looking into the starter motor.
- Your car won't start. The lights are on, but your engine refuses to crank. While there are many reasons your car won't start, needing a new starter is one of the common culprits.
- You hear clicking or grinding. These strange sounds usually mean you have a problem with the starter itself or the gears connecting to it.
- Your starter keeps running after the engine starts. This sounds like the car is continuously trying to start while already running. Most likely, there's an electrical problem that needs immediate attention.
- You notice smoke coming from your engine. The starter motor is part of the electrical system. An electrical problem combined with overheated metal components can produce smoke.
- Your battery or charging light comes on. A red battery or charging system light paired with an engine that won't crank can indicate a starter issue, especially if a malfunctioning starter has continuously drained your battery.
- You notice oil covering your starter. An oil leak coating your starter is a sign of other problems, too, but that oil can lead to a faulty starter.
Spotting any of these signs means you should get your vehicle diagnosed by a mechanic right away. Ignoring starter motor issues can quickly lead to much more expensive damage down the road.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Starter?
While a quick repair can be more affordable upfront, it may not always be as reliable as a full replacement. A good rule of thumb is to look at the part's age and history. If your starter is relatively new and only has an isolated issue, a repair might be worthwhile.
However, if the starter is aging or has already been repaired once, a full replacement is usually the better long-term investment.
There's no guarantee a patched starter will last, meaning you might experience another breakdown sooner than expected. Most starter motors typically last 100,000 to 150,000 miles.
If you notice issues and your odometer sits near that range, choosing a replacement makes sense for preventative maintenance. See your licensed mechanic for diagnostic testing and a professional opinion.
How Do I Replace a Starter Myself?
Replacing a starter yourself is entirely possible if you have basic mechanical experience and the right tools. If you're willing to do the work yourself, here are the basic steps:
- Disconnect your car battery. The starter is part of your electrical system, and you don't want power running to it.
- Locate the starter. Depending on your car's make and model, the starter may either be accessible from under the hood or from underneath the vehicle.
- Disconnect wiring from the terminal (or solenoid) of the starter.
- Unscrew the bolts that hold the starter and remove it.
- Replace with a new starter and screw down the bolts.
- Reconnect the solenoid wiring and the battery.
While doing it yourself saves money, skipping professional installation comes with some financial and safety risks. Most auto warranties actually require a licensed mechanic to do the work to remain valid. If you make a mistake during a DIY install, you're fully liable for any resulting engine damage.
Can I Drive With a Bad Starter?
Driving long-term with a bad starter isn't recommended. It's one of those situations where you may be OK for a while, until you're not. You could end up stranded somewhere because the starter, or another component impacted by the starter, finally breaks down.
A bad starter puts strain on your battery, electrical system and engine. Driving with a faulty starter can result in increased engine wear and other avoidable mechanical problems. Potential issues include:
- Flywheel damage: The increased cranking associated with a bad starter causes flywheel wear and tear, which further impairs engagement with the starter. This misalignment then causes further damage.
- Intermittent no-start situations: A dying starter might work perfectly one morning and completely fail by the afternoon. This unpredictability can easily leave you stranded in an unsafe location without any warning.
- Electrical system strain: A failing starter draws excessive power to turn over the engine. This constant drain quickly ruins your battery and forces your alternator to work overtime.
- Damaged ignition components: Repeatedly turning the key to force a struggling starter to crank puts extra stress on the ignition switch and starter relay. Pushing those parts past their limits can cause them to overheat and burn out, adding more parts to your final repair bill.
- Overheating risks: If a faulty starter solenoid gets stuck, the motor will keep running even after the engine starts. This constant friction causes severe overheating and can even produce smoke.
In short? Addressing a faulty starter as soon as possible can help you minimize any further damage to your car.
FAQs
How common is it for a starter to need replacement?
It's a relatively common car problem for starter motors to need replacing, especially if a vehicle is aging or has high mileage on the starter. Starters can naturally experience wear and tear or electrical issues as they age, simply due to use.
Most starters are designed to last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, so replacement as part of preventive maintenance is common on higher-mileage vehicles.
How do I know if my starter is bad?
Strange noises at start-up are often an early sign of a bad starter. For example, you might notice clicking or excessive cranking when you try to start your vehicle, smoke coming from your engine or your engine not starting even though the dashboard lights are still on.
Ultimately, the best way to know if your starter is bad is to get a diagnostic test from a trusted mechanic if you notice any strange signs. A professional test rules out other hidden issues. This ensures you don't misdiagnose a starter failure when your car really just needs basic maintenance.
If I don't replace my starter, will I need to eventually replace the motor?
It's not common to need to replace your motor due to a bad starter, but continuing to drive without replacing the starter can result in further damage and costly repairs.
For example, you can put strain on your flywheel, electrical system and other components. Any additional damage to engine parts can spiral into further damage later on, so it's a good idea to stay on top of repairs early.
How long does it take to replace a starter?
A professional mechanic can usually swap out a starter in one to two hours if the part is easily accessible. Replacing a unit buried deep under other engine parts can take up to six hours to complete. The exact timeframe depends entirely on the specific layout of your engine compartment.
Will a bad starter drain my battery?
A failing starter will drain your car battery if you keep trying to crank the engine. Faulty motors draw massive amounts of electrical current to try to turn over. That continuous heavy power drain will quickly kill your battery.
Does insurance or a warranty cover starter replacement?
Standard auto insurance policies typically don't cover mechanical wear and tear, like a failed starter. However, if your vehicle is still covered under a factory or extended service plan, those vehicle warranties offer low-cost or no-cost repairs for these mechanical components.
AAA Is Here to Help With Your Starter Replacement Cost
Dealing with car trouble is stressful, but getting a fair price for repairs takes some of the headache out of it. It might be useful to check the AAA car repair estimate tool to map out your budget before you book a repair appointment.
Once you know your expected starter replacement cost, you can easily find a trusted local mechanic through the AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility locator. Finding a reliable shop means you don't have to worry about the quality of the work.