On average, the full cost to replace a bad car starter ranges between $700 and $1,200, depending on factors such as your make and model and the number of labor hours needed to do the job.
You might have noticed suspicious sounds when you start up your engine. Clicking, grinding, or even smoking can be symptoms of a starter motor issue. Any strange noises coming from your car can be concerning, and you're probably wondering how badly your bank account may suffer.
In this post, we're breaking down what goes into starter replacement cost and some tips you should know about starter issues.
Factors That Influence Starter Replacement Cost
How much is a starter for a car? The list price for the replacement part on its own ranges from under $100 to more than $400, depending on the type you need. However, other variables can impact the full price you'll pay , we've listed some of the most common factors below.
Cost of Labor vs. DIY
Car repair labor rates within the AAA Approved Auto Repair network range from $100 to $250 per hour. The labor cost to replace a starter is generally the biggest expense, and the number of labor hours needed for your vehicle will depend on how easy or difficult it is to access the starter under your hood. If your starter is easily visible, then it will be a simpler task than if it's located underneath other parts.
The average total cost to get your starter replaced by a mechanic, including labor, generally ranges between $700 and $1,200. Our car repair estimate tool can give you a better idea.
DIY car starter replacement will save you on labor costs if you can do the job right. Consider factors such as whether you have the right skills and tools, how difficult it is to get to your starter, and the value you place on your own time. While there's usually some sort of guarantee of proper installation from a licensed mechanic, if you take the DIY route, you're forgoing any right to repair for improper installation. In essence, DIY means all risk is on you.
Car Make and Model
The make and model of your car impact the cost of replacing a starter. For example, many Toyota and Lexus V8 vehicles require the removal of the intake manifold to access the starter, resulting in more labor hours. On the other hand, Honda Accords tend to be more accessible, involving fewer labor hours.
Your car's make and model will also dictate the type of starter you need, which can make a difference in the cost. If you drive a Mercedes-Benz, a new starter will cost you between $250 and $1,000 for the part, whereas the average Toyota starter costs between $90 and $200.
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 are known for being more efficient and drawing less battery power, but are more expensive than heavier direct drive starters.
- Direct drive starters 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.
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 full dashboard lights, indicating that the battery is not the problem.
- Your car won't start: The lights are on, but your engine refuses to crank.
- You hear clicking or grinding: Strange sounds can indicate a problem with your starter or the gears that connect to it.
- Your starter keeps running after the engine starts: This will sound like it's continuously trying to start your engine, even while it's already running. If you hear this, it usually indicates an electrical problem with your starter that requires 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 dashboard light comes on: This warning light, combined with no engine cranking when you attempt to start, can be a sign of a malfunctioning starter.
- 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.
If you notice any of these signs, we recommend you get your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving around with starter motor issues can quickly lead to further damage.
Parts That Make Up a Starter
Sometimes, a faulty starter can be fixed by replacing parts rather than the whole motor, saving you money on the car starter cost. The key components of a starter motor include:
- Commutator: Found at the rear of the shaft, the brushes run on the commutator to conduct electricity
- Armature: An electromagnet mounted on the drive shaft
- Brushes: Conduct electricity via the commutator
- Solenoid: Coils of wire that connect the starter to the battery
- Plunger: Pushes forward to engage the pinion
- Pinion: A combination of gear and springs that extend into the gearbox to engage the engine
- Lever fork: Connects to the plunger and activates the pinion when pushed forward
- Field coils: When energized by the battery, the field coils form an electromagnet that turns the armature
Should You Repair or Replace Your Starter?
While repair can be more affordable and quickly fix the problem, it may not always be as reliable as a full replacement. Sometimes, a repair can lead to more damage to engine components and greater expense, while replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.
There is also no guarantee of longevity with a repair, and you may experience a failure sooner than expected. It generally depends on the overall condition and age of your starter.
Most starter motors are designed to last anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 miles, so if you're noticing issues and your mileage is up there, replacement as part of preventative maintenance may be recommended. See your licensed mechanic for diagnostic testing and a professional opinion.
How Do I Replace a Starter Myself?
New starter motors are readily available from auto parts stores. 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 under your hood. Location and accessibility will vary depending on your car's make and model.
- 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.
Replacing your starter can be done with a combination of basic hand tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets and pliers, depending on your make and model. A skilled amateur can replace most starters in two hours or less, but timing depends on the complexity of getting to the starter motor.
Before replacing a starter motor yourself, consider whether the convenience, speed and experience of a professional mechanic may be a better overall choice. Another consideration is that most auto warranties require professional installation to remain valid. If you go to a licensed mechanic, you'll have a pathway to restitution if anything goes wrong.
Can I Drive With a Bad Starter?
Driving long term with a bad starter is not 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.
- Engine won't start: You might successfully start the engine and drive somewhere, only to end up stuck when you can't restart it.
In short? Addressing a faulty starter as soon as possible can help you minimize any further damage to your car.
AAA Is Here to Help With Your Starter Replacement Cost
The starter replacement cost for your car varies according to the vehicle's make and model, starter type, and the complexity of accessing the starter motor. Labor costs generally make up the bulk of the total cost to replace a starter, but by addressing issues quickly, you can prevent further, more costly repairs.
Should you find yourself stuck with starter motor problems, AAA Roadside Assistance is here to help. We can safely transport your vehicle to an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility or mechanic of your choice for diagnostic and repair.
Want to have qualified vehicle assistance on hand when you need it? Sign up for AAA membership and enjoy the benefits of our extensive repair network and the peace of mind knowing help is just a call away.
Starter Replacement Cost FAQ
Have more questions about starter replacement cost? Find answers below.
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 80,000 and 150,000 miles, so replacement as part of preventative 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. This will help you to rule out other potential problems as well.
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.