Best Prices for Car Starter Repair
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Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.
How much does Car Starter Repair cost?
It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to. Our mechanics are mobile, which means they don't have the overhead that repair shops have. They provide you convenience by coming to your home or office.
Car Starter Repair pricing for various cars
| Cars | Estimate | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Savings | Average Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer | $464 | $259.29 | $204.38 | -13% | $409.79 |
| 2009 Hummer H2 | $435 | $274.48 | $160.58 | -10% | $392.73 |
| 2010 Chrysler Sebring | $558 | $295.56 | $262.78 | -14% | $489.06 |
| 2015 Infiniti QX80 | $571 | $337.33 | $233.58 | -12% | $509.33 |
| 2011 BMW X5 | $698 | $362.24 | $335.77 | -14% | $609.49 |
| 2016 Audi S7 | $914 | $578.12 | $335.77 | -10% | $825.37 |
Car Starter Repair Service
What's a car starter motor and how does it work?
The starter motor is a powerful, compact electric motor that will turn a car’s engine over at about 200 RPM in order to start the engine. The starter is at the terminus of a circuit that includes the battery, the ignition switch, a neutral safety switch, relays and fuses.
When you turn the ignition key to start, or press the start button in some vehicles, the starter circuit is completed and the starter will run. Most starters have a small pinion gear that engages a larger ring gear on the flywheel when the starter is powered on. The pinion gear turns the engine flywheel at about 200 RPM. Since the flywheel is directly connected to the crankshaft, all engine components will then turn in sync and the engine starts.
How do mobile mechanics repair the starter?
- If the starter is determined to be faulty, the battery must be disconnected prior to commencing any work. Once the battery is disconnected, the wiring to the starter is disconnected.
- Starters are bolted to the engine block or the transmission case. Generally, there are two bolts. The procedure to access the starter varies across car models and can require removal, or lowering, of other vehicle components.
- Once the starter is removed and a new starter is installed, the mounting bolts are tightened to the OEM factory torque specifications, the electrical connections are cleaned and re-attached to the starter and the starter is tested to confirm normal operation.
When to replace the starter?
Starters are relatively durable but most will eventually fail in one or more of the following ways:
- Intermittent operation of the starter. Starters can develop bad spots on the armature which will cause intermittent operation. This causes the starter to work sometimes and other times when you turn the key nothing happens. This is mostly due to the pinion gear being worn or not extending.
- Starter turns too slowly. Internal electrical and mobile mechanical faults can cause the starter to draw too much current and in some cases the current drawn will exceed what the battery can supply. A consequence is the engine may not start as rapidly.
- Unusual noises on starting. If you hear any type of grinding or other unusual noise while starting the engine, that should be investigated as the noise could reflect an internal starter failure or the noise could be due to pinion gear failure or flywheel ring gear damage.
- Starter doesn’t function when turning the key. In some cases, the first symptom of a starter malfunction is a complete failure of the starter motor. This happens when you turn the ignition key to start the car, the starter motor does not function at all.
Trying to diagnose and fix car starter issues can sometimes be like solving an intricate puzzle – it often requires a professional touch. While some minor issues can be tackled with a bit of DIY spirit, there are times when seeking professional help isn't just a suggestion, it's a necessity. Keep reading to learn about the complexities that may arise with your car's starter and the risks associated with putting off that trip to an expert.
Complexities that Require a Professional's Touch
Car starter systems involve a series of interconnected components that may fail due to wear and tear or electrical problems. Some complexities that definitely call for expert attention include: * Electrical Issues: Shorts, blown fuses, and faulty connections are best left to the pros who have the right tools to diagnose and repair. * Flywheel Damage: If your starter's gear teeth are damaged or the flywheel is broken, a professional mechanic will need to address the issue. * Inconsistent Starting: When the car sometimes starts and sometimes doesn't, pinpointing the exact issue can be tricky and requires experienced troubleshooting.
Is it safe to drive with a starter problem?
Once a vehicle engine is running, the starter is not in use. But, sometimes the starter will not disengage after the car is started and it can cause drag on the system and even cause electrical problems. However, if you know that the starter is malfunctioning or working intermittently, you may be left stranded if you turn the engine off and the starter doesn’t function when restarting the engine. Should you know or suspect a problem with the starter, it is best to have the problem repaired to avoid being left stranded.
It can be tempting to avoid the cost of professional repairs, but here's why that might end up costing you more in the long run:
- Further Damage: A car starter that's on its way out can cause additional damage to your engine or other starter system components, leading to more expensive repairs.
- Safety Concerns: A failed starter could leave you stranded in potentially hazardous situations.
- Wasted Time: Misdiagnosing your car's issues or attempting complex repairs without the right expertise can lead to hours of wasted time and frustration.
So, if you're typing "car starter repair near me" into your search engine because you've noticed that turning the key results in nothing more than a series of clicks or complete silence, it's time to call in the cavalry. Let the mobile professionals take over and get you back on the road safely and swiftly.
Distinguishing Between Starter, Battery, and Alternator Issues
When your car won't start, it's important to know whether the starter, battery, or alternator is to blame. Here's how to spot the difference and get closer to fixing the problem.
Signs Your Car Battery May Be the Issue
If you turn the key and hear a clicking sound without the engine turning over, your battery might be the culprit.
Check for these signs:
- The battery is older than three to five years.
- Lights on the dashboard dim when you start the car.
- The car struggles to start in cold weather.
When the Alternator Might Be at Fault: Dimming Lights and Electrical Issues
The alternator charges the battery while the car is running, so if you notice dimming headlights or electrical issues while driving, the alternator may be failing.
Other indicators include:
- A warning light on your dashboard, often shaped like a battery or labeled "ALT" or "GEN".
- Electronics that operate erratically or not at all.
- The battery dies even after being jump-started.
How to Tell If It's Indeed the Starter That's Causing Trouble
Don't be left guessing when it comes to starter problems.
Look for these tell-tale signs:
- A single loud click or a series of rapid ones when trying to start the vehicle—this is a classic sign of a bad starter.
- The engine doesn't turn over but all the lights, radio, and electrical work fine.
- Smoke coming from the car when trying to start it may indicate a starter that's overheating.
- Oil has leaked onto the starter, possibly affecting its operation.
When replacing a faulty starter keep in mind:
- Prior to replacing the starter, simple diagnostic tests should be performed to ensure that the problem is a faulty starter versus a weak battery, faulty neutral start switch, or other faulty electrical component in the starter motor circuit.
- Starters draw large amounts of current from the battery, much more than any other electrically powered device in your car. This makes it important that the electrical connections to the battery are inspected, cleaned, and tightened as necessary. Cables to the starter should also be inspected for corrosion and replaced as needed.
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