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Starter Motor Replacement
Typical Cost: Medium
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability
What does a starter motor do?
A starter motor is a heavy duty electric motor that has enough torque to turn the engine in order for it to start. When early engines were made, starting them was done by cranking a handle attached to the crankshaft. This was obviously very tiring, inconvenient and in some cases quite dangerous too! Therefore a more convenient device was designed, powered by a battery to do the work and the modern starter motor was born!
How does a starter motor work and what are the components?
Whilst simplistic in its design, like any electric motor, it does have a number of internal components. Without going into the minute details of how electric motors work, the basic concept is that when an electrical current is passed through coiled wires of the armature it reacts against the magnetic plates on the housing and spins it around.
There are of course a lot of other parts involved, from the contact brushes that carry the electrical current from the source to the rotating shaft of the armature, to bushes, pinions and a solenoid that fires the gears on the shaft into the vehicles flywheel to engage with the engine.
When a start motor fails, it’s generally either the brushes that have worn out, the winding on the armature that has failed or the solenoid that has seized. However, these days, few operations will strip a starter motor to refurbish it as this is both time consuming and the parts are not always easy to obtain in small numbers. Therefore it is both cheaper and quicker to exchange the faulty unit with a new one.
Typical symptoms that require a starter motor to be replaced.
- The most obvious and usual occurrence is that when you turn the key or press the button to start the engine, nothing happens!
- When you do try to start it, knowing the battery is good, you may hear a single click from the starter motor, which is the solenoid firing, but there is no rotation.
- Providing the battery is in known to be in good condition, it is the next obvious point of a vehicle failing to turn over.
- Please do note though, if you hear a rapid clicking, that is more likely to be the battery not having enough power to actually turn the motor, but enough to keep firing the solenoid, in which case it's the battery that is faulty or discharged.
- When the battery is known to be in good condition but the engine is very laborious when turning over.
What happens during a starter motor replacement?
Changing starter motors is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
- Inspect the starter motor terminals and electrics of the ignition system.
- Subject the starter motor to voltage test.
- If necessary, replace the starter motor.
- Advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
- Start the engine to establish whether the starter motor works correctly.
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your brake pads to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the starter motor
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What is not covered by this repair cost?
- Starter motors are subject to a surcharge meaning the mechanic will need to take the old part with them in order to obtain the surcharge refund. Therefore, if you wish to keep the old part, there will be an additional fee to cover this.
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Starter motor replacement
Associated repairs
Battery replacement (vehicles without stop/start system)
Alternator replacement
Battery replacement (vehicles with stop/start system)
How much does it cost to have a starter motor replaced?
The cost of a starter motor replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the starter motor doesn’t require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.