Starter Motor repair & replacement done differently

What does a Starter Motor do?

The starter motor is an electrical motor attached to the engine's flywheel that assists in starting the engine's car. As you turn the key to start the car the starter motor is activated and will drive the flywheel to start the actual engine. Once the engine has started the starter motor will automatically switch off.

How do you know there is something wrong with the Starter Motor?

• When the engine does not start when turning the key to start the car.
• When the starter motor makes more noise than is usually the case.
• When there is a clicking noise when turning the ignition key.
• When starting the car is more problematic than usual.

When should you consider a Starter Motor replacement?

Over time problems can occur with the starter motor due to extensive use. You could find that the car will not start or has trouble starting properly. In some cases, it can be that the starter motor has worn out. In other cases, it can malfunction, usually due to a short circuit in the system. Other times parts of the motor can rust, it might be that the electrical connectors have been affected, preventing an adequate flow of current to reach the motor.

Should you experience an issue like this or those listed earlier, then it is advisable to have the starter motor inspected and, if necessary, have it replaced. Seeing that the starter motor is a component that is especially prone to wear it should always be serviced as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer.

What happens during a Starter Motor replacement?

• Mechanic will inspect the starter motor and electrics of the ignition system.
• Mechanic will subject the ignition system to a voltage test.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the starter motor.
• Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• Mechanic will start the engine to establish whether the starter motor works correctly.

What happens if I don’t replace a bad Starter Motor?

If your starter motor is getting towards the end of its life you will experience some of the symptoms mentioned earlier. And because it’s needed to help you get your car started, eventually that just won’t happen.
So you could find yourself stranded somewhere you don’t want to be, needing a tow to get you to a garage.

Can I replace a Starter Motor myself?

Replacing a starter motor is an uncomfortable and inconvenient job, mainly as the starter motor is not easily accessible and well hidden at the bottom of your engine so that you will need to jack your car up to reach it. In some cars, the starter motor is accessible from above, which makes it slightly less difficult.

You will also need to do some work on your battery to disconnect the faulty motor from the power source. If you are not keen on working with the wires, it is best to leave replacing the bad starter motor to an experienced mechanic.

How common is a Starter Motor replacement?

It is impossible to give a steer how long a starter motor will last. One contributing factor to its longevity for sure is how often you start or restart your car. Using your car for shorter journeys and trips with multiple stops puts more use onto the starter motor.

Because there is no way of telling how long it will last, your starter motor should always be examined as part of its regular servicing schedule. Using the diagnostic equipment now available to most mechanics and garages will help detect problems with the mechanism which might lead to a starter motor repair.

What are common Start Motor brands on the market?

Varta, Bosch, Lucas, Powermaster and CSR Performance are among the brands which are regularly recommended.

Are there any differences between old and new vehicles or petrol, diesel or electric vehicles?

Most cars powered by a petrol or a small diesel engine have an electric starter motor. Some Ford vehicles made between 1973 and 1990 had a type of starter motor which did not have a solenoid.

The modern electric starter motor is designed to only operate for a short time (about 30 seconds), as part of design features intended to save weight and cost.

How to extend the lifetime of a Starter Motor?

Unfortunately, not every problem with a car’s starter motor begins with the motor itself.
There may be a problem with the electrical system which feeds it, and even a small drop in the current which it takes can reduce the amount of power it produces.

Because starter motors are usually mounted low down in the engine bay, they can pick up a lot of road debris and grime. This can interrupt the flow of the electrical current which it needs. Keeping your car’s battery terminals clean and dry can help ensure that the power a starter motor needs is always available.

While keeping clean is a top tip to help increase its life, the time will almost certainly come when you need a starter motor replacement.

How much does a Starter Motor replacement cost?

The cost of replacing the Starter Motor depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your Starter Motor replaced by ClickMechanic, by selecting your car at the top of this page!