Car Ignition Inspection, Repair & Replacement Cost Guides
Contents
How much does ignition repair cost?
How much does ignition repair cost?
A car ignition system starts and runs a car's engine and is usually powered by the car's battery. The ignition system includes the ignition switch, the ignition coil, starter motor, spark plugs, distributor and ignition wires.
Average cost of an ignition repair by location
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | £207 |
| Bristol | £234 |
| Glasgow | £252 |
| Leeds | £185 |
| Liverpool | £252 |
| London | £224 |
| Manchester | £213 |
| Newcastle | £226 |
| Sheffield | £202 |
Car ignition repairs can start from as little as £60 to replace a spark plug while a starter motor replacement can cost around £200. Hence, the exact cost of an ignition repair will depend on the nature of the faults and the parts that need to be repaired or replaced.
Average cost of an ignition repair by manufacturer
| Car Make | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Audi | £234 |
| BMW | £244 |
| Citroen | £221 |
| Ford | £215 |
| Honda | £283 |
| Hyundai | £226 |
| Kia | £230 |
| Land Rover | £300 |
| Mercedes-Benz | £252 |
| Nissan | £196 |
| Peugeot | £210 |
| Renault | £228 |
| Toyota | £217 |
| Vauxhall | £208 |
| Volkswagen | £198 |
How do you know if your car ignition needs to be repaired?
There are several signs that can indicate a failing ignition system and can include a vehicle that is difficult to start, intermittent engine misfires, stalling, or a check engine light. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to get a mechanic to diagnose the issue and fix it as soon as possible to avoid being stranded.
Car fails to start
A clicking noise when the key is turned, or the engine will not turn over could indicate an issue with the starter motor. Note that a car failing to start can also be caused due to a dead battery or even a fuel system issue.
Engine stalling
A faulty alternator could be a cause for the engine stalling. This is often accompanied by dim headlights, taillights and a dashboard warning light. Additionally, if a spark plug is faulty, it will usually cause the engine to run erratically. The engine may misfire, and it may be difficult to start.
Flickering or dimming lights
Dimming or flickering lights is almost always a sign of a weak battery issue, loose wiring or a faulty alternator. If the lights flicker and the car won’t start either, then it can be an issue with the ignition switch too.
Frequently asked questions about ignition repair cost
How do I know if the ignition switch is bad?
When you turn the key in the ignition – two important things should occur. The first step is to turn on the ignition. It should still be on when you turn it a bit more, but the ignition switch should also send a signal to the starter motor to turn. If the electrical parts are worn or faulty the car will not start at all. Hence, if you notice that the car has trouble starting or if the car stalls while driving, then it could be caused due to a faulty ignition switch or a faulty starter motor. ClickMechanic is currently unable to replace ignition switches.
Can ignition faults be repaired?
In most cases, it is much better and more cost-effective to get a replacement rather than attempt to repair car ignition problems. For example in the case of a faulty starter motor, due to the cost of parts and labour involved, it is generally more economical to get it replaced rather than repaired. A mechanic will be able to provide further guidance depending on the nature of the repairs needed.