You know that sound. You turn the key. Nothing. No crank. Just silence. Your first instinct? The battery is dead. You grab the jumper cables. You hook them up. You wait. You try again. Still nothing.
It’s not the battery. It’s the starter.
People assume the starter sends charge to the alternator. That’s wrong. The starter gets the charge from the battery and spins the engine. If the starter is worn out, it stops accepting or sending that necessary current. The car is dead weight.
Replacing it is expensive at a shop. You can buy a new one. Or you can buy a rebuilt starter. It’s just as good. And it saves you a trip to the mechanic.
Here is how to replace a car starter yourself.
Steps to Replace a Car Starter
- Turn off the ignition. Remove the negative battery cable. Safety first.
- Disconnect the positive cable. This is the large cable running to the starter.
- Unbolt the starter. Use a ratchet to remove all bolts holding the starter to the block.
- Remove supporting brackets. Take out anything holding the starter in place.
- Loosen tight bolts. If a bolt is stuck, use lubricant or grease. Do not force it.
- Extract the starter. Pull it out of the car.
- Install the new unit. Mount it on the block.
- Reconnect cables. Before tightening the bolts, reconnect the battery cable to the starter.
- Tighten everything. Secure the bolts.
- Final connection. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
Car Starter FAQ
What happens when a car starter fails?
The starter creates a grinding noise. It sounds like you are starting the car. Do not ignore this. It can damage the flywheel. When it completely fails, the car won’t turn on.
How much does it cost to install a car starter?
Prices vary by location and vehicle make and model. Labor costs differ. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500.
How do I test if my starter is bad?
Common symptoms include:
– Engine doesn’t crank.
– Smoke comes out of the hood.
– Dashboard lights turn on, but the engine doesn’t respond.
– Starter is covered in oil.
– You hear a clicking noise when you start the car.
Is it worth getting a remote car starter?
Remote starters let you start your car from a distance. This is convenient in cold, snowy, or extremely hot weather. Many people find it worthwhile. It depends on where you live and your budget.
Are car starters hard to install?
Installing a remote starter requires understanding the car’s wiring and electrical system. Unless you are used to working on your own vehicle, let a professional do it.
