Is your car making a weird grinding noise, and you are worried that it might be due to a worn-out starter? Well, your suspicions can be correct. Now, you must get your starter replaced ASAP to prevent any damage to the engine flywheel. But, your hectic routine may have left you wondering how long does it take to replace a starter?
The average time to replace a starter motor is about two to four hours. It includes the time it takes to remove the old starter and install the new one. The actual time will vary depending on the make and model of the car. Some cars have easier access to the starter than others.
But the question is whether replacing your starter is the only option, or can you repair it too? We will answer that further in the article, but first, let’s get to know how a starter works.
What Is A Starter & How Does It Work?
A starter is a type of electric motor used to start an engine. Starters are typically made of metals such as steel or aluminum. They are usually about the size of a fist and weigh between 1 and 5 pounds.
It works when you turn the key in the ignition or push the start button, and an electric signal is sent to the starter. This signal tells the starter solenoid to engage, activating the starter motor. The starter motor then turns the engine over until it starts. Once the engine starts, the starter solenoid disengages and the starter motor stops.
What Does The Starter Do In A Car?
A car’s starter helps start the engine by providing the initial power to turn over the pistons. The starter uses a small electric motor to spin a gear that engages with the engine’s flywheel, causing it to turn.
It helps start the engine by getting it up to a certain speed before the spark plugs can ignite the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders. The starter is an important part of a car’s engine; without it, the car would not be able to start.
How Long Does It Take To Replace A Car Starter?
It typically takes around two hours to replace the car starter. You can reduce this time if you have all the necessary tools and parts on hand before beginning the job.
If you need to order parts or borrow tools, the job may take closer to three hours. With that said some cars are easier to work on than others. For example, replacing the starter on a Honda may take less time than it would on a Ford.
Signs Of A Bad Starter
A few signs may indicate a bad starter on your vehicle.
- Your engine cranks slowly or not at all.
- You hear a clicking noise when you turn the key.
- The engine starts and then dies immediately.
- Your headlights dim when you try to start the engine.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s best to have your car checked out by a professional as soon as possible. A bad starter can cause many problems and may even prevent your car from starting. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, so don’t delay in getting it fixed.
Repair vs. Replacement: When To Replace A Car Starter?
If you have a car starter that needs repair, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to replace the starter motor or just repair it. There are a few things to consider when making this decision.
Cost
Replacing a car’s starter motor can be expensive, especially if you need a professional mechanic. Repairing a starter may be less expensive, depending on the severity of the problem.
time
Replacing a car starter can take a few hours, depending on the make and model of your car. Repairing a starter may only take a few minutes as you won’t have to buy any parts that would be suitable for your car.
Convenience
If you replace your car starter, you’ll have to go to the mechanic and wait to get your car back. Plus, it will cost more. On the other hand, repairing a starter can be done quickly, and you can even do it yourself.
Effectiveness
Depending on the severity of the problem, repairing a car starter may not be as effective as replacing it. If the problem is minor, repairing the starter may fix the issue.
Availability
Replacing a car starter may be difficult if the part is not readily available. Repairing a starter, on the other hand, can usually be done with parts that are easily accessible.
When deciding whether to repair or replace your car starter, consider the cost, time, convenience, effectiveness, and availability of the repair or starter replacement.
How Hard Is It To Replace A Starter?
Replacing a starter is not difficult, but it requires some basic mechanical skills. The most difficult part of the job is usually accessing the starter, which can be located in a variety of places depending on the vehicle.
Once the starter is accessible, the rest of the job simply means unbolting the old starter and bolting in the new one. In most cases, you can do the entire job in less than an hour. If you are not confident in your ability to replace a starter, or if you lack the necessary tools, it is always best to leave the job to a professional mechanic.
Engine Layout
Like most people, you probably don’t think about your car’s engine layout very often. But when it comes time to replace a starter, it can be helpful to know a little bit about how your engine is laid out.
There are two main types of engine layouts inline and V. In an inline engine, the cylinders are lined up in a row, while in a V engine, they are arranged in two rows that meet at a point in the middle.
Most starter replacements can be done with the engine in either position, but there are some instances where it is easier to work on an inline engine. For example, if you have a manual transmission, replacing the starter on an inline engine is often easier because you can easily access the flywheel.
If you have a V engine, you may need to remove the upper radiator hose to get to the starter. It is not a difficult task, but it is something that you should be aware of before you begin the replacement process.
Engine Size
When replacing a starter, it is important to ensure that the engine size is compatible with the new starter. Many starters are only compatible with certain engine sizes, so checking before making a purchase is important.
If the engine size is not compatible, it could cause damage to the starter or the engine itself. It is always best to consult a professional before making any changes to your engine.
How To Change A Starter?
Tools
To change your car’s starter, you’ll need a few tools. You’ll need
- A socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the starter in place
- A screwdriver to remove the wires that connect to the starter
Tutorial
Method 1
The first thing you’ll need to do is locate the starter on your car. It’s usually located near the engine, on the side of the transmission. Once you’ve found the starter, you’ll need to remove the bolts that hold it in place. Then, you can remove the old starter and install the new one.
Remove The Old Starter
Before installing the new starter, you’ll need to remove the old one. To do this, you’ll need to remove the bolts that hold it in place. You may also need to remove the wires that connect to the starter.
Install The New Starter
Once you’ve removed the old starter, you can install the new one. To do this, simply reverse the process you used to remove the old starter. First, bolt the new starter in place. Then, reconnect the starter motor wiring. Finally, start your car and see if the new starter works.
Method 2
There are a few important instructions to change the starter.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable. It will prevent any electrical shorts while you are working on the starter.
- Disconnect the positive battery cable from the starter solenoid.
- Remove the two bolts that hold the starter in place.
- Pull the starter out of the engine bay.
- Install the new starter in the reverse order of removal. Be sure to torque the bolts to the proper specifications.
- Reconnect the positive and negative battery cables.
- Start the engine and listen for any abnormal noises.
- If everything sounds normal, you have successfully changed your starter. If you hear grinding or other strange noises, you did not install the starter correctly. Shut off the engine and check your work.
How Often Should You Replace A Starter Motor?
It depends on several factors, such as the make and model of the car, how often it is driven, and the conditions it is driven in. Generally, most starter motors will need to be replaced every few years. If you are unsure how often to replace your starter motor, consult your car’s owner’s manual or ask a qualified mechanic.
FAQs
What Does an Automobile Starter Look Like?
A car starter looks like a small, cylindrical device typically mounted to the engine. It consists of a solenoid, an electromagnet that activates the starter motor, and a flywheel, which helps to engage the engine.
What Should the Cost of Replacing a Starter Be?
The cost of replacing a starter can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the labor costs associated with the job.
However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1400 for the parts and labor needed to replace a starter. Remember that this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may be higher or lower depending on your specific situation.
What Is the Lifespan of Starters?
Starters are one of the most important parts of your car, and they can last a long time if properly maintained. However, like all car parts, they will eventually need to be replaced. Most starters will last for around 100,000-150,000 miles, but this can vary depending on the make and model of your car.
Final Considerations
Starter motor replacement is a relatively easy task that can be completed in about 2 to 4 hours. All you need is a socket wrench, screwdriver, and wire brush. The most important thing to remember when changing a starter is to disconnect the battery first. It will prevent any accidental sparks from occurring while you are working on the car.
Be sure to clean off the old grease and grime from the motor housing before installing the new starter. If everything goes according to plan, your car should start up like new!
