Call
A starter motor cranks the engine to start it. That initial crank gets the pistons moving so fuel can start burning, and the engine can run independently. Starter motor problems interrupt this process and stop the engine from firing.
The good news is that starter motors are replaceable components and not particularly expensive as parts. The bad news (for mechanics) is that they aren't always located in the easiest positions to swap out.
If your car struggles to start, it might not even be the starter motor because several other components are involved—chiefly the battery, which powers the starter motor, but also wiring looms and the solenoid fuse.
Getting your car to a mechanic is the best way to diagnose it because what appears to be a starter motor issue might be something else.
What is a starter motor?
A starter motor exists because internal combustion engines can't start themselves.
Once running, an engine goes through a cycle of combustion events that drive the pistons and turn the crankshaft.
However, to begin this cycle, the engine must turn at a minimum speed (usually a few hundred RPM) before it can run on its power.
The starter motor provides that initial rotation, overcoming the engine's internal friction and compression to get it spinning fast enough to start.
Problems with the starter motor – or the components that feed it – inevitably translate into difficulties starting your car.
These aren't to be confused with engines running rough or misfiring. Starter problems are a separate problem before the firing takes place.
Common starter motor problems
Starter motors are subject to wear over time.
Older vehicles and those with high mileage typically go through more start cycles, increasing the likelihood of wear-related issues.
New vehicles can still experience starter problems due to manufacturing defects or extreme conditions – although starter problems in cars under five years old are rare.
Intermittent starts
An intermittent starting problem is when your car fires up perfectly sometimes and struggles others, seemingly with no rhyme or reason.
It's usually the sign of a failing solenoid fuse or a failing starter motor, but it can also be caused by a struggling battery (especially in cold weather).
The engine won't start at all
Either you have a flat battery, a problem with the starter motor, or the solenoid fuse is flat – you'll need to replace something (a mechanic can figure out what).
Don't be too alarmed if your car won't start because it usually has an easy fix with a component swap out.
Clicking noise when cranking
If you get a clicking noise when turning your key or after pressing the starter button, it's probably a weak battery, faulty alternator, or other power problem.
It could be a bad starter motor, but a clicking sound is more in line with an electrical issue, so we'd usually start our investigations there.
The engine cranks but then cuts out
When an engine cranks but then cuts out, it's usually starting but failing to run on its own, so the problem isn't related to the starter.
Fuel system problems, such as clogged fuel filters and dodgy fuel pumps, are common, as are bad sparks and glow plugs. A bad battery could also be to blame.
The cost of fixing starter motor problems
Your costs might begin with breakdown and recovery if you can't start at all. We can't estimate these, except to say that some breakdown plans, such as the RAC and AA, cover recovery at a manageable monthly cost.
Starter motor costs
The average price of a starter motor repair or replacement is around £350 ex VAT, but it could be less or more if its location in the engine bay is easy or difficult. This can vary wildly between different makes and models.
For instance, some starter motors are only accessible after removing parts of the engine, while others are only accessible from under the vehicle.
Independent garage vs dealership
If you go through a main dealership (e.g., taking your Volvo XC60 to a Volvo dealership), the cost will be at the highest end of your estimates.
An independent garage using genuine OEM parts can provide the same quality of repair at a lower price. The result is essentially identical.
Taking the next steps
If you're reading this article because you're struggling to start your car and you live in Shropshire, bring it to Longmynd Service Station.
We repair and replace starter motors for all makes and models using OEM parts to maintain the warranty on new vehicles.
Contact us to get started.