Having Car Starter Problems? Learn How to Diagnose & Fix Your Starter
If your car won’t start, there’s a chance you may need to perform a car starter replacement. Find out what might be wrong with your car starter, along with how to perform a car starter installation, with the team at CarHop. Whether your starter is acting up or you need to learn how to change an alternator or stop squeaky brakes, we’re your source for helpful DIY auto repair tips!
What is a Car Starter?
A car starter receives the charge from your car’s battery, which is then sent to the alternator. If your starter is dead or not functioning properly, then it will fail to accept the charge from the battery, and your car won’t be able to start. If you’re having trouble starting your car, you may also want to check the voltage of your battery.
Car Starter Problems
There are several telltale signs that you could be in need of a car starter replacement, including:
- You hear a whining or grinding noise coming from the starter when you turn the ignition
- Smoke is coming from the starter/under the hood.
- The starter has oil all over it.
- The solenoid isn’t working properly.
How to Fix a Car Starter
You can take your car to a trusted technician to handle your car starter installation, or you can decide to take care of it yourself. If you decide to do a DIY car starter installation, all you need to do is follow these steps:
- Purchase a rebuilt starter (which are cheaper than a new one while typically of the same quality).
- Shut off the engine.
- Take the negative battery cable out of the battery.
- Take the positive cable out of the starter.
- Use a ratchet to take out the bolts that keep the starter attached to the block.
- Take out anything else holding the starter to the block.
- Take out the old starter.
- Put the new starter onto the block
- Reconnect the positive battery cable to the starter.
- Secure the new starter with bolts.
- Reattach the negative cable to the battery.
How Much Does a Car Starter Cost?
Expect to pay between $80 and $350 for a new car starter, depending on the make, model, and whether you buy a rebuilt or new starter. Of course, you’ll have to pay more for labor if you don’t install it on your own.
Trust CarHop for Answers to All Your DIY Maintenance FAQs
You can always count on CarHop for useful car repair tips like how to fix a car with no heat or how to remove dents with a plunger. What you may not know, however, is that you’re also sure to find an impressive selection of affordable used cars for sale at any of many locations across the country! Feel free to contact us at (800) 600-7013 for more info.
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