Starter Motor Repair
Also called self motor repair
The starter motor turns the engine over to start it. When it fails you get a single click, a rapid clicking, slow cranking, or nothing at all. The same symptoms come from a flat battery or corroded cables, so those are tested first. Repair often means brushes, a solenoid or a bendix drive, and replacement is sometimes better value. Fixing the starter will not help if the engine does not start for a fuel, spark or compression reason once it is cranking normally.
Signs you need this
- One loud click and nothing else when you turn the key
- Rapid clicking without the engine turning
- The engine cranks slowly even with a good battery
- A grinding or whirring noise while cranking
- The car starts sometimes and not others, with no warning lights
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Battery and main cable condition tested before the starter is blamed
- Voltage drop measured across the battery, cables and solenoid while cranking
- Starter current draw measured to identify a dragging motor
- Repair of brushes, solenoid, bushes or bendix drive where practical
- Ring gear teeth inspected for damage while the starter is out
- Cranking speed checked after fitting, with terminals cleaned and protected
How we do it
Test battery and cables
Battery condition and terminal corrosion are checked first, since both produce exactly the same starting symptoms.
Measure voltage drop
Voltage drop across cables and the solenoid while cranking shows whether power is reaching the starter properly.
Measure current draw
A starter drawing too much current is dragging internally, which distinguishes a worn motor from a supply problem.
Repair or replace
Brushes, solenoid and drive are repaired where sound, otherwise replacement is quoted with the reason explained.
Check the ring gear
With the starter out, the flywheel ring gear is inspected, because chipped teeth will destroy a new starter.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book starter motor repair
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.