Q1. How long does a starter motor last?
A. The starter motor lifespan depends on many factors such as quality, how frequently it’s used and how well you maintain it. Under normal conditions and average use, the motor should last a car’s lifetime. That said, most there are starters that need replacing after around 100 miles. If most of your driving involves a lot of stopping and switching off the engine, the starter may not last the life of the car.
Q2. Why is the starter motor amp draw higher than that of other motors?
A. Starter motors need to be powerful enough to crank the engine. However, they run off the car battery which only provides about 12V of electricity. To produce the large amount of power required to turn the engine, the motor has to draw a lot of current. It’s not unlikely to find a starter motor that’s rated 400A. However, the amount of current drawn depends on the load, which usually varies.
Q3. What is a Bendix in a starter motor?
A. The starter Bendix is a type of mechanism that most starter motors use to engage with the flywheel. The mechanism got its name from the person who first made it, Vincent Bendix. It essentially consists of a pinion gear on a shaft. When starting the engine, the pinion thrusts to engage the flywheel gear, thereby transmit the turning force of the starter motor to the engine. The starter Bendix drive can be the traditional inertial type or the modern and actuated by a solenoid mechanism.
Q4. Can you replace a starter motor yourself?
A. You can. Starter motor replacement does not require much skill, only repair. However, ensure that you have the tools for the project. Most importantly, have your car manual with you. You will need it to locate the motor and more. Make sure that you also understand how to wire a starter motor to a battery. You do not want to have the wrong starter motor circuit and causing costly damage. Also, the steps to remove the motor and install a new one.
Q5. Can you fix a bad starter motor?
A. You can. Starter motor repair involves taking the assembly apart, both the starter motor and solenoid, and cleaning it. Damaged parts are also replaced. These include the brushes and other parts that may have worn off or burnt out. It’s not always easy or a good idea to fix a failed motor. If the wear is excessive or major parts are blown and corroded, you need to replace the entire unit.
Q6. How do you test a starter motor?
A. There are various ways to test a starter motor that has stopped working (or one that’s showing signs of failure). One of the most common is using a digital multimeter or test lamp to check for voltage. A starter motor test can also be done with the motor removed. Doing so should provide better results. However, only attempt that if you know how to or have a professional do it instead. In all these starter motor testing methods, the idea is to determine if the device is getting power or not.
Q7. How much is the starter motor repair cost?
A. Different repair shops will charge different amounts to fix your car starter motor. The cost varies from $100 to $200 or even more depending on the car make and model. Starter motor troubleshooting and repair often involves changing faulty parts. In some instances, the motor itself is not the problem but the circuit and its components. Before considering repair, the wires and connectors should be checked for fraying and corrosion.
Q8. How much does a starter motor cost?
A. The starter motor price largely depends whether the motor is an OEM or Aftermarket type. An OEM starter motor will cost you above $200 in most cases, while an aftermarket starter goes for between $100 and $200. The price also varies by brand and type of engine. The starter motor for the average vehicle costs from $100 to about $200. If buying the starter for a large engine such as V8, for example, the price jumps to around $200-$400.
Q9. Is it advisable to install a reconditioned starter motor?
A. The cost to rebuild starter motor assemblies ranges from $50 to around $150. That can mean money saved. However, you should only consider the option if working on a budget. A rebuilt unit will serve you but only for a short time and if rebuilt correctly. You could even consider doing it yourself and saving on costs even more. This video shows how to rebuild a starter motor.
Q10. How much does it cost to replace a starter motor?
A. The cost varies but mostly ranges from about $100 to $200 or more depending on your type of car. The amount does not include the cost of the starter itself which, as we have seen, varies widely. You can take your car to a repair shop or change the starter yourself. In addition to having the right type of starter motor for your car, it’s advisable to understand how to remove and install it. Again, the process varies across different vehicle types and models, although only slightly. Do not just buy any starter motor for sale. Always use your car’s information to shop for one.