How much does a mechanic charge to replace a starter?
The cost to replace a starter can vary depending on several factors, but on average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for the labor and parts. The exact price will depend on the make and model of your vehicle, the mechanic's labor rates, and the cost of the replacement starter.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Starter Replacement
There are several key factors that can influence the total cost of replacing a starter in your vehicle:
- Vehicle Make and Model: The cost of the replacement starter part can vary significantly based on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Luxury or high-performance vehicles tend to have more expensive starters.
- Labor Costs: Mechanics typically charge between $75 and $150 per hour for labor. The amount of time required to replace the starter can also impact the labor cost.
- Accessibility of the Starter: If the starter is easily accessible, the labor time and cost will be lower. However, if the starter is located in a difficult-to-reach area, the labor time and cost will be higher.
- Diagnostic Work: Some mechanics may charge an additional fee for diagnosing the issue and determining that the starter needs to be replaced.
- Replacement Part Cost: The cost of the replacement starter part itself can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the vehicle.
It's important to get quotes from multiple mechanics to compare prices and ensure you're getting a fair deal for the work required.
Steps Involved in Replacing a Starter
Replacing a starter typically involves the following steps:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Locate the starter, which is usually mounted on the engine block near the transmission.
- Disconnect the electrical connections to the starter.
- Remove the bolts or screws that secure the starter to the engine.
- Install the new starter and reconnect the electrical connections.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable.
- Test the new starter to ensure it's working properly.
Depending on the vehicle, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for an experienced mechanic to complete.
How much should I pay someone to change my starter?
The average cost for starter replacement is $728 to $820. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much starter repair costs in your local area.
Can you still drive a car with a bad starter?
Running a car with a bad starter isn't possible in the traditional sense, as the starter is essential for starting the engine. If the starter is malfunctioning, it may not engage properly to start the engine, which means you won't be able to drive the car until the starter is repaired or replaced.
How much does labor cost to install a starter?
The average cost for a Starter Replacement is between $456 and $630. Labor costs are estimated between $125 and $158 while parts are priced between $331 and $473. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
How long does it take a mechanic to replace a starter?
A failed starter stands in the way of using your vehicle at all, and once it's beginning to go, a replacement is the best way to restore its function. It can take an hour or more to replace the starter, and along with the average parts range of $100 to $400, it's going to take from one hour and up to install it.
