How much does it cost to replace a starter on a Subaru Impreza?
The average cost to replace a starter on a Subaru Impreza is between $300 and $500, including parts and labor. This can vary depending on the specific model year, location, and mechanic performing the work.
Understanding the Starter Replacement Cost for a Subaru Impreza
The starter is a critical component in a Subaru Impreza, responsible for cranking the engine and initiating the combustion process when you turn the key. Over time, starters can wear out and need to be replaced. The total cost for this repair on a Subaru Impreza depends on a few key factors:
- Parts Cost: The starter itself typically costs between $150 and $300, depending on the make, model, and year of the Impreza. Genuine Subaru parts tend to be more expensive than aftermarket options.
- Labor Cost: Labor charges for replacing the starter can range from $150 to $200, depending on the mechanic's hourly rate and the difficulty of the repair.
- Location: Repair costs can vary significantly by geographic region, with labor rates tending to be higher in urban areas compared to rural locations.
- Mechanic Experience: Experienced mechanics may charge more for their expertise, but they can often complete the job more efficiently.
It's important to note that the total cost can also be influenced by any additional repairs or maintenance that may be required, such as replacing the battery or cleaning the battery terminals.
Signs Your Subaru Impreza Needs a New Starter
There are several common signs that your Subaru Impreza's starter may be failing and in need of replacement:
- Clicking or Grinding Noises: When you turn the key, you may hear a clicking or grinding sound, indicating the starter is struggling to engage.
- Slow or Delayed Engine Cranking: If the engine takes longer than usual to start, it could be a sign of a failing starter.
- No Response When Turning the Key: If the engine doesn't crank at all when you turn the key, the starter may have completely failed.
- Battery Draining Quickly: A faulty starter can drain the battery, leading to frequent battery replacements.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to have your Subaru Impreza inspected by a qualified mechanic to determine if the starter needs to be replaced.
How long does it take a shop 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.
How long do Subaru starters last?
A Subaru car starter can give you around 90,000 starts before you should expect it to struggle, regardless of the mileage you drive.
What can be mistaken for a bad starter?
Battery Issues. A failing starter and battery problems can produce similar symptoms like slow engine cranking, but it's important to know how to tell them apart. A key tool for diagnosing these issues is a voltmeter. To rule out a dead or weak battery, measure the battery voltage with the voltmeter.
Do car starters go out suddenly?
Unfortunately, a starter can go bad with no warning. There are symptoms of a bad starter that are useful to know, but there aren't always warning signs that a starter is about to fail — you typically don't know there's a problem until the vehicle or machine won't start.
How do I know if my Subaru starter is bad?
One of the primary signs of a broken starter motor in a Subaru is slow or no cranking when you turn the key in the ignition. If you notice that the engine takes longer than usual to start or fails to start altogether, it could be indicative of a faulty starter motor.
What is a fair price to replace a 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 jump start a car with a bad starter?
You can try to jump-start your car even when the starter is bad, and sometimes the extra current from an additional battery will spin a starter that is getting weak. While there's no guarantee it will work, it might be worth giving it a try, especially if you have to make that urgent trip.
How do I know if my starter has gone bad?
Your Vehicle Labors To Crank Or Cranks Slowly
Labored or slow cranking when you start your vehicle is usually the first sign that you have something going on with your starter.
Is replacing a starter motor a big job?
Replacing a starter motor isn't the simplest job for a mechanic. Quite often, there are a lot of components to get past to access it. It can take a good couple of hours to clear the way, remove it, pop its replacement in place and put everything back together again.
What happens to a car when the starter goes out?
The starter is a small motor, powered by the battery. It gets the engine of your car running. A starter relay sits between the battery and the starter motor, transmitting power. Without a properly working starter relay and motor, you won't be able to start your vehicle and may need a tow.
