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Where is the starter placed?

The starter is normally mounted on the engine block near the bell housing that connects the engine to the transmission, where its pinion gear engages the flywheel. The exact location varies by make and model, but you’ll typically find it tucked low on the side of the engine adjacent to the transmission.

Typical placements by drivetrain layout

In vehicles, the engine layout determines where the starter sits. Two common configurations are longitudinal engines in rear- or all-wheel drive and transverse engines in most front-wheel-drive cars.

Longitudinal engines (RWD)

For engines mounted lengthwise in rear-wheel- or all-wheel-drive layouts, the starter is typically bolted to the lower side of the engine block near the bell housing. It is usually on the side that faces the transmission, making it accessible from underneath or through the wheel well in many designs.

Position: Lower side of the block, near the bell housing, on the side facing the transmission.

Accessibility: Often reachable from beneath the vehicle or from the engine bay with minimal obstacle removal.

Purpose: Allows the gear on the starter to mesh with the flywheel/flexplate inside the bell housing when engaged.

In this arrangement, the starter is aligned to engage the flywheel on the rear of the engine, which is integrated with the transmission assembly.

Transverse engines (FWD)

For transverse-mounted engines common in front-wheel-drive cars, the starter is typically mounted on the side of the engine that faces the transaxle, often toward the front lower portion of the engine bay. Clearances around the intake and exhaust can influence its exact position.

Position: Side of the engine adjacent to the transmission, often near the front or bottom edge of the engine bay.

Accessibility: May require removal of nearby components or access from the wheel well or underneath the vehicle.

Purpose: Engages the flywheel or flexplate in the transaxle to start the engine.

These layouts keep the starter's electrical connections short and reduce exposure to heat from exhaust components.

Variations by design and model

Not every vehicle follows the same pattern. Packaging constraints, engine size, and exhaust routing can push the starter to slightly different spots within the same general regions.

Vehicle-specific packaging: Some engines position the starter higher or deeper to avoid interfering with intake plenums, exhaust manifolds, or turbochargers.

Electric and hybrid considerations: In hybrids or turbocharged engines, mounting may shift to accommodate electric motor integration or cooling lines.

In all cases, the starter is mounted to the engine block near the bell housing, sized and located to mesh with the flywheel or flexplate while staying accessible for service.

Practical tips for locating and inspecting the starter

When you need to locate or inspect the starter for maintenance or diagnosis, these guidelines help you navigate common layouts.

Look for a cylindrical motor bolted to the engine block with two thick battery cables (a large positive lead and a smaller solenoid/ignition control wire) connected to the top or side.

In most cars, you’ll find it either at the lower side of the block near the bell housing on longitudinal engines, or along the side of the engine near the transaxle on transverse engines.

Use the vehicle’s service manual or a schematic diagram to confirm exact mounting locations for your model.

The takeaway is that, regardless of layout, the starter is mounted on the engine block near the bell housing and is wired to the ignition system; accessibility varies by model.

Summary

The starter is generally mounted on the engine block at the side of the bell housing, where it engages the flywheel or flexplate to crank the engine. Exact placement depends on whether the engine is longitudinal (RWD) or transverse (FWD) and on the vehicle’s packaging. Knowing these layouts helps with quick location, maintenance, and diagnosis of starter issues.

How much does it cost to replace a starter on a car?

The average cost to replace a starter motor is between $400 and $800, but this can range from $150 to over $1,100 depending on the vehicle's make and model, the labor involved, and the cost of the part itself. The parts alone can cost between $80 and over $350, while labor can range from under an hour for simple jobs to eight or more hours for complex installations.

Cost breakdown

Parts: The cost of a new starter motor typically ranges from $80 to over $350.
- Economy/Aftermarket: $75–$200
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): $150–$400
- High-performance/Specialty: $300–$1000+
Labor: This is the most variable cost, depending on the vehicle's complexity and the mechanic's labor rate.
- Basic vehicle: $100–$250
- Complex installations (luxury or performance cars): $300–$600+

Factors that affect the total cost

Vehicle make and model: Some vehicles have starters that are easily accessible, while others are located in hard-to-reach areas, like underneath the intake manifold.
Labor time: The more complex the installation, the more hours of labor it will take, which drives up the final cost.
Part quality: Whether you use a new OEM starter or a less expensive remanufactured or aftermarket one will impact the total price.

How to save money

Do it yourself: If you are comfortable with car repairs, replacing the starter yourself can save you all of the labor costs, though it may require some specialized tools.
Shop for parts: Get quotes for both new and remanufactured starters to see which is the most cost-effective option for your vehicle.
Get multiple quotes: Call around to different repair shops to compare prices. The difference in labor costs for a complex job can be significant, according to ConsumerAffairs.

What can be mistaken for a bad starter?

A bad starter's symptoms can be mistaken for a dead or weak battery, an issue with the starter relay, or poor connections. Common signs of a bad starter, such as a clicking or grinding noise, a slow crank, or the engine not turning over at all, can overlap with battery problems. However, a jump start often resolves battery issues, while a failed starter will likely persist even after a jump.
You can watch this video to learn about the symptoms of a bad starter: 58sHVAC Mechanic YouTube · Jun 28, 2023
Problems often confused with a bad starter

Dead or weak battery: A weak battery may cause a slow crank or a rapid clicking sound when the key is turned, as it lacks the power to fully engage the starter.
Corroded or loose connections: Corroded or loose wires and terminals at the battery or starter can disrupt the flow of electricity, mimicking a bad starter.
Bad starter relay: The starter relay is a switch that sends power to the starter motor. If it is faulty, the starter may not engage, leading to no-crank or clicking symptoms.
Ignition switch issues: A problem with the ignition switch itself can prevent power from reaching the starter.
Alternator problems: If the alternator isn't charging the battery, the battery will eventually drain, and the car will not start. This can lead to symptoms that appear to be a bad starter.
Neutral safety switch: This switch prevents the car from starting unless it is in Park or Neutral. If faulty, it can prevent the starter from engaging.

This video explains how to test your starter: 59sDespair RepairYouTube · Mar 30, 2025
How to differentiate

Symptom	Likely Cause
Car won't start, but the lights and radio work.	The starter may be the issue.
A rapid clicking sound.	Often a sign of a weak battery or poor connection.
A single, solid click.	Can be a bad starter, but also a bad battery connection.
The engine cranks slowly.	Could be a weak battery, but also a sign of a failing starter.
No sound at all.	Could be a bad starter, a bad starter relay, or a faulty ignition switch.
Car starts after a jump but dies soon after.	Likely an alternator issue, as it is not charging the battery.
Car starts after a jump and keeps running.	The issue was the battery, not the starter.

Is a starter and alternator the same thing?

These two systems are both necessary, but they're not really related otherwise. The starter motor cranks the engine to get it running, and once it fires up, the alternator takes over. The alternator recharges the battery and provides power to the car's electrical systems, but the starter isn't active during this time.

Where is the starter usually located?

The starter is an electric motor typically located at the base of the engine, where the engine meets the transmission. For front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles, it's often on the driver's side, while for rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles, it's commonly found on the passenger's side. Its exact position depends on the vehicle's make and model, so it may be under the exhaust manifold, intake manifold, or transmission.

This video shows the starter's location on a car, relative to the engine and transmission: 31sJim VanbladelYouTube · Feb 5, 2021
How to find the starter

Look under the vehicle: The starter is usually mounted low on the engine. It's often near the bell housing, the part of the transmission that connects to the engine.
Note the FWD/RWD difference: For front-wheel drive cars, check the driver's side, underneath the engine. For rear-wheel drive cars, it's more likely to be on the passenger's side.
Identify key features: A starter is a cylinder with two parts: the motor itself and a solenoid on top, and it connects to the engine block.
Be aware of variations: On some vehicles, like certain Toyota V-8s, it may be mounted under the intake manifold. On others, it might be necessary to remove a wheel or skid plate for access.
Safety first: Before you start working on the starter, always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent electrical shock or damage to the starter.

This video demonstrates how to replace a starter, including a step-by-step guide on locating and disconnecting it: 54sEricTheCarGuyYouTube · Sep 25, 2011

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.