Defective starter motor: Symptoms, causes & repair costs

Starter motor defective – What does that mean?

The starter motor is one of the most important components of a vehicle, as it sets the engine in motion during the starting process. Without it, nothing runs – the engine remains stationary. However, not every starting problem is automatically caused by the starter motor.

In this article, you will find out which symptoms indicate a faulty starter motor, what the causes are and what repair costs you can expect.

Symptoms of a defective starter motor

A defective starter motor often manifests itself through clear signs. These will help you to narrow down the problem:

1. Engine does not start despite working battery

Does the key turn in the ignition lock, but the engine does not respond, while the headlights and radio work without any problems? Then the starter motor could be the cause.

2. Clicking noises when trying to start the engine

Do you hear a single or repeated clicking noise when you turn the key? This indicates that the starter solenoid is still working, but the engine is not turning.

3. Starter motor turns, but the engine does not start

If the starter motor works audibly but the engine does not start, the pinion of the starter motor may not be engaging properly or the connection to the flywheel may be faulty.

4. The starter motor overruns

Normally, the starter motor stops immediately when the engine is running. However, if it continues to run or does not switch off, this may indicate a defective relay or a stuck solenoid switch.

5. Smoke or burnt odor

A burnt-out starter motor or damaged cables can lead to smoke or a burning smell. In this case, the vehicle should not be started any further to avoid major damage.

Common causes of a faulty starter motor

A starter motor can break down for several reasons. The most common causes are:

• Wear and tear: Every starter motor has a limited service life and wears out due to frequent starting.
• Corroded or loose cable connections: A poor power supply prevents the starter motor from receiving sufficient power.
• Defective ignition switch: If the ignition switch is not working properly, the starter motor may not receive a signal to start.
• Magnetic switch stuck: If the magnetic switch no longer moves properly, the starter motor cannot work.
• Battery too weak: If the battery is not strong enough, the starter motor cannot turn – even if it is technically still working.

Good to know

Did you know that frequent short journeys put more strain on the starter motor? If you often only drive a few kilometers, the battery does not get enough time to fully charge – this means that the starter motor works under poor conditions and can wear out more quickly.

How much does it cost to repair a faulty starter motor?

The cost of repairing or replacing a starter motor depends on several factors, including the vehicle model, workshop prices and whether a new or reconditioned replacement part is used.

A new starter motor usually costs between 100 and 400 euros, depending on the brand and quality. Added to this are the labor costs for installation, which can be between 100 and 300 euros depending on the workshop. In total, the cost of replacing the starter motor is therefore between 200 and 700 euros.

If you want to save money, you can opt for a reconditioned starter motor. These are often cheaper than new parts but still offer a high level of reliability. In some cases, it may also be worth having the starter repaired instead of replacing it completely – prices vary depending on the damage and the workshop.

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Is the repair worthwhile or does it make sense to sell the car?

A faulty starter motor alone is no reason to sell your car. But if other repairs are due – be it a weak battery, a worn ignition lock or other age-related damage – a major investment may hardly be worthwhile.

If your vehicle is already incurring high repair costs or is experiencing more and more problems, selling it could be the better economic solution.

Quick & uncomplicated alternative: Sell your car with CashforCars.de

If you no longer want to invest in expensive repairs for your car, you can sell it easily and conveniently via CashforCars.de. We buy vehicles in any condition – whether with a faulty starter motor, engine damage or high mileage.

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Conclusion: Repair or sell the starter motor?

A faulty starter is usually indicated by starting problems, clicking noises or smoke. The repair costs are between 200 and 700 euros, depending on the vehicle and workshop.

If a repair is no longer worthwhile for you or your car is causing more and more problems anyway, selling it could be the better decision. With CashforCars.de, you can sell your car easily and save yourself the stress of repairs.

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