Can a starter motor be repaired rather than replaced?

Yes — worn brushes, a faulty solenoid, or corroded contacts can be renewed on many starters. Specialist starter motor remanufacturers offer exchange units at a cost below a new OEM starter.

What is a stop-start starter motor and can I fit a standard replacement?

Stop-start vehicles use reinforced starters designed for thousands more engagement cycles per year. They must not be substituted with a standard starter — only fit a stop-start rated replacement on a vehicle with that system.

Why does my starter click once but not crank?

A single heavy click usually means the solenoid is pulling in but the motor circuit is not completing — often due to worn brush gear in the motor. Check the battery voltage under load first, then investigate the motor brushes.

How long does a starter motor last?

Most last 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Stop-start vehicles impose far more cycles per year, and starter life is typically shorter on these applications — 60,000 to 80,000 miles for a non-reinforced unit.

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Starter Motor buying guide — what to know before you buy

The starter motor is an electric motor that cranks the engine at sufficient speed to initiate combustion. It draws a large current from the battery through a solenoid that simultaneously engages the Bendix drive pinion with the engine flywheel ring gear. A failing starter causes slow cranking, clicking from the solenoid, or a complete no-crank condition. Also known simply as a Starter or Engine Starter, starting motor replacement is one of the most common electrical repairs on high-mileage vehicles. CarParts247 stocks OEM and aftermarket starter motors from Bosch, Valeo, Denso, and Magneti Marelli for a comprehensive range of petrol and diesel engines.

Diagnosing a failing starter motor

Slow cranking can also be caused by a discharged battery, corroded battery terminals, or a faulty earth strap. Eliminate these cheaper causes before replacing the starter.

Single loud click when the key is turned — solenoid engaging but motor not rotating
Repeated clicking — solenoid cycling rapidly due to voltage drop under load
Slow, laboured cranking despite a healthy battery — worn motor brushes or armature
Grinding during cranking — worn Bendix drive or damaged ring gear
Starter spins but engine does not crank — Bendix drive not engaging the ring gear

Replacement procedure

The starter location varies considerably by engine layout. On many transversely mounted engines it is at the front of the engine above the gearbox bell housing; on longitudinally mounted engines it is at the rear below the exhaust manifold. Disconnect the battery first. Note the wiring orientation before removing — the main cable and solenoid trigger wire must be reconnected correctly.

Check the ring gear teeth for damage before fitting the new starter — a ring gear with missing or severely worn teeth will damage a new Bendix drive within weeks.

Measure battery voltage and cranking current before condemning the starter
Check the battery earth strap and engine-to-body earth cables for corrosion
Inspect the solenoid contacts — they are serviceable on many starters and are inexpensive to replace
Smear a thin coat of copper grease on the mounting bolts to prevent seizure