A common question asked at local service centers in the Beverly Hills and Inglewood area is, “What is a starter motor?” What is a motor starter, exactly? After you put your key into the car's ignition and turn, the engine turns over, cranks, and powers on. While this may seem simple at the surface, there’s so much more going on than what meets the eye. The starter motor is what turns the engine over during ignition, making it an important, yet often overlooked, component of your vehicle. Below, Eli’s Collision Repair has answered the question in more detail, "What is a starter motor?"
How Does a Starter Motor Work?
The starter motor is small and powered by a battery. The starter relay works to transfer power from the battery to the starter motor. Here are the components of a starter motor:
- Armature
- Commutator
- Brushes
- Solenoid
- Plunger
- Lever Fork
- Pinion
- Field Coils
Do You Need to Replace the Starter Motor?
Not sure if your starter motor needs to be replaced? There are a few warning signs to look out for:
- Clicking Noises: A faulty starter can make a clicking, grinding, or whirring noise.
- Dash Lights Are On; Engine is Off: Are your dash lights on, but the engine still won’t turn over? A bad starter could be the culprit.
- Engine Won’t Crank: If you have tried to jumpstart your vehicle to no avail and there’s nothing wrong with the battery, a bad starter could be to blame.
- Smoke: If you’ve been trying to start your car and you notice smoke coming from under the hood, it is possible that the cause is a starter issue.
- Oil-Soaked Starter: Oil leaks can also damage the starter motor.
How Much Does a Starter Motor Replacement Cost?
How much does a starter motor replacement cost? It depends on the make, model, and year of the car you drive, as well as your service center of choice in the downtown LA area. Typically, a new starter costs about $50 to $350, and labor costs usually range from about $150 to $1,100.