Starter Motor Problems: Symptoms, Causes & Repair [2025]

You turn the key and… nothing. Or you hear a clicking sound, but the engine won't start. Starting problems are among the most frustrating car problems. Is it the battery? The starter motor? Or something else? In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn to recognize the symptoms of a faulty starter motor, distinguish between starter motor and battery problems, and what repair or replacement costs are at FAAY Auto Groep.

How Does a Starter Motor Work?

The starter motor is a powerful electric motor that gets your combustion engine moving. Without it, you can't start – the engine needs help to get going.

The Starting Process Step By Step

1. Turn key: You send voltage to the ignition switch
2. Starter solenoid activates: This electromagnet connects the battery to the starter motor
3. Starter motor turns: The motor uses 200-400 amps to run
4. Gear moves: A small gear (Bendix) slides towards the flywheel
5. Engine running: The flywheel turns the engine, cylinders start working
6. Engine starts: Once the engine is running, the starter motor automatically disengages

This process only takes 1-3 seconds, but requires a lot of force. The starter motor is therefore one of the most heavily stressed components.

Starter Motor Parts

• Electric motor: Powerful motor that runs at high current
• Solenoid (magnetic switch): Engages starter motor and extends gear
• Bendix/gear: Connects starter motor to engine flywheel
• Carbon brushes: Conduct current to rotor, wear out over time
• Bearings: Ensure smooth rotation

Symptoms of a broken starter motor

Do you recognize these symptoms? Then your starter motor is probably faulty:

1. Clicking Sound When Starting

You hear one or more "click-click-click" sounds when you turn the key, but the engine doesn't start. This is the most common symptom. The solenoid is trying to engage but isn't getting enough power, or the starter motor itself is seized.

NB: A single click can also indicate a dead battery. Multiple rapid clicks usually indicate a starter motor problem.

2. Dragging or Grinding Sound

You hear a scraping, grinding sound when starting. This indicates a worn gear (Bendix) or a damaged flywheel. The starter motor gear isn't meshing properly with the flywheel.

Danger: Don't keep cranking – you'll further damage both the starter motor and flywheel. This can double the repair costs.

3. Nothing Happens When Starting

Complete silence when you turn the key. No click, no sound. Dashboard lights do work. This indicates:

• Faulty solenoid (most likely)
• Broken starter motor
• Poor ground connection
• Faulty ignition lock
• Broken safety switch (automatic transmission)

4. Engine Runs Slowly

The engine does run, but noticeably slowly and heavily. It seems like the engine is struggling. After several attempts, the engine finally starts. This symptom indicates:

• Worn carbon brushes in starter motor
• Weak battery (check battery first)
• Bad ground connection
• Worn bearings in starter motor

5. Starter Motor Keeps Turning

The engine has started, but the starter motor continues to rattle or turn. This is very dangerous – the starter motor could overheat and catch fire. The solenoid won't release, or the gear remains engaged with the flywheel.

Action: Turn off the engine immediately and do not restart. Have your car towed to FAAY Auto Group for immediate repair.

6. Intermittent Problems

Sometimes the car starts perfectly, sometimes it doesn't. This pattern indicates loose connections, early wear of the carbon brushes, or poor grounding. The problem worsens over time.

7. Smoke or burning smell

You see smoke coming from the engine compartment or smell burning when starting. The starter motor is overheating or a short circuit has burned insulation. Stop starting immediately – risk of fire.

Other Causes of Starting Problems

Before replacing the starter motor, rule out these other causes:

1. Empty or Weak Battery

The battery is the most common cause of starting problems (60-70% of cases). Symptoms of a dead battery:

• Dashboard lights dim or go out when starting
• Headlights burn dimly
• Clicking sound (single click)
• All electrical systems are working poorly

Test: Turn on the headlights and try starting. If the headlights dim significantly, the battery is dead. Read more in our guide. Car Battery Empty.

2. Faulty Dynamo/Alternator

The alternator charges the battery while driving. A broken alternator will cause the battery to constantly discharge. Symptoms:

• Battery light on dashboard is on
• Car starts after charging battery, but the next day it's empty again
• Electrical systems operate poorly while driving
• Battery voltage below 13.5V while driving

At FAAY we always test both the battery and the alternator in case of starting problems.

3. Poor ground connection

Corrosion or a loose ground cable prevents proper current flow. This causes symptoms similar to a faulty starter motor:

• Clicking sounds
• Slow turning
• Intermittent problems

Quick check: Open the hood and check the battery cables. Are they securely connected? Is there any green/white corrosion? Clean the terminals with a wire brush.

4. Faulty ignition switch

A worn ignition switch gives no or intermittent signal to the starter motor. Symptoms:

• Sometimes it starts, sometimes it doesn't
• Key must be held in a certain position
• Nothing happens when turning the key

Diagnosis: Starter Motor or Battery?

Try these simple tests to determine what the problem is:

Test 1: Headlight test

1. Turn on headlights (high beam)
2. Try to start the engine
3. Pay attention to headlights when starting

Result interpretation:

• Lights go out completely: Empty battery
• Lamps dim sharply: Weak battery or bad connection
• Lights stay bright: Starter motor or switch problem

Test 2: Multimeter Test

Measure battery voltage with multimeter:

• 12.6V or higher: Battery full (problem is starter motor/wiring)
• 12.0-12.5V: Battery half full (charge and retest)
• Below 12.0V: Battery empty (charge or replace)

Also measure during start (assistant required):

• Above 10.5V: Battery OK, starter motor defective
• Below 10.5V: Battery too weak, replace

Test 3: Jumper Cable Test

Use jumper cables on a full battery:

• Get started now: Problem was dead battery (check dynamo)
• Still won't start: Starter motor, ground, or other cause

Professional Diagnosis at FAAY

Still unsure? At FAAY Auto Groep we test:

• Battery (CCA test, charge capacity)
• Starter motor (current consumption, mechanical condition)
• Dynamo (charging voltage, current output)
• All cables and connections
• Ignition lock and switches

We will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a clear quote within 30 minutes.

Starter Motor Repair vs. Replacement

Repair (Overhaul)

Possible at:

• Worn carbon brushes (€80-€150)
• Faulty solenoid (€60-€120)
• Replacing bearings (€100-€180)

Advantages:

• Cheaper than replacing (30-50% savings)
• Original part is retained
• More environmentally friendly

Disadvantages:

• Other parts may fail soon after
• Longer repair time (2-3 days waiting for parts)
• Not always possible in case of serious damage

Replace (New or Refurbishment)

Necessary for:

• Burn coil windings
• Broken gear
• Cracked casing
• Car older than 10 years with original starter motor

Advantages:

• Full warranty (2 years)
• All parts new/refurbished
• Ready faster (same day possible)
• More reliable in the long term

At FAAY we advise: Usually replaced in cars older than 8-10 years. For newer cars, first assess whether repair is possible.

Starter Motor Replacement Costs

Costs vary greatly by make, model and type of starter motor:

Small Cars (Polo, Corsa, Fiesta)

• Element: €150-€280 (new/refurbished)
• Labor: €80-€120 (1-1.5 hours)
• Total: €230-€400

Mid-range (Golf, Focus, Astra)

• Element: €200-€350
• Labor: €100-€140 (1.5-2 hours)
• Total: €300-€490

Larger Cars/SUVs

• Element: €250-€450
• Labor: €120-€180 (2-2.5 hours)
• Total: €370-€630

Premium Brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi)

• Element: €300-€600
• Labor: €140-€200 (more complex installation)
• Total: €440-€800

What Influences the Price?

Factor	Impact on price
Accessibility	Under intake manifold: +€50-€100 labor
Diesel vs. gasoline	Diesel: +€30-€80 (heavier starter motor)
Automatic vs manual	Automatic: +€20-€50 (extra safety switch)
New vs. reconditioned part	New: +€50-€150
OEM vs. aftermarket	OEM: +€80-€200

Included at FAAY

If you have your starter motor replaced at FAAY you will receive:

• High-quality starter motor (OEM quality or remanufactured)
• Complete battery and charger test
• Check all cables and connections
• Cleaning battery terminals
• Testing system after installation
• 2 year warranty on parts and labor
• Free 32-point safety check

Preventive Maintenance: Extend the Life of Your Starter Motor

Although starter motors wear out, you can extend their lifespan:

1. Keep Battery in Good Condition

A weak battery makes the starter motor work harder and shortens its lifespan with 40-60%. Have the battery tested annually at service.

2. Don't start too long at a time

Try to crank for a maximum of 3-4 seconds. Wait 30 seconds between attempts. Prolonged cranking attempts will overheat the starter motor.

3. Drive Regularly

Cars that sit idle for weeks develop battery problems and the starter motor can seize up. Drive at least once a week for 20-30 minutes.

4. Check Cables and Connections

Corrosion on the battery terminals and starter motor cables causes poor conductivity. Have them cleaned once a year during maintenance.

5. Troubleshoot Engine Problems

An engine that's hard to start (spark plugs, compression) will require the starter motor to run longer. This accelerates wear. Always address starting problems immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions: Starter Motor

How long does a starter motor last?

Average lifespan: 100,000-150,000 km or 8-12 years. With a good battery and regular use, a starter motor can last 200,000+ km. Frequent short trips or a weak battery can halve its lifespan.

Can I drive with a broken starter motor?

Only if the engine is already running. If you turn the engine off, you won't be able to restart. With a manual transmission car, you can "push" it or start on an incline (in second gear, release the clutch at 10-15 km/h). This is an emergency solution – schedule repairs immediately.

What is the difference between a starter motor and an alternator?

Starter motor: Uses electrical energy from the battery to start the engine. Only works during starting (1-3 seconds).

Dynamo/alternator: Generates electrical energy while the engine is running. Charges the battery and powers electrical systems.

They work together but have completely different functions.

Why does the starter motor sometimes work and sometimes not?

Intermittent problems usually indicate:

• Loose or corroded cable connections
• Worn carbon brushes (sometimes make contact, sometimes not)
• Broken solenoid (intermittent switching)
• Poor grounding

The problem gradually worsens until the starter motor stops completely. Have it checked immediately by FAAY.

Can bad fuel cause starting problems?

Indirectly, yes. Very poor-quality fuel can make starting difficult, causing the starter motor to run for extended periods and wear out more quickly. But fuel doesn't directly damage the starter motor. Always check the battery and starter motor first if you have starting problems.

Is the starter motor part of the MOT inspection?

No, the starter motor is not checked during APK inspection. The APK only checks safety-relevant components. But a broken starter motor will prevent you from being admitted to the APK.

Having trouble starting? Have your car checked immediately at FAAY Auto Groep. We'll test the battery, starter motor, and charger within 30 minutes and provide you with a clear diagnosis. Starter motor replacement starts at €230 all-in with a 2-year warranty. Call 085-0606274 or schedule an appointment online.